6 / 20
Psychoanalysing
Odysseus
Lauren Heskey, 5E
On the 10 November, members of the Classical
Society were treated to an engaging analysis of
Odysseus, the main character from Homer’s
Odyssey
,
by OB and classicist Emma Greensmith.
Emma was a brilliant speaker, providing detailed insight into
various passages of
The Odyssey
, while expertly keeping all
“scholar speak” to a minimum. The psychoanalysis she offered
about Odysseus was intriguing, and attracted those interested
in psychology as well as the classical world. We also had many
visitors from other schools attending the talk. This was one of the
most interesting yet contextually open talks I have been to during
my two years as part of Classical Society. I very much hope that
Emma can visit again, armed with yet another engaging topic and
a beautiful PowerPoint presentation.
6 MUSIC / CLASSICS
Musical Notes
The autumn term is always a very
busy one musically, especially in
the lead up to Christmas. This
year, one of the highlights was
undoubtedly the Arts Fundraiser
which showcased the many
talents of our choirs and musical
ensembles. The Bancroft’s
Singers travelled to the Drapers’
Almshouses in Bruce Grove to
entertain the residents. The
Christmas Carol Service held at
All Saints Church was, as ever, a
standing room only event and a
fitting end to the term.
Younger instrumentalists had the chance to
perform during an informal lunchtime concert
given by the Second Orchestra, conducted by
Mr James Kelsall. For many of them this was
their first chance performing with a Bancroft’s
ensemble. Their enthusiasmwas infectious
as they performed three popular pieces:
Have
Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
, the theme
from
Fame
and
New York New York
. There
were also solos from Holly Timmis (clarinet)
and Aarav Shah (violin). Two of our Prep
musicians - Lucy Fox (recorder) and Matthew
Pinto (piano) also had the chance to perform.
Classics’ Quiz
Adam Agbamu, U4W
Shortly after School on
25 November, pupils
from all year groups, as
well as some teachers,
assembled in Room A1.
Everyone settled down
into teams and the 2016
Bancroft’s Classics Quiz was underway.
Questions were posed on a range of classics related subjects. From
dramatic battles to momentous moments in the history of western
civilisation, from Apollo 13’s motto (
ex luna, scientia
) to the definition
of monophagous (eating only one kind of food), the questions
provided all the participants with insights into how the classical world
continues to shape and define the world of today. My favourite round
required participants to name stills from favourite classical-themed
movies, from the much-loved cartoon
Hercules
to Ridley Scott’s
blockbuster sensation
Gladiator
. After the results of the third round
came in, tensions reached fever-pitch when one of the students’
teams nosed ahead of the teachers.
Ultimately, the teachers
proved too strong and scored
the top overall marks.
In the end, everyone
delighted in the atmosphere
of friendly competition,
proving that Classics serves
as an excellent medium
for both education and
entertainment.