“If you have the right resources and the right people to teach you, anyone can do it.“
Course(s) studied: A Level Classical Civilisation, A Level Modern History and A Level English Literature
Former School: Brannel School
Quinn is studying A Level Classical Civilisation at Truro and Penwith College, alongside Modern History and English Literature. Quinn’s interest in classics began with history, and the course offered a new way in. “I had an interest in classics from a more historical perspective, and the course allowed me to look at it from a different perspective, to read the literature and religion and everything.” The subjects work well together. “They’re very essay-based, but they really work well together, because with analysis, reading and critical thinking, everything bounces off each other.”
Quinn chose the College because of the range on offer. “It has so many different people and so many different options that I felt like it was the best choice for me personally.” The subject itself has been a pleasant surprise. “Ancient Greek literature is often portrayed as something quite elitist, but it isn’t. If you have the right resources and the right people to teach you, anyone can do it.”
The learning goes beyond the classroom. Quinn’s lecturer has introduced the group to lectures and a local classical association, and an ancient Greek workshop is coming up. The group also visited Greece earlier this year. “It was great to see how applicable everything is, because we went to the Acropolis and saw the place that we’re studying. We were able to think of it not as distant, but as something that affects real people even now.”
Quinn’s favourite topic so far is Greek religion, especially the mystery cults. “They kept so much secret that thousands of years later, after everything’s been destroyed and rebuilt, we still don’t know the secrets.” Quinn is so enthusiastic that they were wearing a shirt with the Oracle of Delphi on it for the interview. Their lecturer has helped too. “He’s really enthusiastic and he teaches really well, and it’s clear that he’s really interested, which helps get everyone in the room really interested.”
Next, Quinn wants to study history and ancient history at university. Their advice to anyone considering the course is to talk to current students first. “Talk to people, especially people who’ve done the course, so that you know it’s right for you and what you’re getting yourself into. I want everyone who comes to come here because they know this is what they want to do.”
Why choose A Level Classical Civilisation at Truro and Penwith College?
A Level Classical Civilisation lets students explore the ancient world through its literature, religion and history, with opportunities beyond the classroom such as a trip to Greece, and it sits well alongside other subjects, as Quinn has found with Modern History and English Literature. Truro and Penwith College has 30 years of excellence behind it. This summer, 2,367 Level 3 students received their results, with high-grade performance significantly above national averages when compared with all further education colleges in England.
To find out more about A Level Classical Civilisation, visit: A Level Classical Civilisation – Truro & Penwith College
