Outreach

The classical world is fascinating and inspiring, and has much influence on and relevance to the modern world. That's why we want to make it accessible to all.

We run a number of engagement programmes for local schools, and our academics regularly give talks on a variety of topics to A level students. We also invite the community into the Ure Museum to explore the unique artefacts we hold and learn about their origins.

Schools programmes

Helping children and young adults to get involved in and enthused about classics is very important both for their own understanding of world history and the preservation of the discipline.

We are part of the Students in Schools scheme which has been thriving for over 20 years. Students from the University volunteer alongside teachers in local schools with the aim of raising the aspirations of school pupils and encouraging them to continue into higher education.
We are also part of the University's Reading Scholars scheme, where we participate in the History, Archaeology and Classics stream. Every year we run a day of talks, events and activities for Year 12 students enrolled as Reading Scholars.
We run an annual event along with Classics for All – a day of events and activities for Year 8 and 9 students which aims to promote the teaching of classics in schools.

If you are an educator and are interested in getting your school involved in our engagement programmes, please contact Jackie Baines by emailing j.baines@reading.ac.uk.

The Ancient Schoolroom

Our Reading Ancient Schoolroom project allows modern students to spend a day experiencing a school as it would have been in the classical age.

Staff and lecturers from the Department run the day, in character as Roman teachers.

Watch this video to see what happens in our ancient schoolroom. To find out more about the project, contact Professor Eleanor Dickey by emailing e.dickey@reading.ac.uk.

Community engagement at the Ure Museum

We are keen to introduce the public to the classical world and to share knowledge. One way we do this is through our on-site museum.

The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, situated within the Department of Classics, is free and open to the public five days a week during term-time.

Every year the museum welcomes thousands of pupils from primary school and above, as well as researchers and members of the public.

The museum offers opportunities for engagement with an array of fascinating artefacts from the ancient world, and provides talks from world-leading experts.

Find out more about outreach activities at the Ure Museum