What Is GCSE Classical Civilisation?

Are you curious about ancient myths, legendary heroes, and how ancient Greece and Rome helped shape our modern world? If so, you might be wondering what GCSE Classical Civilisation involves.

This subject takes you beyond textbook history to explore the stories, art, and ideas that have influenced everything from politics to philosophy. You’ll study epic adventures, famous gods, and everyday life in two of history’s most fascinating cultures.

If you enjoy reading, discussion, and analysing why people think the way they do, GCSE Classical Civilisation could be the perfect match for you.

Key Takeaways

• GCSE Classical Civilisation explores the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome through literature, history, and culture.

• You don’t need to know Latin or Greek; the course is entirely taught in English.

• The OCR course includes two exam papers covering themes like mythology, epic stories, and ancient society.

• It suits students who enjoy history, storytelling, philosophy, or exploring how ancient ideas still influence modern life.

GCSE Classical Civilisation Explained

GCSE Classical Civilisation focuses on the people, places, and ideas of ancient Greece and Rome. You’ll study how these civilisations lived, what they believed, and how their art and literature continue to inspire modern culture.

Unlike GCSE Latin, Classical Civilisation doesn’t involve learning an ancient language. Instead, you’ll read translated texts, analyse artefacts, and interpret historical sources. You might explore how myths like ‘The Odyssey’ reflect themes of heroism and justice, or how ancient temples and sculptures reveal what people valued.

It’s a creative, wide-ranging course that connects history, literature, and philosophy. You’ll develop a strong understanding of how ancient ideas have shaped the modern world, from democracy to drama.

What Topics Will You Study?

The OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation (opens in a new tab) course includes two main components: a thematic study and a literature and culture study. Within these components, your school selects specific topics to cover.

Thematic Study

You’ll look at key ideas, beliefs, and social themes across Greek and Roman civilisation. You’ll examine a range of written sources, artwork, and archaeology to explore and compare how people in ancient Greece and Rome understood the world around them.

The current options include:

• Myth and Religion: Exploring gods, heroes, and ancient religious beliefs.

• Women in the Ancient World: Comparing gender roles in Greek and Roman society.

Literature and Culture Study

In this section, you’ll dive into classical texts and stories to explore the rich culture and literature of this time. Along the way, you’ll uncover what these stories reveal about ancient life as you analyse the characters, themes, and values depicted.

The current components from which your school will select include:

• The Homeric World: Exploring Homer’s poetry as a backdrop to a wider study of life in Mycenaean times. 

• Roman City Life: Studying the ever-fascinating history of life in Roman cities in the Imperial period, from housing to politics, to the spectacle of Roman entertainment. Literature includes poetry and prose from Petronius, Horace, Juvenal, and Pliny

• War and Warfare: Examining how conflict shaped culture and politics in both Greek and Roman civilisation.

This combination of studying key themes along with literature and culture makes Classical Civilisation one of the most varied and unusual humanities subjects available.

How Is GCSE Classical Civilisation Assessed?

The course is assessed through two written exams, both taken at the end of Year 11. There’s no coursework, but you’ll need to show a clear understanding of the texts and topics you’ve studied.

Paper 1: Thematic Study

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Worth: 50% of total marks

• Focus: Themes such as Myth and Religion or Women in the Ancient World

• Question types: Short answers, source analysis, and longer written responses

Paper 2: Literature and Culture Study

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Worth: 50% of total marks

• Focus: Specific texts and related cultural material

• Question types: Short answers, source analysis, and essay-style answers

Practising past papers from Save My Exams helps you get used to the question style and level of detail examiners expect to see.

What Skills Will You Develop?

Classical Civilisation strengthens a wide range of transferable skills that will help you across your GCSEs and beyond. You’ll learn to:

• Think critically by analysing sources and weighing up interpretations.

• Write persuasively through structured essays and arguments.

• Understand culture and belief by comparing values across different societies.

• Communicate clearly in both discussion and writing.

These skills are useful across English Language and Literature, History, and Religious Studies. They’re valuable for careers in law, journalism, teaching, and the creative industries.

Who Should Take Classical Civilisation?

GCSE Classical Civilisation is ideal for students who enjoy stories, history, and discussion. You might enjoy it if you:

• Like reading about myths, gods, and heroes.

• Are curious about how people thought and lived in the past.

• Enjoy essay-based subjects and forming your own opinions.

• Want to study something distinctive that supports your other GCSEs.

It’s also a great choice if you’re interested in literature or art, but want a subject that combines both creativity and academic challenge.

What Can You Do with Classical Civilisation After GCSE?

Many students continue to A Level Classical Civilisation, Ancient History, or History. These subjects build on the same skills of analysis and evaluation.

At university, you might study Classics, Archaeology, Ancient History, English, or Philosophy. Employers and universities value the subject because it shows you can think critically, write clearly, and understand cultural context.

Classical Civilisation can lead to careers in:

• Law and politics

• Journalism and publishing

• Teaching and academia

• Museums and heritage

Even if you don’t take it further, it gives you strong analytical and writing skills that support success across all humanities subjects.

Tips for Doing Well in GCSE Classical Civilisation

Since the subject combines stories, ideas, and analysis, the key to success in GCSE Classical Civilisation is understanding the material rather than memorising it. 

Try these strategies to feel confident and prepared:

• Create summary cards or mind maps for each myth or theme, focusing on what it reveals about ancient beliefs and values.

• Practise essay-style questions with Save My Exams’ past papers and mark schemes so you know what examiners look for.

• Quiz yourself regularly using active recall to test key characters, gods, events, and themes.

• Use spaced repetition to revisit topics over time and keep important details fresh in your mind.

• Talk about what you’re learning with friends, family, or teachers. Explaining ideas out loud helps you remember them and see connections you might have missed.

A steady, thoughtful approach to revision will help you see the bigger picture and enjoy the stories that make this subject so distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Know Latin or Greek for GCSE Classical Civilisation?

No. All texts are studied in English translation. You don’t need to know any ancient languages to take the course.

Is GCSE Classical Civilisation Hard?

It’s similar in difficulty to other essay-based subjects. If you enjoy reading, discussion, and analysis, you’re likely to find it rewarding.

What Exam Board Is Used for Classical Civilisation?

The main exam board is OCR (opens in a new tab), which offers a well-structured and accessible specification.

Can I Study This Subject Without Taking History?

Yes. You don’t need to take GCSE History to study Classical Civilisation, but the two subjects complement each other well.

Final Thoughts

GCSE Classical Civilisation brings the ancient world to life through stories, art, and ideas. It’s ideal for curious students who enjoy reading, discussion, and exploring how beliefs shape the world.

If you’re fascinated by myths, philosophy, or the roots of modern culture, this could be one of your most rewarding GCSE choices. 

95% of students who use Save My Exams report getting better grades*. To feel confident and prepared for all your GCSEs, explore Save My Exams’ huge range of expert-created resources, including revision notes, past papers, and exam questions.

References:

• OCR | GCSE (9-1) Classical Civilisation | J199 Specification (opens in a new tab)

• OCR | GCSE - Classical Civilisation (9-1) | J199 (opens in a new tab)

• * Source: Attainment survey of 1917 students, September 2025