AS / A2 Archaeology

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
Archaeology is the study of human activity in the past; the buildings people built, the food they ate, the clothes they wore and even the gods they worshipped. The subject covers huge spans of time, from the earliest hunter-gatherer groups to the great states of Rome and Greece. Archaeological evidence comes in many different forms, such as stone tools, animal and human bones and pottery.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The AS course begins with a study of Religion and Ritual in Ancient Rome where you will examine the religion and beliefs of the Romans through evidence found in Britain and Europe. You will explore five key religious sites and learn about religious change in the Roman Empire from 753BC to AD410. The second unit is Archaeological Skills and Methods, examining how archaeologists identify sites, excavate, and interpret evidence. This is done through study of important sites such as Stonehenge and discoveries such as the Austrian ‘Ice man’.

For A2 you will study World Archaeology, a broad module in which you will consider a range of themes and controversies in archaeology and also complete a Personal Study, a coursework module that requires students to produce a 4000 word archaeological investigation.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
In your AS course, Unit 1 is assessed through an examination in January (40% of your AS year). Unit 2 is assessed through an examination in June (60% of your AS year). In your A2 course, Unit 3 is assessed through examination in June (60% of your A2 year). Unit 4 is a coursework option worth 40% of your A2 year.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
You should have good written and communication skills. In addition, there are some scientific aspects of the course, so it would help if you are confident in your general scientific skills.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Students who have studied Archaeology at A-Level have progressed to a wide range of University courses and careers. Possible careers include working in Heritage Management, Journalism, Police, as a Museum Curator and as an Archaeologist.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in additional activities. Archaeology students visit Chester to view the Roman remains and in the past students have taken part in excavations and visited Hadrian’s Wall. Students have also visited Rome and Pompeii on overseas visits.