On Wednesday, our Sixth Formers participated in a GDST Classics Conference hosted at our sister school, South Hampstead High GDST. This year, the conference covered topics ranging from Greek drama and sacrifice to Greek geography. Mrs. Frankland, our Classics Lead, delivered a seminar titled ‘Gender Bias and Its Origins in Greek Drama’, collaborating with fellow classicists to explore:

• How were women portrayed in the ancient world?
• Who presented them like this? Why?
• How does this compare with the presentation of women today?
• Who is in control of the narrative?

The event provided a wonderful opportunity for classicists to convene and engage in discussions on the topic. Additionally, we were honoured to have Professor Katherine Clarke from Oxford University as keynote speaker. Her insights offered a fresh perspective to our pupils on their journey through Classics.

‘It was wonderful to meet with fellow Classicists who share similar passions and interests – especially as I am to read Classics and English at university next year! My favourite talk was by the keynote speaker Professor Katherine Clarke at Oxford University, who spoke on the geography of the ancient world and how ancient Greeks viewed one another. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it – I generally consider myself more interested in Greek literature and drama, not geography – but Professor Clarke’s lecture was incredibly sophisticated, yet easy to engage with.’

Mei – Sixth Former