Why Study Ancient History?
Ancient History is considered a highly academic subject. Through inquiry into the past, pupils become more aware of how modern thinking, practices and problems have roots in the past, and the different approaches and successes that societies have had towards common human problems. The limited number of sources, along with their ‘foreignness’ in terms of time and attitude, create unique challenges and insights.
It is also a course with a great narrative: we continue to be fascinated by stories like the Three Hundred, and Spartacus. The material will raise many questions relevant to our world today: the rise and fall of empires and those in power; the use and abuse of power; political scheming and dishonesty; rival forms of government including democracy and tyranny; the purpose and means of education; the treatment of others in the world; the idea of a national culture and identity. It leads most naturally into degrees in History (Ancient and Modern), Classics, and Archaeology, but is a useful preparation for almost any non-science subject.
Course Content
Greek Period Study: 25%
Relations between Athens, Sparta and Persia 492-404BC
Greek Depth Study: 25%
- a) Sparta 478-404BC OR b) Athens 460-399BC OR c) Macedon 359-323BC
Roman Period Study: 25%
The Julio-Claudian Emperors 31BC-68AD
Roman Depth Study: 25%
- a) Breakdown of the Republic 88-31BC OR b) the Flavians 68-96AD OR c) Roman Britain 43-128AD
Requirements
Pupils come from a variety of previous study including Ancient History GCSE, Latin GCSE or no classical subject. Success in a GCSE involving essay writing is a good predictor of success.
Complementary Courses
Humanities, in particular History, Politics and Philosophy; Latin and Greek
Post-Wellington
Pupils taking Ancient History at A-Level go on to study all manner of degrees at university. It is an excellent complementary subject for those pursuing English Literature, Politics, Philosophy, HSPS, Archaeology and Anthropology, Art History, and History, and is recognised as an essay subject required by courses such as Economics. It therefore works well in A-Level combinations with other Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages, English Literature and Maths. Whatever path you choose to follow, Ancient History leaves open a vast range of career options post-university.
Syllabus link
Contact for further information:
Dr M Johncock mspj@wellingtoncollege.org.uk