To support their studies in Latin, pupils in the 10s were transported back to Roman days and participated in a special workshop organised by Mrs Seaton and the Classics department.
They were visited by Lucius Calpernius Pudens of Legio XIIII Gemina Martia Victrix (the 14th Legion, the twin, warlike and victorious) whose details were taken from a genuine Roman soldier's tombstone preserved in the Landesmuseum, Mainz.
The morning was spent learning all about the difference between Romans and the ‘Brittunculi’ (silly little Britons), the life of a Roman soldier and joining the Roman army.
In the afternoon they learnt about the Roman invasion of Britain and Boudicca’s rebellion and ultimate defeat. Some of the 10s were invited to dress up in chainmail, helmets, armour and weapons and one (Belle) as Boudicca, complete with a cloak and large golden neck ring, shield and spear.
Pupils were then conscripted into the army and put through their paces, learning the different commands and formations, including a Testuda (tortoise). They then came under attack from Mr Hooke and members of the Classics department who fired bean bags at them.
