• Greek History – Classical Sparta (478 - 404 BC) and the Greek world in the 5th Century

• Roman History – A study of the early Roman emperors from Augustus to Domitian

Our Greek topics deal with the period when Greek civilisation reached its peak. The first year course explores 5th century BC warfare. The Greeks began with a brave but suicidal stand against the vast numbers of the Persian Empire at the battles of Marathon and Thermopylae. Intense rivalries then led to the empires of Athens and Sparta clashing in a 30 year conflict which devastated the Greek world. This course explores the causes, course and consequences of the various conflicts between Greeks and non-Greeks in this period. Our second year course focuses on the strange world of classical Sparta, a state which practiced wife-sharing, taught children to steal, made all men into warriors and was supported by a vast slave underclass. But since the Spartans themselves left no written records, how reliable is our image of this ancient super-state?

The Roman topic explores the creation of the Roman Empire under Augustus and its development by the subsequent emperors of the 1st century AD. How did Augustus set up a system of one man rule in what had previously been a republic and why was he deified rather than assassinated? Famous emperors such as Nero, Caligula or Domitian are still renowned for their behaviour - murdering their mother, putting a horse in the Senate, marrying a eunuch, fiddling whilst Rome burnt and of course persecuting Christians and senators. However there were competent emperors such as Claudius and especially Vespasian who was responsible for restoring stability after the civil war that followed Nero’s death. But how reliable are our sources - particularly for the more salacious (obscene) of these stories? Are the written texts attacking individual emperors entirely fair?

We are the only college in the area to offer Ancient History as an A Level option. Ancient History differs from other Classics courses; we are more interested in the historical usefulness and reliability of ancient sources than their artistic/literary style.

Five 4s at GCSE, to include English Language, plus either English Literature or History.

(Nb. you do not have to have studied History at GCSE.)

As a facilitating subject, our History A Level courses equip students with a wide range of skills which will set them in good stead on their chosen paths. On completing the course, students will be able to:

• construct fluent and persuasive arguments verbally and in analytical essays

• deal confidently with sources, amassing and investigating the available evidence

• evaluate competing historical interpretations

• come to their own independent conclusions on major issues using this evidence

These are skills which are prized by employers and universities alike. For example, these skills are enormously valuable in any professional role which requires you to write, persuade, think or analyse text or data. Very many of our students go on to study History at university; others take related degrees, and still others use their skills to enter employment.

Ancient History is 100% examined. There is no coursework.

• We have a very wide range of history courses to choose from, allowing you to immerse yourself in your selected era

• Each of our history courses is taught by dedicated, enthusiastic and innovative specialists who personally craft the excellent booklets you will use

• Our History team includes experienced examiners

• A wide range of guest speakers join us (e.g. historians and journalists)

• Superb enrichment options:

>Latin for Beginners

>Wider Historical Studies (for history topics not on the exam!)

• We make what you learn in class relevant to the world around you

• Tailored small-group support to students applying to Oxbridge

• We have organised trips to Berlin (Modern History) and Rome (Ancient History and Medieval/Tudor History)

• The students and teachers in our department form a happy and highly supportive learning community