OCR A Level Classical Civilisation specification (H408)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Classical Civilisation exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Classical Civilisation specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Classical Civilisation (H408) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR A Level in Classical Civilisation offers learners a broad and stimulating exploration of the classical world, with no requirement to study ancient languages. The course develops analytical and evaluative skills through engagement with literature, visual/material culture, and historical sources from both Greece and Rome. It promotes understanding of the values, beliefs, and practices of the classical world and how they influence the modern one. Through critical study of key themes—such as heroism, power, gender, and politics—students form a cohesive view of the ancient world and its legacy. The course supports progression to a range of humanities disciplines.
Subject content breakdown
The World of the Hero
- In-depth study of Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid
- Exploration of heroic values and their cultural context
- Analysis of narrative structure, literary techniques, and characterisation
- Consideration of heroism, mortality, kleos, and the role of the gods
Culture and the Arts (Greek Theatre or Imperial Image)
- Study of Greek Theatre: tragedy and comedy in performance context
- Plays include Oedipus the King, The Bacchae, and Frogs
- Visual/material evidence: vase paintings and theatre architecture
- Themes: religious, political, and social functions of drama
- Alternatively, study of Imperial Image (Augustus)
- Sources: literature, sculpture, coinage, architecture
- Themes: leadership, propaganda, image-building and legacy
Beliefs and Ideas (Love and Relationships or Politics of the Late Republic)
- Study of Love and Relationships:
- Texts by Plato, Seneca, Sappho, and Ovid
- Philosophical and literary perspectives on love, desire, gender, and the body
Alternatively, study of Politics of the Late Republic:
- Focus on Cicero, Sallust, Caesar and political life in Rome
- Themes: political philosophy, populism, republican values, and collapse
All components encourage comparative analysis and critical engagement with primary sources in translation
Assessment structure
Component 1: The World of the Hero
- 2 hours 20 minutes, 100 marks
- Section A: Homer’s Iliad – one two-part question
- Section B: Virgil’s Aeneid – one two-part question
- Section C: Comparative essay question
- 40% of total A Level
Component 2: Culture and the Arts
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks
- Choice of topic: either Greek Theatre or Imperial Image
- Includes visual/source-based and essay questions
- 30% of total A Level
Component 3: Beliefs and Ideas
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks
- Choice of topic: either Love and Relationships or Politics of the Late Republic
- Includes source-based and extended response questions
30% of total A Level
- No coursework; all components are externally assessed
- All texts are studied in English translation
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Classical Civilisation isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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