On Tuesday the 27th of November, four local schools gathered at Channing School to compete in a high stakes event. A classics quiz structured like the popular television show University Challenge. The schools in question were: Channing, Fortismere, Alexandra Park and Henrietta Barnett. Notably three quarters of the competitors were from state schools (a welcome change in terms of classical study) which is usually seen as an incredibly elitist.
The questions were wide ranging from Russell Crowe to Socrates! They covered all aspects of the classical world. Athenian democracy, pop culture, philosophy, competitors had to be well versed in a number of diverse categories. Fuelled on by free biscuits Channing School generously provided the afternoon was competitive and enjoyable. The final was tense; both Henrietta Barnett and Alexandra Park had won convincingly in their first round but in the end the team from Henrietta Barnett triumphed! They won a mini amphora that they get to keep until next year’s competition. The event was organised by Ms. Sarah Elliot and was great fun for everyone involved.
I spoke to some of the competitors and the spectators and everyone agreed that it was amazing. As a classics student, events like this are great fun, and help to bring like minded people together. Classical education is becoming less and less popular, events like this help to inspire people and encourage further study in a classical field. Everyone is incredibly excited for next year!
