The Carr-Kenworthy Travel Bursary is helping pupils experience the Classical world beyond the classroom, creating opportunities to explore first-hand the history, places and cultures they encounter through their studies.
Donations made in memory of former LHS Head of Classics and Latin teacher, Miss Esme Kenworthy, together with a fund established through the generosity of the Carr family, were brought together to create the bursary. It enables pupils to take part in an LSF Classics residential or Classics-related summer school, either in the UK or overseas, extending their learning far beyond the classroom.
This year, Tilly received support from the bursary to join a Classics trip to Campania, travelling with pupils from across the Foundation to explore some of Italy’s most significant archaeological sites.
Over five days, Tilly visited Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, Boscoreale, Stabiae and the Naples National Archaeological Museum, seeing first-hand many of the places and artefacts she had previously encountered through her studies.
At the Naples National Archaeological Museum, Tilly recognised exhibits she had learned about in Latin lessons, including Caecilius, whose life as a wealthy banker and auctioneer in Pompeii had formed part of her studies. Ancient inscriptions in the museum also gave her the chance to put her own learning into practice.
“I really enjoyed putting my own Latin knowledge into practice by trying to understand some of the inscriptions for myself.”
At Paestum, Tilly explored three remarkably well-preserved Greek temples and learned more about the techniques used in their design and construction.
“I was amazed that the temples have remained standing for so many centuries and was fascinated by the engineering and craftsmanship behind them.”
A visit to Pompeii gave Tilly the opportunity to walk through ancient streets and explore houses, shops and taverns, as well as the Forum, amphitheatre and theatres. Seeing the Forum was particularly significant because she had previously studied it in her Latin lessons.
Later that day, Villa Poppaea proved another highlight. The scale and decoration of the Roman villa challenged Tilly’s previous perceptions of life in the ancient world and encouraged her to find out more.
“I asked our tour guide lots of questions throughout the visit, and I really enjoyed learning even more about the site through the archaeological and scientific evidence that has been uncovered. It made me realise just how much there is still to discover about the ancient world.”
The trip also took Tilly to Herculaneum, where learning about those who sought shelter during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius brought a very human dimension to the history she was exploring. Alongside the archaeological visits, Tilly also had opportunities to experience Campania itself, including time in Sorrento and a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast.
For Tilly, the experience provided the opportunity to apply what she had learned in the classroom, ask questions, make new discoveries and develop a deeper understanding of the Classical world.
Reflecting on the trip, she said:
“Seeing the places we had previously studied in the classroom brought my learning to life and gave me a much deeper understanding of the Classical world.
It was an unforgettable experience, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone whose generosity made it possible.”
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