OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation specification (J199)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE 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 GCSE 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 GCSE Classical Civilisation (J199) 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 GCSE (9–1) in Classical Civilisation offers learners a broad and engaging insight into the literature, material culture and society of the classical world. It develops critical awareness of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations through thematic and cultural studies, drawing comparisons and encouraging analysis of historical context. The qualification fosters knowledge of mythology, religion, war, power and gender, while equipping students with analytical and evaluative skills. Learners are exposed to a wide range of literary texts and visual sources, developing interpretations and arguments applicable to modern contexts as well as classical understanding:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component Group 1: Thematic Study (choose one)
Myth and Religion
- Greek and Roman gods, symbolism, temples and priesthood
- Heracles/Hercules in myth and art
- Myths of Athens and Rome’s founding; use of myth to represent power
- Greek and Roman festivals, death, burial practices and underworld beliefs
- Comparative analysis across cultures using literature and visual/material sources
Women in the Ancient World
- Legendary women: Pandora, Helen, Lucretia, Cleopatra, Medea
- Real women’s lives in Athens, Sparta, and Rome
- Marriage, home, religion, political exclusion, 'improper' women, and influence
- Warrior women and women to be feared in myth and historical texts
Component Group 2: Literature and Culture (choose one)
The Homeric World
- Mycenaean archaeology: sites, graves, frescoes, tablets
- Homer’s Odyssey (Books 9, 10, 19, 21, 22): epic form, themes, characterisation
Roman City Life
- Roman daily life: housing, family, education, slavery, entertainment
- Literary sources: Horace, Juvenal, Petronius, and Pliny’s Letters on Roman society
War and Warfare
- Greek and Roman military systems and key battles (e.g. Thermopylae, Salamis, Actium)
- Literary responses to war: Homer’s Iliad, Virgil’s Aeneid, Tyrtaeus, Horace
- Visual sources: armour, friezes, coins, Trajan’s Column
Skills developed across all components
- Knowledge of ancient sources in historical context
- Analytical evaluation of literature and material culture
- Argument construction and use of comparative evidence:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Thematic Study (J199/11 or J199/12)
- 1 hr 30 mins written exam
- 90 marks
- 50% of total GCSE
- 3 sections: Greece, Rome, and comparison
- Includes short and extended responses; unseen and prescribed sources
Component 2: Literature and Culture (J199/21, J199/22 or J199/23)
- 1 hr 30 mins written exam
- 90 marks
- 50% of total GCSE
- Two sections: Culture (with unseen/prescribed sources) and Literature (prescribed only)
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Knowledge & understanding): 60%
- AO2 (Analysis & evaluation): 40%
Exam features
- All assessment is external and linear (May/June)
- No coursework or controlled assessment
- All source material assessed in English
- Comparisons across Greek and Roman contexts are required in some sections:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE 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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