Classics Matters

This spring, Classics Matters explores the power of reading to open up the ancient world for young people across the UK. In this issue, we reflect on the National Year of Reading through the voices of young classicists (pages 4–5), talk translation, adaptation and accessibility with Emily Wilson, translator of The Odyssey (pages 6–7), and take a closer look at our work in the West Midlands, from innovative reading challenges to widening participation in Classics (pages 10–11). We also share highlights from our events programme, celebrate inspiring teachers and students, and welcome new trustees as we look ahead to the year to come.

I am delighted to be bringing you the Spring 2025 issue of our Classics Matters newsletter.

We’ve had a challenging start to the year as a discipline. You may have seen the announcement in mid-December that the Government was ending the Latin Excellence Programme (LEP) at a contract break-point rather than fulfilling the original four year commitment. LEP aimed to increase uptake of Latin at Key Stage 3, with the goal of more students undertaking GCSEs. We have been in close discussions with the LEP, the Department of Education and other parties to put together plans for supporting those young people doing GCSEs this year and next. Classics for All has committed to funding the training and support for these pupils to the end of this academic year and are still discussing the broader package of support that can be put in place by the Classics education community to transition these schools into continuing Latin on the curriculum sustainably.

We have an exciting programme of events coming up this year (page 4), and in this issue we have a review of last September’s Overboard! It really was a fabulous evening, which we’ll be holding this event again in September and I do hope you can join us. We are incredibly grateful to Linklaters for their continued sponsorship of this event.

At Classics for All we can be greater than the sum of our parts through collaborating with partners. On page 10 you can read all about the brilliant event run by the University of Leicester to engage pupils with the ancient world. Our East Midlands Network, coordinated by Dr Jane Ainsworth, is based at the University, and by working in partnership we can reach even more children studying in state schools.

At our Gala dinner in 2021 our fabulous supporters pledged funds towards bursaries for young people from low-income backgrounds heading to university to study Classics. The goal was that the bursary would relieve some financial pressure in their first year, enabling them to focus on the transition to Higher Education.  On pages 6-7 you can hear from some of those students about their Classics journey and how their Classics for All Bursary has helped them.

With warm wishes,

Jo Hobbs MBE
Chief Executive

I am delighted to be sending you the Autumn 2024 issue of our Classics Matters newsletter along with our latest Impact Report.

This Autumn we are celebrating the transformational impact Classics can have on children. By engaging with the ancient world, children in Classics for All schools are improving their literacy, increasing their confidence, and raising their aspirations.

As you will see from the Impact Report in 2023, we have made significant progress in getting more state schools on board with our mission to ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to study Classics.

Throughout the Impact Report and newsletter, you will see a raft of amazing quotes and case studies from the children and teachers we support. It was such a joy to come together in person back in June to celebrate some of these brilliant schools at our Impact Awards.  Leicester City Museum was the perfect setting, and it was so amazing to be celebrating schools across the length and breadth of the country – from Thurso to Exeter! You can read more about the Impact Awards on page 10 of the newsletter.

Whilst most of our work is through schools, we are also sharing some highlights of some of the work we do directly with young people. The Classics for All Greek Academies are stepping in where state schools cannot sustain class sizes to introduce or continue Greek.  This past year we had 23 young people sit the GCSE which, whilst it is a small number, in 2023 only 108 pupils from the state sector sat the exam across the whole country. You can read more about this on page 9.

With warm wishes,

Jo Hobbs MBE
Chief Executive

New Approaches to Exploring the Ancient World: Introducing a new classics qualification for pupils in state schools.

Against the Odds: Harley Aston, aspiring Head of Classics at Hemel Hempstead School reflects on her own unusual classics journey.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: From museums and cultural heritage sites, to educational institutions and content creators, we profile the fruits of our some of our current partnerships.

My Life Philologic: Ronald J Mellow Professor Greg Woolf on his own route into classics and why access to study of the ancient world still matters today. 

Out of Chaos: Theatre Director Paul O'Mahony on how the ancient world inspires his work.

The Art of Classics: Illustrator, classicist, and this issue's cover artist, Charlotte Bunney, describes the happy convergence of her interests in classics and studying art.

Events: Discover the power and beauty of Ancient Greek Music, and look out for our annual Moot Trial of Alexander the Great.

The Classical Muse: student Luke Bateman tells us why classics is a dynamic source of poetic inspiration and shares two works.

Levelling up, Classics for All Style: Alice Case describes how funding classics promotes social mobility.

Giving Back: student Erika Tsang talks about hosting a classics-themed fundraiser.

Events: Dr Daisy Dunn discusses Classics between the Wars; and look out for Professor Greg Woolf's Rome: the Motion Picture

Reasons to Be Cheerful: autumnal optimism from Classics for All's Executive Director Jules Mann and Programme Director Hilary Hodgson.

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover: student Milly Ayers describes her unorthodox journey to classics.

Teaching Awards 2021: celebrating the outstanding achievements of our primary and secondary school teachers.

Events: Professor Paul Cartledge brings Greek Thebes back to life; plus, Tom Stoppard's Penelope.

A World of Opportunity and Adventure... A message from Classics for All Chairman, Jimmy Mulville.

Start 'Em Early: Classics Ambassador, Lidia Kuhivchak, reflects on the benefits of starting classics young.

Fundraising News: Tessa Smith's Classics for All legacy, plus Angela Dix on putting classics on the map in Cambridgeshire.

Where Have All the Exams Gone? Academic recognition of classical subjects needs work, argues Classics for All trainer Steve Hunt.

Events: Dr Jane Ainsworth reflects on Professor Mary Beard’s recent inspiring webinar; plus upcoming events include an evening with Professor Edith Hall and how, historically, classics have always been for all.