SIXTH FORM

The Cicero Competition results have just been announced at the AGM of the Joint Association of Classical Teachers. Vanessa Ebitu, Year 13, did very well in the cultural test on Jason and the Argonauts and was awarded a ‘Special Mention'. The competition was closely fought this year. Italy and France topped the results table with the same mark, with Italy winning after a tie break question. The third place, with a score only half a mark lower, was taken by the UK thanks to Alice Williamson from Edinburgh. Mrs Dicks has received a personal message from Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, who donated a signed copy of his book as a prize for the competition. ‘Many thanks for your email. Glad you received the book safe and sound. Half a mark is very close so congratulations on all your work!'

Highly Commended and Commended prizes were awarded to students at Hereford Cathedral School. Interestingly, their teacher, Emma Sage, is an old girl of MSJ. The Malvern St James Trophy for the U6 Latin winner was won by The College of Richard Collyer in London.

Classics teacher, Mrs Dicks, who founded the competition five years ago with Patrick Voisin, said ‘More than 600 students competing in 20 centres around the world were able to make friends and communicate in various languages, including Latin. It might seem ironic that a combination of ancient cultures and modern-day technology is facilitating new friendships and shared enthusiasm for young people'.