Our huge thanks to the organising committee, headed by Prof. Alison Cooley, Prof. David Fearn and Dr Paul Grigsby, and all of the conference, support and IT staff at the University of Warwick as well as everyone who contributed, joined us remotely, sponsored different parts of the conference, and who helped created such a friendly, positive and collegial atmosphere.
Based in the Oculus building, we enjoyed a packed schedule of papers, panels, workshops and plenary events; the award-winning Faculty of Arts building was also used for a trio of activities – a drinks reception, an epigraphic squeeze making workshop, and a performance of David Wiles’ Octavia – as well as to showcase the Black Classicists exhibition.
There was strong representation from the teaching community, with teachers from a wide range of schools both attending and presenting at the Conference. Panels and workshops with a pedagogical focus ran throughout the weekend, with papers focussed on topics such as teaching with inscriptions, teaching in diverse settings and teaching in translation. At the workshops, discussions centred on increasing engagement in classical subjects from school through to university, and EDI in Latin language teaching. The Classical Association Teaching Board also ran a very well attended session focussed on their Qualifications Review, and the work they are doing with the exam boards to prepare for the next round of reform. It was wonderful to see academics and teachers collaborating and sharing ideas both in and outside of these workshops, and we hope that these conversations inspired practitioners from both sectors to continue working together in the future.
Student Blog
Undergraduate Lily Birch writes about her weekend as one of the team of enthusiastic and efficient student helpers:
“This weekend, I was fortunate enough to be a student helper at the Classical Association Conference for 2024, hosted by the University of Warwick where I’m a first year undergraduate student in Classical Civilisation. Before people arrived, there was a nervous energy in the air, from the helpers and organizers alike. However, when the conference was well under way this was replaced by a sense of excitement, everyone was visibly happy to be attending which created a warm atmosphere which I’m sure people will agree was a lovely environment. Being around so many Classicists was a rare treat. The subject can sometimes feel as though it’s endangered, but the passion of those attending this event, as well as the sheer number and diversity of attendees showed a certain future for Classics, through the passion of everyone involved.”
Just some of the team of student helpers!
The plenary lecture by Prof. Yannis Hamilakis was outstanding. As I’m sure everyone who attended will agree, his insightful discussion on the often ignored history of the Acropolis particularly in the Ottoman period was enlightening. I was particularly fascinated by its use as an Islamic burial site, a history of the monument I had no awareness of. His message about the importance of deconstructing racecraft will stick with me throughout my studies of Classics, and is an important examination of how we can improve as a discipline. After that we enjoyed an interview with Katrina Kelly and Lindsey Davis, who inspired us to seek out our local CA Branch across England and Wales.
Prof. Michael Scott introducing and then handing over to Prof. Hamilakis
Saturday was an incredibly busy day, everyone was immersed in the conference for the entire day – at least once we’d fixed the revolving door – and those who met Mable the dachshund will agree that she was one of the stars of the conference!
Mabel the Daschund with friends!
Without a doubt, my personal highlight of the weekend came on this day – I was part of the presidential performance Cassandra Float Can with the CA’s president, Anne Carson, as well as her partner, the artist Robert Currie. The group of student helpers which were involved with this performance formed an impromptu chorus, carrying around photographs of artwork to illustrate the messages of Anne’s speech. Granted, we didn’t know what exactly we were doing until a few hours before the performance. I think I speak for all the performers involved when I say the semi-improvisational aspect of the piece added to the chaotic but exciting energy of the day, and certainly bonded us. The unusual nature of the performance will certainly help it stick in the audiences’ minds for a long time to come. Anne and Robert were absolutely lovely people, and we were all struck by how down to earth they are. This was a truly once in a lifetime experience, and one which I will never forget.
Some of us with Anne and Robert!
The formal dinner hosted by the CA is another highlight for many delegates – a night of wonderful food and conversation with Classicists was truly inspirational- not to mention the awards presentation highlighting the incredible work people in the field are doing. Congratulations to all winners! Click on these links to view the winners of the CA’s 2024 Teaching Awards and CA Prize.
Speaking of awards, Sunday brought with it the Young Speakers presentation. Kitty and Oscar both delivered incredible speeches and I wish them every success in the future, they can only go from strength to strength. Congratulations to them and to the other highly commended speeches. Following this, the Write2Speak workshop was another incredible experience. Having the chance to hear from others as well as writing and sharing myself was cathartic. I’ve definitely taken away a lot from it.
Some of the Young Speakers with judge and workshop lead Tyler Luke Cunningham, an actor and spoken word artist
I attended a fascinating panel on teaching classics outside the UK, at which I heard the efforts of teachers from Canada and Slovenia in how they are keeping the subject alive and well. As well as a revaluation of the way languages are taught, and a look at increasing diversity within teaching of the subject. This was truly inspiring to me, and the topics raised are in my opinion key to increasing the uptake of Classics.
The weekend was an incredible experience, and everyone I spoke to throughout the conference only had good words to say about it. Hearing from so many incredibly intelligent and talented people has given me, as well as many others I’m sure, much to reflect on and new areas to explore. Thank you so much to everyone involved, and best of luck to St Andrews next July!”
Do be sure to join us all again in Scotland next summer – more news to follow soon!
There were so many other highlights to the Conference: catching up with former colleagues and students; seeing international collaborators meet for the first time in person; watching panels online for those attending virtually; witnessing the screening of silent films with a live pianist; workshops on topics as varied as virtual reality, lego building, Doctor Who, linguistics, numismatics and Classics in Coventry. The breadth was incredible!
