Queen Mary’s College’s Humanities Department has been named runner-up for the prestigious Classics for All Impact Sixth Form College Award.
The annual teaching award celebrates educators and institutions that champion classical subjects in state schools across the UK. In announcing the accolade, the national charity Classics for All praised the popularity and enthusiasm for the subject among students at QMC.
A representative from Classics for All commented: “It was amazing to read about the success of the subject at Queen Mary’s College, and to hear how much the students are enjoying it. What you have achieved there is brilliant! Well done!”
Expanding Access to the Ancient World
The Classics for All Impact Awards are supported by Classics for All, a charity organisation advocating for classical subjects in state schools to ensure students from any background can study the ancient world. The organisation drives long-term, sustainable teaching of classics by providing free training, flexible guidance, and mentoring to schools.
On QMC’s achievement, History Teacher Rachel Kirby commented:
“It is fantastic that Classics for All has recognised QMC’s impact on the study of the ancient world in our local area. The college is deeply grateful for their support with training, CPD, resources, and funding towards our trips to Greece and Rome. It is a privilege to be recognised by a charity that shares our ambition to encourage the study of the ancient world.”
A Rich History of Classics at QMC
A Level Ancient History was first introduced at QMC in the early 2000s by recently retired, long-time teacher, Tom Pearson. Today, QMC’s Humanities Department continues to uphold the firm belief that the ancient world should be accessible by every student, regardless of their background.
Students studying Ancient History are given the opportunity to explore challenging topics and exciting historical events through original texts. This allows individuals to develop critical analysis skills and form independent, informed conclusions.
Alongside a Latin enrichment programme, the department organises annual alternating trips to Greece and Rome. These trips have taken students from Hampshire to global heritage sites for over twenty years and remain highly popular study excursions.
Carrying on the Passion for Classics
The passion cultivated at QMC has driven numerous alumni to pursue the ancient world in higher education.
Former students are currently undertaking a diverse range of degrees including Ancient and Modern History, Classics, Archaeology, Anthropology, and Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic courses.
QMC alumni have secured placement at some of the UK’s most prestigious institutions, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of York, King’s College London, the University of Exeter, and the University of Manchester.
