Loving Latin at the Annual Regional Classical Reading Competition

Pupils with a taste for languages lost to the modern era had great success at the Annual Regional Classical Reading Competition, which took place at the University of Leeds last Wednesday.

Going head to head against schools in the local area, the competition was an excellent opportunity to develop skills in Latin or Greek pronunciation as well as confidence in public speaking. Students in Years 4 to 13 were invited by the university to read a given text in English translation, Ancient Greek, or Latin.

The girls had to overcome their fears to perform in a grand lecture theatre in front of a panel of university lecturers and all fellow competitors. Mrs Burne, Head of Classics, said, “It is nerve-wracking but our girls were exceptional in both their performances and their behaviour.”

Our pupils competing showed an incredible gift for Greek and Latin, and incredibly won prizes in every category available.

First place was taken by Lottie, Year 13, in the prestigious Senior Latin category, as well as Isobel and Isabelle, Year 12, for Senior in translation (pairs); Nawar, Year 10, for Senior in translation (individual) against students in Year 12 and 13; Rebekah, Year 8, for the most competitive category Junior Latin; and Suhani, Year 8, for Junior in translation. Read more about studying A Level Latin at Sheffield Girls'.

Other prizes were awarded to Katie, Year 11, who came third in Senior in translation (individual) against students in Year 12 and 13; Isabella, Year 8, who received an honourable mention in Junior Latin; Anavi, Year 8, who came second in Junior in translation; and Nawar, Year 10, who came second in Intermediate Latin.

“They were a real credit to our school and should all be congratulated,” commented Mrs Burne. “It is incredibly impressive that so many of our students were awarded prizes in such a large, regional competition.”