A LEVEL
This is a history course like no other.
They say truth is often stranger than fiction. You’d have no reason to disagree after spending a couple of years on this course unearthing the faintly believable, bloodthirsty world of the first five Roman emperors.
If there wasn’t documented evidence of it happening, you’d be inclined towards scepticism about the brutal, often-terrifying goings-on of ancient Rome.
It’s a real life story of good versus evil. Or is it? Who’s really good and who’s evil?
Taught by incredibly passionate historians, laced with loads of fun, exciting projects, workshops and packed with movies that bring these very-olden days to life, Ancient History will be a treat for any student fascinated by culture, gaudy costumes and living tanks of bronze, spears and human muscle.
You’ll be analysing texts, evaluating evidence and gaining confidence in expressing a considered opinion. Ancient History will help you understand different cultures without judging them. You’ll also do a lot of reading outside class.
There is a surprising amount of modern life that owes its existence to ancient Greece and Rome. Much of our language, clean water, sewerage and baths are the stuff of Ancient History. And let’s not forget the democratic world. Athens’ citizens were the first people to choose their rulers. We can trace the roots of Western democracy back there.
Buckle up. We’re hitting rewind in a big way. How’s 2,500 years for you? In this Ancient History lesson we’re heading to Greece, where we’ll quickly discover that truth is definitely stranger than fiction.
We’ll start our adventure in 492 BC, as yet another Asia Minor squabble is about to kick off, initiated as ever by Persia’s grumpy, power-hungry King Darius I.
We then whizz forward a few hundred years to not-so bella Italia where we’ll see what it was like to kick around under a procession of predictably angry Roman emperors. Politics, street gangs and civil war.
Fascinating facts:
Humanities courses are great all-rounders in giving you skills that endure in any career you choose.
Ancient History students have gone on to work in the media, such as the BBC, and even found work in other countries. Other popular jobs include:
History students are held in high regard by universities due to the courses’ academic nature. A lot of Xaverian students become history, politics, law or teaching undergraduates.
Relations between Greek and non-Greek states, 492–404 BC (25%)
The Politics and Society of Sparta, 478–404 BC (25%)
The Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC – AD 68 (25%)
The Breakdown of the Late Republic, 88–31 BC (25%)
Six good passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above
Grade 5 from English
(4 will be considered)
2 years
3 final exams
Linear A-level
OCR
If you have done GCSE History, we will be building on the foundations of your skills of evaluation and source work. Nevertheless, we assume students know nothing about the Ancient World so we start from scratch and are open to all; all we ask is an open mind and a willingness to read and work hard.
The major difference with Modern History courses is the deeper focus and reliance on the original sources, whether it be contemporary historians, archaeology, biographies or poetry. You will also learn to reference ancient and modern secondary scholars in essays, preparing you well for further study at university.
There is lots of discussion in the classroom, and we believe that extra-curricular experiences and visits are particularly advantageous in opening your eyes to topics we study: we hope you will take advantage of our trips to ancient sites and the British Museum as well as our links with Manchester University.
Two Xaverian students, Ben Haughton, previously a student at West Hill School and studying A Levels in Biology, Geography and Psychology and Reuben Rowbotham-Keating, previously …
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance visit Xaverian College on an annual basis to run performance masterclasses, spending hours coaching A Level Music and …
Ten outstanding students from Xaverian College have received offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Following months of intensive …
Two Xaverian students, Ben Haughton, previously a student at West Hill School and studying A Levels in Biology, Geography and Psychology and Reuben Rowbotham-Keating, previously …
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance visit Xaverian College on an annual basis to run performance masterclasses, spending hours coaching A Level Music and …
Ten outstanding students from Xaverian College have received offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Following months of intensive …
