Network Co-ordinator: [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter: @SWclassicshub
Set up in September 2016, the network aims to promote the teaching of classical subjects in state schools across the region:
“We want classics to be firmly embedded in schools in the South West and feel that this can best be achieved through encouraging the primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors to share practice.”
Since September 2016, we have:
- Supported 105 schools, 51 primary and 54 secondary schools, to introduce or improve their classics provision.
- Trained 245 teachers, many of whom had never studied classics before themselves, allowing over 20,000 pupils to study classical subjects on a regular basis. A further x pupils have had the opportunity to participate in one-off enrichment activities.
- Provided training and Continuing Professional Development to trainee teachers at the University of West England and the University of Bristol, introducing and strengthening their classical subject knowledge.
In 2023-4 we are keen to strengthen the network further, encouraging more schools to participate in training and online events. Other aspirations include introducing classics to new primary schools across the region and recruiting more schools to take part in the Olympus Challenge, which recognises the achievements of pupils studying classics as part of an after-school club.
We are also expanding our highly successful 'Ovid in the West Country' competition in 2023. The Ovid competition supports schools incorporating classical storytelling into the Key Stage 3 English curriculum.
If you are interested in free training or support to strengthen the teaching of classical subjects at your school and would like to be part of our lively network, please get in touch.
We invite individual or corporate sponsorship of our regional networks. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch at [email protected].