Complete revision notes for GCSE Classical Civilisation covering 26 topics across 6 strands. Aligned with the OCR J280 specification. Covers Greek and Roman mythology and religion, Homer's Odyssey, the city of Rome, military and imperial power, and essential exam technique for source analysis and essay writing.
GCSE Classical Civilisation explores the literature, culture and society of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. OCR J280 is the only GCSE Classical Civilisation qualification available. It has two papers: Paper 1 (Myth & Religion, 50%, 1hr 30min) covering Greek and Roman mythology, religious practices and beliefs about death and the afterlife; and Paper 2 (The Homeric World, 50%, 1hr 30min) focusing on Homer's Odyssey, including literary analysis, character study and thematic exploration. Both papers assess source analysis, interpretation skills, and the ability to construct sustained arguments using evidence from literary and visual/material sources.
| Paper | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Period Study / Myth & Religion | 50% | 1hr 30min |
| Paper 2 | Depth Study / The Homeric World | 50% | 1hr 30min |
| AO | Description | AQA Weight | Edexcel Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the classical world | 35% | |
| AO2 | Explain and analyse aspects of the classical world using classical evidence and concepts | 35% | |
| AO3 | Analyse, evaluate and use sources and interpretations to make judgements | 30% |
All 26 topics are aligned with the OCR J280 specification. OCR is the only exam board offering GCSE Classical Civilisation. Paper 1 (Myth & Religion) covers Greek and Roman mythology, the Olympian gods, heroes, religious practices, temples, festivals, oracles and beliefs about death. Paper 2 (The Homeric World) covers Homer's Odyssey including Odysseus's heroism, xenia, the monsters and wanderings, and the homecoming and revenge. Each topic page provides both literary and visual/material source evidence aligned with AO3.
⚡ Mythology: The Olympian gods, Heracles and heroes, Underworld myths, foundation myths and metamorphosis
🕊 Religion & the Gods: Temples and sanctuaries, Greek festivals, Roman religion, oracles and divination, and death and burial customs
🏳 The Homeric World: Odysseus the hero, xenia and hospitality, monsters and wandering, and homecoming and revenge
🏘 The City of Rome: Roman social structure, daily life in Rome, Roman entertainment, and Roman family and women
⚔ Military & Empire: The Roman army, the conquest of Britain, and imperial power and emperors
✍ Exam Technique: Command words, source analysis, essay writing, Paper 1 technique and Paper 2 technique
Access official past papers and mark schemes:
| Exam Board | Past Papers & Mark Schemes |
|---|---|
| OCR | OCR GCSE Past Papers ↗ |
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