Award-Winning Author Discusses the Importance of Studying Classics
Posted on: July 18, 2023
An interview with Professor Arlene Holmes Henderson, Professor of Classics Education and Public Policy at Durham University.
What drives you to promote the study of Classics in schools and communities?
As a secondary school pupil in Scotland, I loved learning Latin. When I got to university, I enjoyed learning more about the ancient world, from its histories and archaeologies to its literatures and philosophies. I think that everyone deserves the chance to learn about the ancient world (if they so wish) and am pleased that, thanks to collaboration across the Classics community, support is available to teachers, parents, learners and members of the public who want to get involved.
How do students benefit from studying Classics?
This is what Expanding Classics: Innovative Pedagogies in Schools and Communities is about! Chapters 1 and 2 provide results from studies into Latin and Greek as routes to improved English literacy for disadvantaged students. Chapter 3 showcases the results of reading classical mythology with learners who speak English as an Additional Language. Chapter 4 compares pupils’ perceptions of racial and ethnic diversity in two Latin textbooks. Chapter 5 presents findings from research into Ancient History as a pathway to inclusivity at Key Stage 3. Chapter 6 looks at the benefits of engaging with material culture in a museum setting, both for school learners but also for members of the community who may not have any prior experience of Classics. The final chapter explores an innovative project to help primary school learners and their teachers to develop vocabulary to discuss objects with contested histories, via 3D printed replicas. Taken together, the book presents both an expansion of what is understood as ‘Classics’ but also a range of practitioner perspectives from those on the ground who are committed to expanding access to the subject. I would encourage everyone to request a copy for their local library!
You’ve recently received a Royal Honour from King Charles III for Services to Education. Can you tell us about that?
I received an MBE in the Birthday Honours 2023 for the work I do to support the learning and teaching of the Humanities via several pro bono positions with national charities. This includes my Classics-focussed work with the Classical Association and the Roman Society, my education-focussed work with the British Curriculum Forum and the support I give to international educational and cultural exchange via my role on the US-UK Fulbright Commission Alumni Council.
What is next for your research and engagement?
I am currently working with public policy officials on various Humanities-focussed projects. I am also leading a new interdisciplinary project on rhetoric, oracy and critical skills funded by Durham University called ‘Shy Bairns Get Nowt’. You can read more about it here.
I have a book, co-authored with Kat Howard, forthcoming with Routledge Education, Reviving Rhetoric Across the Curriculum: A Guide for Teachers and School Leaders. This has grown out of my British Academy Innovation Fellowship (2022-2024) on ‘Levelling up through talk: how does oracy contribute to social mobility and employability?’. Together with my partner Voice 21 Oracy, there will be further publications and events next year. Full details will be available on www.profarlenehh.com and via X at @profarlenehh.