Thomas Mills High School: A-level Classical Civilisation trip to London (February 2026)

In February, 13 Classical Civilisation students had the privilege of visiting London with Dr Rozier and Miss Vale. First, they went to the British Museum where they saw visual sources from their ‘Invention of the Barbarian’ module. Some key highlights were the Friezes from the Temple at Bassae depicting Amazons at war with Greeks, the Cyrus Cylinder and the stairs from the Apadana at Persepolis. It was exciting for students to experience the impact of the sources they have studied in person.

Next, they attended the pre-show lecture on ‘Power, Sacrifice and Empire’ in Iphigenia, led by Dr Matthura Umachandran and Dr Marchella Ward at UCL Bloomsbury, which gave the students an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of colonialism and gender-based violence still relevant today. The production this year was especially moving despite Euripides’s Iphigenia being first performed more than 2000 years ago. We are reminded again how relevant classics is today. This production utilised a contemporary wardrobe and setting which emphasised the devastating effects of war.

Overall, this informing and moving day highlighted the continued importance of the ancient world in understanding ourselves and the world around us.

Isla and Zahra, Year 13