Ancient History Trip to Hadrians Wall 2026

Specification: OCR

Qualification type: A Level

Entry requirements: 5 in English or 5 in History

Subject description:

Our Ancient History A Level explores the people, events and ideas that shaped the ancient Greek and Roman worlds and continue to influence society today.

From the Persian invasions of ancient Greece and the rivalries that divided the Greek world to the development from Republic to Empire in ancient Rome and Roman rule in Britain, students will study a range of fascinating societies, conflicts and personalities. Along the way, they will examine how power was won, exercised and challenged, and how ancient historians and modern scholars have interpreted the past. Using literary sources, inscriptions, archaeological evidence and material culture, students will develop the skills to analyse evidence critically, debate key historical arguments and reach well-supported judgements. Ancient History is an excellent choice for students who have a fascination for the ancient world, enjoy questioning evidence, analysing interpretations and uncovering the complexities of the past by using the evidence it left behind.

A Level Curriculum Journey

Units studied:

Unit one:

Roman Period Study – The Julio-Claudian Emperors (from Augustus to Nero) 31BC – AD 68

Unit two:

Roman Depth Study – Ruling Roman Britain 43-128AD

Unit three:

Greek Period Study – Relations between Greek states and between Greek and non-Greek states 492-404BC

Unit four:

Greek Depth Study – The Politics and Society of Sparta 478-404BC

How the course is assessed:

Both Roman units are examined together with each individual unit worth 25%. Both Greek units are examined together on a separate paper with each individual unit worth 25%.

Post 18 Opportunities:

Ancient History is a rigorous academic subject that is widely respected by universities and employers. It will develop analytic and evaluative skills through the study of both source material and the competing historical explanations it has led to. These are highly transferrable skills that are held in high regard in a wide range of professions.

Teacher responsible:  Mrs K Smith