Classics Matters: A Fortnight of Enrichment
Sixth Form, Senior School, Prep, Classics
Our students have recently enjoyed two weeks filled with unforgettable classical experiences, which have offered our students a rich and rewarding immersion into the classical world, combining history, language, and culture in ways that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.
Year 8 Discover the Roman Baths
Our Year 8 students embarked on an exciting journey into the heart of Roman Britain at the world‑famous Roman Baths. Acting as merchants, craftsmen, soldiers, worshippers, and local Britons, they pieced together evidence to reconstruct the experience of a Roman visitor to Aquae Sulis. In the morning, they explored the site and gathered evidence to reconstruct the experience of a specific Roman visitor to Aquae Sulis – whether a merchant, craftsman, local Briton, soldier, or worshipper. In the afternoon, they joined forces with 90 students from Streatham and Clapham High School (GDST), who had also just explored the Baths. Together, they created imaginative visual presentations depicting the visitor experience, before judging each other’s work to crown the winners. It was a day of collaboration, creativity, and historical discovery.
Boudica in Latin
Our Year 9 students teamed up with Year 3 pupils from RHB Prep School for a dramatic retelling of Boudica’s uprising in 61 CE. The performance included key Latin phrases, bringing the ancient world vividly to life. The younger pupils were captivated by the story and Roman fighting techniques, while our Year 9s relished the challenge of blending drama with language learning. It was great fun for all involved, and everyone came away with a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in British history.
Author Ben Kane Brings Rome to Life
To round off this fortnight of enrichment, Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Kane delivered a thrilling talk on Roman daily life to all Year 9 students. With fascinating artefacts in hand, he transported us back to the realities of ancient Rome – from surviving childhood to the harsh truths of everyday existence for normal Roman people. His insights and presentation full of primary source material revealed both the stark differences and surprising similarities between Roman society and our own. The session was engaging, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.
Student Reflections
The impact of these experiences was clear in the students’ own words:
- “That was so much fun and I feel like I’ve made new friends today, as well as finding out so much more about Bath!” — Year 8 student
- “I loved how fun the activity was, and the teams were so great to work in because everyone got so excited and the Year 3s were amazing.” — Year 9 student
- “I loved getting to try on the chainmail at the end and the talk was so fast‑paced and exciting!” — Year 9 student
