As the smash-hit movie The Odyssey continues to spark a new generation’s interest in the ancient world, The High School of Dundee today brought together hundreds of pupils from across Scotland for a unique event devoted to the study of Classics.
More than 280 students and teachers from 25 state and independent schools were joined by leading academic experts from the Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh for the School’s first-ever Classical Studies Conference.
Aiming to support both current and aspiring Classical Studies pupils and teachers, the day offered a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the ancient world.
With the experts’ areas of expertise covering subjects including Archaeology, Greek Literature and History, Roman History, Applied Classics and more, a diverse programme of lectures and discussions spanned everything from Athenian democracy and Roman society to architecture and the continuing influence of the classical world today.
The morning featured talks closely linked to National 5 and Higher Classical Studies courses, while the afternoon focused on practical workshops covering careers and further study in Classics, research skills, current developments in the field and advice for schools interested in introducing the subject.
The pupils also heard from recent HSD leaver Eve Campbell, now a 1st class degree Classics & English graduate of Oxford University.
The conference comes at a time when interest in Classical Studies is growing rapidly in Scotland. Across the country National 5 entries in the subject have more than tripled over the last decade, while recent popular culture interest in ancient stories has sparked fresh enthusiasm among young people.
At HSD, Classics has always been a subject that we’ve been very pleased to be able to offer, and indeed at Higher level numbers doubled between 2025 and 2026. As the only school in the local area offering Classics and the Ancient World from S1–S6, we’re delighted to have been able to bring pupils, teachers and experts from across the educational spectrum together for this event celebrating, promoting and inspiring learning in the subject.
Head of Classics, Gordon Fyall, and Event organiser, Classics Teacher Anthony Kent, said: “Classics is experiencing an increase in numbers nationally in Scottish schools. Classics For All, who are in attendance today, have helped push Classics in schools but also individual teachers have worked hard to push the subject in schools.
“One of the aims of the conference is to promote participation in Classics and build a network for schools and teachers to continue to progress the subject.
“There are 25 schools and 280 people in attendance today from as far as the Borders and Dumfries, to Glasgow in the west and Aberdeenshire in the north, which demonstrates a community that is engaged in the subject and very keen for it to progress.
“We are committed to broadening opportunities for young people and hope to inspire the next generation of historians, archaeologists, researchers and academics by demonstrating that Classics remains just as relevant and engaging today.”
Huge thanks go to our guest speakers: Dr Jon Hesk, Professor Alice König, Dr Lucy Wadeson, Professor Myles Lavan, Professor Carlos Machado, Dr Alex Imrie, Dr Seb Marshall, Jana Mauri Marlborough, Reise Watson and Xiyuan Meng.