Classical Civilisation

What is it? The study of the ancient world - the history, literature, architecture, art and philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Everything from Mycenaean civilisation, for which the evidence is largely archaeological, to the fall of the Roman Empire. The bulk of the material is fifth to fourth century BC for the Greeks, and first century BC to first century AD for the Romans. You should end up being an expert on the Parthenon and Pompeii.

What is it? The study of the ancient world - the history, literature, architecture, art and philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Everything from Mycenaean civilisation, for which the evidence is largely archaeological, to the fall of the Roman Empire. The bulk of the material is fifth to fourth century BC for the Greeks, and first century BC to first century AD for the Romans. You should end up being an expert on the Parthenon and Pompeii.

Why do it? Because you want to understand the civilisations on which our culture is based. It's a subject you may not have done at GCSE so you can approach it fresh, and it is wonderfully varied. You will also cover Greek tragedy, the epic, philosophy and art and architecture.

What skills do you need? The ability to analyse source material. And the ability to write an essay. It helps if you have bags of curiosity.

How much practical work is there? None.

Ratio of coursework to exams: No coursework with Edexcel (it is phasing the subject out this summer); AQA board has 30 per cent (at AS-level you write an essay of 2,000 words; at A-level, another essay of 2,500-3,000 words); OCR board has one module devoted to coursework, 16 per cent of the exam marks, but it's optional.

Is it hard? "Classciv", as it is known, has a reputation for being easy. But it isn't, according to the examiners. On the other hand, it's not hard either. So, now you know.

Is it enjoyable? Very, particularly if you have a good teacher.

Who takes it? Mainly girls, which is odd when you think that men were so dominant in the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome.

How cool is it? Growing in popularity. Increasing numbers have signed up for the new AS-level.

Added value: Great field trips to Athens, Rome and Pompeii, or to Hadrian's Wall.

What subjects go with it? English, history, art history, art philosophy, languages, anything in fact.

What degrees does it lead to? Classics, classical studies, archaeology, fine art or a combination of subjects.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? Noooooooooo. It's not a vocational subject, but it's not a Mickey Mouse one either.

What do students say? "I chose it because I'm interested in history and especially the history of the classical world. We have a lot of Roman remains near where I live. When I was young, my parents would take me to see them. I have a place at Lampeter University this autumn to do archaeology and media studies." - Alistair Nottle, 18, doing A-levels at Shrewsbury sixth-form college.

Which awarding bodies offer it? OCR and AQA from next year.

How widely available is it around the country? Somewhat patchy. Independent schools tend to have a monopoly on the subject.