Classical Studies

To understand ourselves, and our place in a bicultural society, we need to know about the societies that have laid the foundations for the world in which we live.

Classical studies is the study of the people, places, and events of the classical world and how they influence the modern world.

Classical studies is an interdisciplinary subject: students engage with Literature, Languages, Art, History, Science, Technology, Religion, and Philosophy.

Students explore community, cultural identity, values, and perspectives and think critically about human behaviour and relationships to appreciate the civilisations of ancient Greece and Rome, understand the past and the present, and to imagine possible futures.

New Zealand Curriculum Guides Senior Secondary - Classical Studies

Year 12 Classical Studies    (12CLA)

This course concentrates on:

• Mythology and Heroism
• Citizenship and power
• Athenian Architecture
• Sophocles’ Antigone

Students will prepare for four standards that count for 20 credits towards Level 2 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• AS91202 (2.3)  Demonstrate understanding of a significant event in the classical world  (4 credits)
• AS91204 (2.5)  Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between aspects of the classical world and aspects of other cultures  (6 credits)

External Standards (Exam)

• AS91200 (2.1)  Examine ideas and values of the classical world  (4 credits)
• AS91203 (2.4)  Examine socio-political life in the classical world  (6 credits)

Year 13 Classical Studies    (13CLA)

This course concentrates on :

• Myth, Heroism, and the Trojan War
• Alexander the Great
• Aristophanes’ Frogs

Students will prepare for four standards that count for 22 credits towards Level 3 NCEA.

Internal Standards (Assignments)

• AS91397 (3.4)  Demonstrate understanding of significant ideology(ies) in the classical world  (6 credits)
• AS91398 (3.5)  Demonstrate understanding of the lasting influences of the classical world on other cultures across time  (6 credits)

External Standards (Exam)

• AS91394 (3.1)  Analyse ideas and values of the classical world  (4 credits)
• AS91396 (3.3)  Analyse the impact of a significant historical figure on the classical world  (6 credits)

 Students in Year 13 may also take the Scholarship Classical Studies Exam.  Scholarship concentrates on:

• Section A:  Alexander the Great and Attic Old Comedy
• Section B:  The themes for this section change, but have included death and the afterlife, power and authority, gender and society, conflict and power.

The Scholarship exam is a 3 hour exam, and students must write 3 essays.