Overview

Topics covered

Period study

The Persian Empire, 559–465 BC - This is a compulsory period study focusing on the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, Cambyses II, Darius I and Xerxes I.

Depth study You will study one of the following:

• From Tyranny to Democracy, 546–483 BC or

• Athens in the Age of Pericles, 462–429 BC or

• Alexander the Great, 356–323 BC.

Longer period study

The foundations of Rome: from kingship to republic, 753–440 BC - This is a compulsory longer period study focusing on the kings of Rome and the early Roman Republic.

Depth study. You will study one of the following:

• Hannibal and the Second Punic War, 218–201 BC or

• Cleopatra: Rome and Egypt, 69–30 BC or

• Britannia: from conquest to province, AD 43–c.84

Assessments

You will sit 2 exams, each exam lasts 1 hour 45 mins, is out of 100 marks with an additional 5 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Each exam will include a compulsory unit worth 27.5%, followed by a depth study worth 22.5%

FAQs

Why should I choose GCSE Ancient History?

• Ancient History is a GCSE like no other.  It includes history, of course, but also involves understanding how geography, religion, political power and culture influence the development of societies.  You will have developed the ability to understand different cultures on their own terms by using a range of different types of evidence, and you will be more academically accomplished.  It is a GCSE that will make you a knowledgeable individual with an enquiring and critical mind, well placed to study similar subjects at A Level.

What can you expect from this course?

• The chance to explore and analyse primary sources from the Greek and Roman age

• Develop your knowledge of some of the most important characters from the ancient world like; Cyrus the Great, Caesar, Alexander the Great and more!

• Develop a range of skills and qualities applicable to a variety of sectors and job roles such as; law, journalism and academia.

Why is Ancient History important?

• Ancient History was studied before Modern History and Politics were invented as academic subjects.  Most political leaders up to recent times had studied Ancient History and Classics. In fact previous Prime Ministers did.  To study Ancient History, therefore, is to understand the minds of those who have had a deep influence on us today.  Ancient History is also important because it shows us a very different world, but one with some aspects which seem familiar.  In examining how ancient societies responded to the challenges of war, political conflict and economic pressure, we open a window onto our own actions and enable ourselves to think more broadly and critically.  Most crucially, and this is the key driving force behind the approach we take in delivering this course, is the idea that the past and other societies need to be understood on their own terms.  Study this GCSE and you will develop a finer appreciation on how to study and understand other societies and cultures on their own terms.

Will studying Ancient History help me get a job or the career of my choice?

• Ancient History is a tough, rigorous but enjoyable subject.  It is well-respected by the government (and is considered part of the EBacc), and equips you with the skills and knowledge to progress onto other challenging Advanced Level courses such as A-Level History (to name but one).   GCSE Ancient History, therefore, will support your development and aspirations in education and eventually work because it is an excellent foundation in the academic skills critical to entry to competitive courses at competitive universities.  One might also argue that in teaching critical thinking skills in a knowledge-rich context (rather than superficially teaching skills with a somewhat light body of knowledge), and in enabling you to understand and appreciate cultural difference, it is a course that leaves you with skills highly desirable for university admission and competitive careers (the Law, Civil Service, Armed Forces, political office to name but a few).

 Will I enjoy the subject?

• If you love knowledge and love learning, yes.  It is a tough course, and we are very open about this.  However, with dedication and a growth mindset students of all abilities can enjoy and achieve in Ancient History.  The most important thing is a passion for the ancient world, and second only to this is a mentality that understands that anything that is worth learning is not easy.  That said, you will get to study some of the most fascinating individuals, empires and events in recorded history: Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, the rise of Rome, and the Persian Empire.  What is not to like?

How is it assessed? Do I have to write lots?

• Ancient History is assessed through examinations only, no coursework.  The exam papers include shorter and longer essay questions.  Yes you will have to write, but it is comparable to History and Geography. 

 Will I get a good grade in Ancient History?

• If you work hard, yes.  If you see mistakes as a crucial part of the learning process, yes.  If you engage with the subject and actively participate in lessons, yes.  You can expect to achieve in line with your prior attainment or better.

Can I do both history and Ancient History?

• Yes you can, you would just have to pick them from the relevant option blocks.

How similar is GCSE Ancient History to GCSE History? 

• In terms of how we teach our lessons, it is similar we still have a big question that leads to enquiry based learning. However the content will be completely different. Ancient History covers topics from the Ancient world whereas GCSE History covers content from Medieval through to the present day. As our evidence from the Ancient world is more limited we will be using extracts from Ancient historians to support our studies.

What can I do with GCSE Ancient History? (in terms of A-levels, careers etc)

• This qualification gives students many transferrable skills that could be applied to any number of further education course or careers.

• Potential courses to go onto using Ancient History include: History, Archaeology, Law, Journalism, Religious studies, Theology, Philosophy, Politics, International Relations and more.

What exam board do we do?

• OCR.

Is Ancient History right for me?

• Only you know the answer to that question, but think about the following questions:

• Do you have a passion for history?

• Do you have a mind that is curious and wants to be inspired?

• Do you want to learn about events from the Ancient World?