The pupils from Fourth and Fifth Forms represented CLS, competing in two teams across twelve challenging rounds of classical puzzles and translation.
The Olympiad tested a wide breadth of classical knowledge, extending well beyond Latin language alone. Pupils were required to draw on their understanding of mythology, ancient history, literature and philosophy, with each round increasing in difficulty as the competition progressed.
The opening round featured a crossword based on classical clues, with answers given in Latin. Subsequent rounds included a wide variety of formats, such as identifying myths and words from strings of emojis, correcting errors and finding derivatives in classical texts, and recognising famous quotations from ancient writers and philosophers. Game-inspired rounds, including a Boggle-style challenge, added variety and pace to the event.
One of the most demanding rounds was inspired by the New York Times game ‘Connections’, requiring teams to identify links between mythological figures and complete sentences using accurate Latin translations.
Both CLS teams performed admirably, finishing 12th and 18th in a strong field. As well as providing a rigorous academic challenge, the Olympiad offered an excellent opportunity for pupils from different year groups to collaborate, strengthening teamwork and confidence while deepening their engagement with Classics.
