KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028 - Flipbook - Page 27
27
Ancient History: Academic Breadth
Subject
Subject group
Exam Board
Course
Description
GCSE Ancient History
Humanities, Academic Breadth
OCR
Greece and Persia
Period Study: The Persian Empire, 559–465 BC
This period study follows the unfolding narrative of the rise of the Persian Empire
under the first four Achaemenid kings between 559 and 465 BC. With a focus on the
Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, Cambyses II, Darius I and Xerxes I.
Depth Study: Alexander the Great, 356–323 BC
This depth study enables learners to understand the complex factors that allowed
Alexander the Great to become one of ancient history9s most famous men. Students
explore the political, military, religious, cultural and technological factors that
enabled Alexander of Macedon to achieve so much in such a short space of time.
Rome and its neighbours
Period Study: The foundations of Rome: from kingship to republic,
753–440 BC
This period study enables learners to explore the early development of Ancient
Rome and to be able to put this development into the wider context of the
ancient world. Focusing on the kings of Rome and the early Roman Republic, with an
emphasis on the most exciting and interesting events and characters.
Depth study: Cleopatra: Rome and Egypt, 69–30 BC
This depth study enables learners to understand the complexity of the relationship
between Rome and Egypt between 69 and 30 BC and the political, military, religious,
economic, social and cultural factors affecting the reign of Cleopatra and her
relationships with key historical figures during this period of significant upheaval in
the Mediterranean world.
Examination
Information
2 separate examinations
Paper 1 = Greece and Persia. Section A: Period Study (27.5% of total; GCSE) and
Depth Study (22.5% of GCSE)
Paper 2 = Rome and its neighbours. Section A: Period Study (27.5% of total;
GCSE) and Depth Study (22.5% of GCSE)
No tiering, exams take place in Summer 2027
Grades available
Controlled
assessment
information
Careers
Information
9-1
There is no Controlled Assessment task.
Further details
Link to the GCSE specification:
https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/ancient-history-j198-from-2017/
Staff Contact
Mr Sam Symonds-Keates, Head of History & Ancient History
sam.symonds-keates@rmays.com
Ancient History is a multi-disciplinary subject, containing elements of English
Literature, Art, Architecture, History, Philosophy, Archaeology, Religious Studies and
Politics. As such, it is highly valued by colleges, universities and potential employers
because Historians have honed a wide range of useful skills.
