NCEA Level 1 Classical Studies

Classical Studies is about the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. The course is both challenging and exciting and is designed to interest students of different abilities and cultural backgrounds. In 2025, Classics will offer Unit standards, which will count towards Level 1, NCEA. Also, students will be able to gain endorsements (for example, they will earn Achieved, Merit and Excellence).

It focuses on:

• Classical mythology: fun stories about gods, heroes and monsters – why and how they captivate modern society.
• Values and beliefs: what they believed in and why, how they lived their lives and how they influenced the way we live.
• People and relationships:  a critical view of their society and human relationships
• Famous people: power games and leaders that shaped the world we live in.

Therefore:

Classical Studies is a suitable subject for students who enjoy variety in their learning. It is engaging and relevant for our students and the global world we live in.

It provides:

• Cultural enrichment 
• Understanding of the origins of western civilisation.

It also helps develop skills, including:

• Literacy
• Communication, organization and research
• Critical and creative thinking

Classical Studies therefore enhances personal growth and teaches knowledge and skills that are applicable to a wide range of occupations.

2025 COURSE OUTLINE:

INTRODUCTION - GREEK MYTHOLOGY 

The stories we love - for the joy of studying Classics. 

• Greek myths about gods, heroes and monsters and the lessons they teach.

DAYS OF THEIR LIVES: HOW ATHENIAN SOCIETY WAS STRUCTURED

Enables students to think critically about issues that are relevant to society of all cultures and times.

Questions to consider: 

• Were women discriminated against? 
• Was the life for men really sweet? 
• Were Athenians really xenophobic (prejudiced against foreigners)?
• Were the Athenians really good to their slaves?
• Did slavery really help build the glorious city that was Athens?

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL INTERACTIONS DURING THE RULE OF EMPEROR NERO 

Students will learn how interactions between individuals, groups and society in general may lead to positive outcomes or conflict and deviant behaviour.

Questions to consider: 

• Was Nero a crazed power hungry man or a by-product of his mother's power games?
• Has History maligned Nero or was he truly one of the most evil men in history?

FOR THE FEAR OF GOD! THE OLYMPIAN GODS IN ROME

Students will understand how the gods and beliefs influenced the way people lived their lives. 

Questions to consider: 

• How did gods meddle in the life of humans.
• How and why did gods punish or reward people. 
• How did people gain the gods favour through sacrifice, festivals etc

"Classics is about building knowledge and developing critical thinking, not passing on information" Associate Professor of Classics, Canterbury University

NOTE: There may be an opportunity for Year 11 Classics students to join a tour to Greece and Italy in the future.

  BHS Tour to Greece and Italy 2023

 At the Colosseum