Myths & Histories is a free ancient world reading challenge for pupils in KS2–KS5. Pupils earn badges by reading books connected to numbers and respond creatively to what they've read. The challenge is flexible: pupils can work individually or in groups, choose their own books, and work at their own pace.
Pick from five flexible participation formats - individual, reading circle, thematic mini-challenge, reading passport, or personalised. See below for details of each option.
Pupils read a book connected to a badge number and produce a creative response - this can be anything from a piece of writing to a piece of art.
Use our free downloadable tracking sheet to record progress. You don't need to submit evidence for every badge - a selection of responses alongside the completed tracker is fine.
Email us with your school name and tracking sheet. Depending on how many badges have been completed, pupils can earn a Bronze (4 badges), Silver (8 badges), or Gold (all 12) certificate.
Pupils work independently, earning badges at their own pace. Depending on how many badges they complete, they can earn a Participation Certificate (1 badge), Bronze (4), Silver (8), or Gold (all 12).
Pupils form small groups of 4–6, with each student responsible for reading 1–3 books and earning their corresponding badges. Groups combine their creative responses into a "Classical Compendium" and can earn group certificates alongside individual ones.
The challenge is broken into three shorter reading adventures centred around specific classical themes - for example, Ancient Gods and Goddesses, Ancient Egypt, or Ancient Heroes. Completing three mini-challenges fulfils the full Reading Challenge.
Pupils receive a passport-style booklet to track their reading journey, recording thoughts and designing their own stamps after each book. Passport themes can follow geographical regions, time periods, or literary genres.
Have a different idea? Get in touch and we'll work with you to find the right approach for your school.
We provide a free pack of resources to help you run the challenge, including a Teacher Information Pack, student and teacher flyers, a badge tracker, a creative responses booklet, and curated reading lists organised by civilisation and theme.
To receive these resources, email us at westmidlands@classicsforall.org.uk
Please reach us at westmidlands@classicsforall.org.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question
Choose one of the five participation options above and email us to request your free resources. Once you have your materials, pupils can begin reading and working towards their badges straight away.
A creative response ensures pupils have read and understood the book, and gives them the opportunity to show how the story they've read connects to their badge number. It's also a way to engage critically and creatively with what they've read.
We provide downloadable tracking charts for individual and group participation. When you're ready to claim certificates, email us at westmidlands@classicsforall.org.uk with your school name and a selection of creative responses alongside your completed tracker — you don't need to submit evidence for every badge.
We recommend starting at the beginning of the academic year, though there is no deadline. Pupils can take as long as they need - ideally within one academic year.
The challenge is open to state schools and home-educated pupils between KS2 - KS5.
Nothing, it is completely free.
12 is a significant number in Greek and Roman mythology — the 12 Olympian Gods, the Twelve Labours of Heracles. It's also a number that's simultaneously challenging and achievable.
No - pupils can approach the badges in any order they like.
Primarily books relating to Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Near East, and Roman Britain - whether set in antiquity or a retelling such as the Percy Jackson series. If pupils would like to read about a different ancient civilisation, please get in touch to check.
No. Suggested reading lists are provided for guidance, but pupils are welcome to choose their own books as long as they can explain how the book relates to the badge number and the ancient world.
Pupils can read fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry, or plays — whatever suits them, as long as it is appropriate and a reasonable length and level of difficulty.
No. Teachers and parents should use their judgement about what is appropriate for each pupil's reading level.
No - each badge requires a different book. However, pupils can read multiple books on the same topic or different books within the same series.