The Classics Blossom through the Iris Project
Posted on 13/06/2011
Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson will deliver a lecture at Kings College London on 16th June on the importance of Classics in schools.
Mr Johnson, who has campaigned extensively against the demise of Classics teaching, will reaffirm his belief that subjects such as Latin and ancient Greek should be accessible to all, and not remain the preserve of the elite few.
Students at King’s agree and are actively doing their bit to promote Classics teaching in the state sector through their outreach work with the Iris Project, of which Mr Johnson is a patron.
As part of the Inner London Latin Project, the King’s Classics Department places students into disadvantaged primary schools to teach Latin. Lorna Robinson, Director of the Iris Project, says the key is making learning ancient languages and culture enjoyable. She said: “Volunteer students have worked with thousands of pupils in large, mixed-ability classes, providing them with the opportunity to learn about Latin in fun, accessible and relevant ways.
“We work particularly with schools in deprived urban regions where literacy levels are often low, and where many children are on free school meals. Our project has been shown to enhance literacy as well as to promote confidence and communication skills amongst pupils."
Students from the King’s Classics Department teach for one hour per week in underprivileged schools in socially-excluded boroughs of inner London. Aisha Khan-Evans from the Department of Education and Professional Studies, a Lecturer in Classics Education, provides training for the students ahead of their entry into the classroom.
Concern over the demise of Classics teaching within schools has led to a recent resurgence in its teaching. There is now more Classics teaching in the state sector but there is still a shortage of trained Classics teachers.
The outreach work undertaken by King’s students is particularly beneficial for those wishing to pursue a career in teaching, providing valuable classroom experience. Katie Moran, a third year BA Classical Studies with English student, has participated in the project for two years, teaching at St Mary’s Primary School, Brent. She said: “I think the children enjoy learning most about the differences between Roman children and the way that modern day children live. It increased awareness of both Latin and Classical Civilisation which is great for our subject which is not as popular with students as other subjects.”
Boris Johnson will deliver his lecture at the Department for Education and Professional Studies at King’s College London on 16th June at 5.30pm. His short lecture will be followed by a question and answer session with Aisha Khan-Evans, Lecturer in Classics Education, Will Wootton, RCUK Fellow in Roman Art and Anastasia Troisi, a former student.
Notes to Editors
The Iris Project is an educational charity introducing the languages and culture of the ancient world to UK state schools in order to enrich the curriculum. It was founded in the belief that the opportunity to learn about Classical languages, literature, histories and art should be made available to all, regardless of background, and that learning about these fascinating subjects can be a vital tool in promoting learning across the school curriculum in UK state schools.
For media enquiries please contact Anna Mitchell, Press Officer at King’s College London on 0207 848 3092 or at
anna.i.mitchell@kcl.ac.uk