By LIBBY MIDDLEBROOK
Lauren Abercrombie usually drifted off to sleep during her classical studies classes this year.
But yesterday the 18-year-old Avondale College student was awake "first thing" to "cram" for her Bursary classical studies exam at 9.30 am.
"I'm just not interested in classics, so I ended up having to cram all weekend and all this morning," said Lauren, who is planning a classical studies book-burning session with her friends.
Classical studies is one of the most popular Bursary courses, with almost 5000 exam candidates this year.
The course is made up of 10 units covering Greek and Roman history, art history, philosophy and literature. Two key figures in the course programme were Alexander the Great and the Roman emperor Augustus.
Classical studies is also the only Bursary-level subject apart from art history where students can learn about architecture.
Yesterday's exam, which required students to answer questions on four course units, tested knowledge of the legend of the Trojan War, Greek vase painting, Roman Empire art and a play by Aristophanes.
The three-hour exam featured Socrates, the Greek philosopher, as well as Greek science and Roman religion.
The director of classical studies at Avondale College, Raewyn Gilmour, said students would gain top marks in the exam if they had memorised facts and were able to interpret philosophy texts, such as Plato's Dialogues.
She said classical studies improved students' general knowledge and prepared them for university courses. "It will just become a life-long interest for some students."
Ms Gilmour said the only difficulty students faced during the exam involved mini-essays. In the past students were able to choose between question options, but this year they had no choice in the mini-essay sections of the paper.
"My impression is that without this choice the mini-essay section has become a demanding option for students."
The classic approach to last-minute cramming
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.