Ancient History

Studying Ancient History at Bow Sixth Form

Exam Board: OCR

Entry Requirements: A minimum of a grade 6 in five subjects at GCSE, including English Language and History.

Why study this course?

In this course you’ll explore the political, military, social and cultural development of the Greek and Roman worlds through important events, individuals and historical sources. Throughout the course, you will work with ancient sources and develop your understanding of how historians reconstruct and interpret the ancient world.

What will I study?

You will study the Julio-Claudian Emperors, 31 BC–AD 68, including Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius, Claudius and Nero, alongside Ruling Roman Britain, AD 43–c.128, exploring the challenges of governing the province, the Roman military and Rome’s relationship with the peoples of Britain. Later, you will return to Ancient Greece, studying relations between Greek states and between Greek and non-Greek states from 492–404 BC, including the Persian
Wars and Peloponnesian War, before exploring The Rise of Macedon and the world of Alexander the Great and his father Philip.

What skills will I gain and where will this take me?

Studying OCR A Level Ancient History develops your ability to analyse historical sources, assess evidence, construct well-supported arguments and communicate ideas clearly through extended writing. You will also develop independent research and critical-thinking skills. These transferable skills can support further study in areas such as Classics, Ancient History, History, Politics and History of Art, as well as careers in education, museums and heritage, law, research, journalism and other fields requiring strong analytical and communication skills.