Philosophy and classics come to life in Greece

History, classics, philosophy and religious studies merged under the Athenian sun as students enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Greek capital. We hope you enjoy our photo gallery, below

PHILOSOPHY and classics lessons came to life for sixth form students visiting fascinating sites -  from the Acropolis to Aristotle's Lyceum and Plato's Academy - and that was just day one of their action-packed trip in Greece..

Students took in the Parthenon, Temple of Dionysus and the iconic Erechtheion, all perched high on the Acropolis with unbeatable views across Athens, said Miss Jackson.

"They stood beside the sacred olive tree, gifted by Athena in her legendary contest against Poseidon for the city's patronage. We delved into the stunning details of classical temple decoration, from dramatic friezes to sculpted myths frozen in stone, and reflected on how these sacred spaces connected art, religion and the big philosophical questions of the day.

"Students spent the afternoon at Aristotle's Lyceum, in the very grounds were Aristotle once taught - more than a school, it was a place where physical movement and intellectual discovery went hand in hand.

"His followers were called Peripatetics, from the Greek peripatein, meaning 'to walk around' , because Aristotle believed the best thinking happened on the move.

"In true Peripatetic spirit, our students explored the leafy remains of the Lyceum while engaging in a series of walking debates under the Athenian sun."

The group went on to visit Plato's Academy - the original school of philosophy.

"They're not just 'more ruins'," explained Miss Jackson. "This quiet, leafy area was hand-picked by Plato for deep philosophical reflection and discussion. It's where minds like Aristotle were shaped, ideas about reality and justice were born and possibly where Plato himself if buried."

Following their jam-packed day, students enjoyed some downtime, including dinner and an evening stroll in Plaka, the charming old quarter of Athens, full of winding streets, souvenir shops and plenty of ancient-meets-modern vibes.

Next came a day trip to Delphi, the sacred heart of the ancient world, home of the legendary Oracle of Apollo and the 'belly button' of the Earth.

"Students explored the Temple of Apollo, where Socrates famously declared that 'the unexamined life is not worth living,' inspired by the oracle's claim that no-one was wiser than he. They saw where philosophers, pilgrims and kings once stood, a day full of myth, meaning and a few marble steps climbed too!" said Miss Jackson.

Next morning, students had the chance to slow the pace and explore the stunning Acropolis Museum, a modern space filled with the ancient world's secrets.

"Our Acropolis Treasure Hunt had students turning detective to identify some of the museum's  most sacred and symbolic artefacts," said Miss Jackson.

"Shoutout to those who spotted Nike Adjusting Her Sandal - a beautiful symbol of divine grace and poise - and the powerful Centauromachy metopes, which capture the battle between order (humans) and chaos (centaurs). A perfect spark for philosophical discussion on civilisation versus instinct - and how reason wins over rage.

"Once again, we were so impressed by the students' thoughtful engagement, curiosity and behaviour - a relaxed and reflective morning well spent among the relics of the past."

History, classics, philosophy and religious studies merged under the Athenian sun as students enjoyed their final day in the city, visiting the Ancient Agora - once a place of radical thought and fearless questioning frequented by philosophers like Socrates and Plato, the National Archaeological Museum, the Academy of Athens and some beautiful churches along the way.

Their final evening in Athens was one to remember - with Greek dancing, incredible energy and lots of laughter.

"With fabulous live music, delicious traditional food, and so much joy in the air, it was the perfect way to round off an unforgettable trip," concluded Miss Jackson.

Thank you to all the staff who made this amazing trip possible.