This Thursday the Classics Department ran its annual Prep School Classics Festival, where pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 celebrated the myths and legends of the ancient mediterranean. This half term the girls have been learning about the Trojan War in Year 4 and myths of origin and change from Ovid’s Metamorphoses in Years 5 and 6. These timeless tales have captured the hearts of the Prep School as we split into groups (one for each of the school’s houses) and took part in four different workshops over the course of the afternoon. As well as displaying their recent class work and discussing it with Ms Rakitzi in the library, the girls read and discussed stories with Miss Deblue, made heroic shields showcasing their personal heroes and values with Miss Forsyth, and sculpted monsters out of air-dry clay with Dr Hayes. In short, we had a great time getting creative with Greek and Roman mythology!
But the Classics Festival is not just a celebration, it’s also a competition! Each year we celebrate the outstanding work of Year Group Champions in Years 4-6 as well as crowning one pupil the Prep School’s “Overall Classics Champion”. It was so difficult selecting our champions this year, as the girls worked so hard, but for 2025 our Year Group champions were Gisela in Year 4, Melina in Year 5, and Cecily in Year 6. Our judges were delighted to nominate Luisa in Year 4 as this year’s Overall Classics Champion for her excellent work both in her Classics lessons and throughout all four of the festival workshops.
Whether or not a child won a prize this Thursday, the Classics Department were delighted by the enthusiasm of everyone at the Classics Festival. A sense of joy and excitement permeated the afternoon, and we hope that the parents of the girls enjoy seeing the creativity of their monsters and shields when they are brought home.
Dr Hayes, Head of Classics
