A Junior Year form group recently entered a Trojan War Competition, run by the Classical Association, and two students were among the winners, with their entries Highly Commended.
Form JM has been studying the Trojan War in their Classical Studies class, and Miss Van Dal, Head of Classics, encouraged them to enter the competition. Open to students aged 7-14, they could submit a piece of creative writing, art or an animation in response to The Wooden Horse, the famous stratagem employed by the Greek hero Odysseus in order to help the Greeks win victory in the war.
Miss Van Dal says, “The whole of the class submitted some work, and I sent off a selection to the Classical Association. There were some really imaginative pieces, which absolutely blew me away. The judges said the standard was very high this year, and they could have awarded many more prizes. Well done to all the students who entered and especially to our prize winners, Kai and Ellis.”
Kai submitted a piece of creative writing, looking at the myth from the perspective of a young Trojan child. This was Highly Commended by the judges, who commented that it was “An interesting interpretation of the myth…which engages the reader effectively.”
Ellis produced a soundscape from the perspective of Odysseus, inside the Trojan Horse, waiting at the gates of Troy. The judges Highly Commended Ellis and said, “Such a clever concept…the sounds of breathing, the debating voices outside the Horse, the creaking of the wheels and the owl were especially effective.” You can see Ellis’ piece of work here.
Other entries included models of the horse, striking pieces of art and a horse made out of hama beads. The judges provided feedback on all the entries, praising the creativity of the students. The Classical Association received record-breaking number of entries, from students as far-flung as America to China to India, via Malawi and New Zealand.
Taking part in the competition gave students a chance to bring ancient myths to life in creative and personal ways, while building their confidence, imagination, and pride in their work. Well done to all.
Entries from students Jacob, Alex, Alister and Michael shown here.
