We recently held our annual “Classics Week” at Henrietta Barnett. Our ambition was for everyone to receive a reminder of just how fascinating, diverse and influential the Classical World is. In their lessons, pupils focussed on a range of different topics, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the rebellion of Queen Boudicca, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and beliefs in the afterlife. There were also special events put on for students to take part in every lunchtime. These are described below by some of those who participated. We are indebted to the many students and staff who made this a very enjoyable week by either running or attending activities.
Mr Hayes, Head of Classics
Monday – Mythology Trail
The Mythological Trail had two levels – an “easy” version in English, and a harder version in Latin. It was a fun activity that gave us the chance to test our knowledge of different Greek and Roman gods in order to solve clues. I really enjoyed my experience, especially partnering up with my friends to decode each clue and figure out which god they were pointing to. Although translating from Latin to English was sometimes quite difficult, since we don’t know that much Latin yet, it actually made the activity more enjoyable, and even more rewarding when we finally understood the clues. At one point, we were really struggling with a clue because it included Latin we hadn’t learned, and a girl from a higher year group kindly offered to help. It was such a thoughtful moment, and showed how supportive and kind the HBS community is. Overall, the Mythological Trail was an amazing experience, and I hope we have more events like this in the future.
Written by Prisha K, Y7
Tuesday – Q&A with professor Dame Mary Beard, DBE, FSA, FBA, FRSL
It was such an honour for the Classics Society to host Professor Dame Mary Beard online during the HBS Classics Week. With students having pre-submitted questions on all aspects of her life and her experience of studying the ancient world, we were absolutely delighted to listen to her reflections on these. She began with a brilliant anecdote about her first interaction with the ancient world, which was when, as a young child, she held a piece of ancient carbonised bread in the British Museum, where she is now a trustee. Perhaps most strikingly, Professor Beard answered our very first question to say that she doesn’t think she ever fell in love with the ancient world, and that the Romans actually seem quite unlovable! Professor Beard spoke so eloquently and insightfully in answer to all of our questions, suggesting that we are not as similar to the Romans as one might think. She made a particularly convincing case for the study of Classics as it ensures that people continue to read and reflect on challenging texts, something essential that not all subjects do. We all felt so lucky to have Professor Beard give up her time to talk to us.
Written by Roxie Q, Y12
Wednesday – Mosaic making inspired by Latin verse
As part of our celebrations for Classics Week this year, the department organised a mosaic-making workshop to bring ancient myths to life in truly Roman fashion. Students from all key stages came together to spend a very enjoyable lunchtime cutting and sticking their way to stunning mosaics depicting scenes from Book 4 of Virgil’s Aeneid – a powerful queen burning for love, wandering helplessly like a doe, or having her fate decided by two goddesses – while listening to extracts recited in translation for inspiration. The past truly came alive for this wonderful moment for our Classics community – look out for the beautiful end product!
Written by Sofia K, Y12
Thursday – An Introduction to Ancient Greek
As part of Classics Week, we ran a session on Ancient Greek, teaching younger students about the Classical Greek language and its alphabet. We also offered each of them the opportunity to create their own bookmarks with their name in Greek on the front, which was an enjoyable activity for everybody involved. Those who came along also completed a worksheet on the Ancient Greek alphabet, which had been printed on pink paper by our lovely librarian Dr. Gregor-Som, who also made some bookmarks with us. Overall it was a brilliant way to share knowledge within the school community, and hopefully reinforce our love for Classics!
Written by Robyn S, Y11
Friday – Latin drama
In the library, a re-enactment of the final story with the stars of the Cambridge Latin Course took place, and it was a truly amazing end to Classics Week! A large crowd of our peers came to watch and support our showcase, laughing through the entertaining compilation of scenes, and following the final, fateful moments of the story line that brought our CLC journey to a close. This showcase was a fun and entertaining way to cast our minds back to the humorous, exciting and at times, sorrowful story line. It gave the audience a chance to see the final fates of the characters unfold, while also giving the Latin students an opportunity to bring these stories to life! We hope that these performances encouraged many of the younger students to see the joys of Latin, and inspired them to consider taking this fascinating subject for their GCSEs in the future!
Written by Shyama Dalal, Y10