NCEA L3 Classical Studies

The influence of the classical world is everywhere. Whether it be Nike shoes, democracy, the law, language, religion, art and architecture, the Olympics, mythology, comedy and drama… the classics are foundational to western thought and culture.

Classics is the ultimate multi-disciplinary subject. You will learn about art, history, drama, engineering and archaeology. You will be challenged to face the major problems the ancients and moderns have faced: war, politics and religion, resistance to unjust leaders- civil disobedience, hospitality abuse, how to handle grumpy old men and more.

We discuss similarities and differences between Aotearoa and antiquity and gain insight into our own times.

 The way the Greeks and Romans responded to the major concerns of their day “challenge, inspire and resonate with us now.”

There are only two topics we cover in Year 13. Each topic covers one internal assessment and one external assessment. They are: 

The Aeneid - We look at this Roman Epic Poem, written by Virgil and commissioned by Julius Caesar. We explore the Greek counterparts and hear of the Trojan War through the eyes of the Trojan's themselves. We explore the history of Rome and the founding fathers, as well as explore the ideas and values of Ancient Rome and how much they impacted the rule of Julius Caesar and his family. 

For the internal assessment topic, we explore the storytelling convention of katabasis, and its use in The Aeneid, as well as through the modern film 'Up'.

Alexander The Great - The leader who really did change to world forever. Our study focuses on his leadership and the challenges he faced in administering his vast empire. He may have only lived a short life, but he lived it to the max. 

For the internal assessment, we also explore his Policy of Fusion and its impact it had on the Macedonians and Greeks, and its failed attempt to bring nations together under one rule.