Every year, the Lytham St Annes CA holds a nationwide Classics Competition for students in years 7-13 to produce and deliver a presentation in 15 minutes or less in response to a particular question about the ancient world. The competition is free to enter, and offers young people a fabulous opportunity to research, write and deliver their own presentation, in whatever format they feel is most appropriate, to an informed and supportive audience where a warm and enthusiastic welcome is guaranteed. Further information can be found below and via the drop-down menu.
Classics Competition 2019
The LSA CA’s 2019 Classics Competition invited students to choose and discuss their three favourite artefacts from the ancient world. From funeral masks to freestanding sculptures and frescoes, painted vases to mosaics, coins and jewellery (and so much more!), we were intrigued to discover what made the artefacts special to each individual and what they can teach us about the ancient world. In a series of fifteen minute presentations, we were convinced by the four finalists that their individual favourite were all worthy of a top three place!
The 2019 Finalists were:
Anna Dunkow, AKS Lytham – Three Essential Artefacts for our Modern World
Thomas Hewitt, Kirkham Grammar School – Roman connections: Near and Far
Archie McKenzie, St Edward’s School Bath – East and West
Alice Owens, Runshaw College – Displays of Conflict and Unity in the Ancient World: A Discussion of three key Artefacts
This year’s Competition gave students a rare chance to present their work in front of one of the country’s best known classicists – our fantastic President, Professor Michael Scott. Whether presenting Ancient Invisible Cities on BBC TV or delivering a lecture to his students at the University of Warwick, Professor Scott’s love and knowledge of the ancient world shines through. He offered excellent feedback to all of the finalists and faced a difficult decision as all the finalists showed great enthusiasm and erudition and an infectious passion for the ancient world and for their individual #MyTopThree!
The audience were also invited to have their say and the People’s Choice votes were swiftly counted: the Mayor and Mayoress presented Thomas Hewitt with a certificate, prize money and special owl trophy. The democratic voice had spoken and, indeed, was in agreement with Professor Scott who gave great feedback to all the finalists and announced that Thomas was also his Overall Winner. His impressive depth of research, controlled and confident delivery, and fusion of both local and national identity into the narrative of his chosen artefacts, made it a very impressive performance and he was a worthy winner.
We look forward to our 2020 competition, details of which will be launched in the Autumn. Our thanks go to our host venue – AKS Lytham – and to the Classical Association for their generous financial support. Well done to all those who entered the competition and impressed us with their research, careful thought and passion for the ancient world!
