OCRGCSE71 resources

OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation (J199) past papers, mark schemes & examiner reports. Myth and Religion, Roman City Life, Homeric World & more. 71 resources.

πŸ“…June 2018 – June 2024πŸ“„71 resources availableβœ…Free to download

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71 of 71 resources β€” page 1 of 3

June 2023

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world insert

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Modified papers

Modified Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Roman city life insert

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – War and warfare insert

Question Paper

June 2022

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world erratum notice

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world insert

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Roman city life insert

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – War and warfare insert

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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Mark scheme – The Homeric world

Mark Scheme

November 2021

5 files
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world insert

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Mark scheme – The Homeric world

Mark Scheme
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Myth and religion

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – The Homeric world

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world

Question Paper

November 2020

4 files
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world insert

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Myth and religion

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – The Homeric world

Question Paper
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Question paper – Women in the ancient world

Question Paper

No date

5 files
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Roman city life

Sample Assessment Materials
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – The Homeric world

Sample Assessment Materials
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – War and warfare

Sample Assessment Materials
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Women in the ancient world

Sample Assessment Materials
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Classical Civilisation (9-1) – Myth and religion

Sample Assessment Materials

What to Expect from OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation

OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation (specification code J199) introduces students to the ancient Greek and Roman worlds through a thematic lens. Students take two equally weighted papers, each 90 minutes in duration, covering different aspects of the ancient world. The qualification has no coursework β€” both components are externally examined. Component 01 (Myth and Religion) explores ancient belief systems, religious practices, and mythology β€” from the Olympian gods to temple ritual and the afterlife. Component 02 offers a choice of four thematic studies: The Homeric World, Roman City Life, War and Warfare, and Women in the Ancient World. Both papers include a source-based section where students interpret and evaluate ancient evidence, alongside extended-response questions requiring sustained argument. Each paper is worth 80 marks. Source material β€” such as images, inscriptions, and translated literary extracts β€” is provided in a separate insert. Students are expected to combine knowledge of ancient sources with analytical skills: comparing different types of evidence, assessing reliability, and constructing arguments supported by specific detail. Grades run from 9 to 1 on a single, untiered scale.

Exam Paper Structure

Component 01No calculator

Myth and Religion

⏱ 1 hour 30 minutes🎯 80 marksπŸ“Š 50% of grade
Greek myths and legendsThe Olympian godsTemples, festivals and ritualsDeath and the afterlifeRoman religious practices
Component 02No calculator

Thematic Study

⏱ 1 hour 30 minutes🎯 80 marksπŸ“Š 50% of grade
The Homeric worldRoman city lifeWar and warfareWomen in the ancient world

Key Information

Exam BoardOCR
Specification CodeJ199
QualificationGCSE
Grading Scale9–1
Assessment Type2 written exams (no coursework)
TiersNo tiers
Number Of Papers2
Exam Duration1 hour 30 minutes per paper
Total Marks160 (80 per paper)
Calculator StatusNot applicable
Available SessionsJune 2018 – June 2024
Total Resources71

Key Topics in Classical Civilisation (9-1)

Topics you need to know

Greek mythology and religionRoman religious practicesThe Homeric world and Trojan WarRoman city life and PompeiiAncient warfare and military cultureWomen in Greek and Roman societyAncient source analysis and interpretation

Exam Command Words

Command wordWhat the examiner expects
DescribeGive a detailed account of features, events or practices
ExplainSet out reasons or causes, making connections between points
How far do you agreeWeigh up arguments for and against a statement, reaching a supported conclusion
Using Source ARefer directly to the source provided, quoting or describing specific details
To what extentEvaluate the strength of a claim, considering alternative viewpoints
CompareIdentify similarities and differences between sources or examples

Typical Grade Boundaries

GradeApproximate mark needed
Grade 975–85%
Grade 866–74%
Grade 757–65%
Grade 648–56%
Grade 539–47%
Grade 430–38%
Grade 322–29%
Grade 215–21%
Grade 18–14%

⚠️ Typical grade boundaries across both papers (160 total marks). Actual boundaries vary by series β€” check OCR's website.

Approaching OCR GCSE Classical Civilisation Past Papers

Source-based questions carry substantial marks and require a specific technique. When you see an ancient source β€” whether it is a passage from Homer, a wall painting from Pompeii, or a relief sculpture β€” your response should identify what the source shows, explain what it tells us about ancient life or beliefs, and assess its limitations. Practise this three-step approach until it becomes automatic. Extended-response questions ask you to construct an argument, not simply describe what you know. Plan your answer before writing: identify two or three key points, select the ancient evidence that supports each one, and write a brief conclusion that addresses the question directly. Examiners report that the strongest answers engage with the specific wording of the question rather than writing everything they know about a topic. For revision, create a source bank: a list of the key ancient sources for each theme, noting what each one reveals and what its weaknesses are. When you can recall and deploy five or six specific sources per topic, you are well prepared. Use past-paper inserts to practise interpreting sources you have not seen before β€” this mirrors the exam experience more closely than revising only familiar material.

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