Prep
From the very beginning of the day, pupils were immersed in Roman life. The opening assembly introduced the boys to the extraordinary scale of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, exploring how Roman leaders used games, spectacle and entertainment to maintain power and influence. The boys quickly discovered that in Ancient Rome, strength alone was not enough – persuasion, identity and performance were equally powerful tools.
Boys rotated through a range of sessions designed to bring Roman society vividly to life. Pupils explored the political importance of the games, debating whether gladiatorial combat was entertainment, manipulation or a form of control. Discussions around “bread and circuses” encouraged pupils to think deeply about how emperors maintained support amongst the plebs, while older boys wrestled with questions of power, fairness and persuasion.
The competitive spirit of Ancient Rome came alive in Sport, where boys trained like Roman gladiators through chariot-inspired relays and gladiatorial challenges. House rivalry intensified as teams competed in colourful Roman factions inspired by the Circus Maximus.
Meanwhile, in Art, pupils designed Roman-inspired signet rings, learning how jewellery and symbols acted as markers of identity, citizenship and status. The craftsmanship and creativity on display were remarkable, with each house proudly incorporating its own colours and symbols into the final designs.
Music sessions added another layer of atmosphere as boys experimented with rhythm, chant and military sound, discovering how collective voice and performance could unite crowds and inspire loyalty. Walking through the corridors, it felt as though a Roman legion was preparing to invade Britain once again.
The climax of the day came during the final House Oration Competition. After refining speeches inspired by famous Roman figures including Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Cicero and Augustus, selected pupils from each house stepped forward to address the audience. With remarkable confidence and conviction, the boys demonstrated the art of Roman oratory, using pause, gesture and powerful delivery to persuade and command attention.
Some speeches were fiery and dramatic, others calm and commanding, but all showcased the boys’ growing understanding that in Ancient Rome, the greatest power often belonged not to the strongest soldier, but to the most persuasive speaker.
The final competition was fiercely contested, with every house earning enthusiastic support from the crowd. Well done to Team Alba (Windsor) for claiming victory. Most importantly, the day succeeded in bringing history vividly to life, combining scholarship, creativity, teamwork and performance in a truly immersive experience.
Pre-Prep
Boys and girls were transported to Ancient Rome through a series of immersive drama workshops led by a visiting theatre company. Pupils fully embraced the experience, bringing history vividly to life through role-play and storytelling.
Pupils explored different aspects of daily life in Ancient Rome. Busy Roman market stalls encouraged the children to trade goods, communicate with one another and discover what life may have been like in a bustling Roman town. In quieter moments, pupils explored Roman beliefs and traditions through reflective activities inspired by Roman tombs and rituals, while the Roman spa experience introduced them to the importance of relaxation, wellbeing and social life in Roman culture.
Excitement levels soared in the arena workshop, where pupils watched puppet gladiators battle for victory, learning about the spectacles that entertained huge Roman crowds in venues such as the Colosseum. Through performance and participation, the children developed a deeper understanding of Roman society, discovering how entertainment, community and everyday routines shaped life in the ancient world.
