Guidance

Classical civilisation: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1

Updated 6 September 2017

Applies to England

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1. Grade 8

To achieve grade 8, candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate relevant and comprehensive knowledge and sophisticated understanding of classical texts and materials from the classical world, including how sources reflect their cultural contexts
  • demonstrate a sophisticated awareness of a range of possible interpretations
  • engage in perceptive analysis, sensitive interpretation and critical evaluation of classical texts and materials
  • effectively use a range of evidence to construct coherent and reasoned arguments

2. Grade 5

To achieve grade 5, candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate mostly accurate and appropriate knowledge and understanding of classical texts and materials from the classical world, including how sources reflect their cultural contexts
  • demonstrate an awareness of some possible interpretations
  • engage in generally coherent analysis and interpretation, and some evaluation of classical texts and materials
  • use evidence to construct mostly well-organised, plausible arguments

3. Grade 2

To achieve grade 2, candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of classical texts and materials from the classical world, with limited regard for their cultural contexts or possible interpretations
  • use a basic line of reasoning to describe and comment on classical texts and materials
  • express opinions and construct simple and straightforward arguments
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