ONE of Britain's top classicists has said it is "incredible" the way Classics is thriving at a Worcester school.

Professor Edith Hall, a lecturer at Kings College London and the first woman to win the prestigious Erasmus Medal spent the day with Classical Studies students at Christopher Whitehead Language College.

As part of a day of activities celebrating Classical Studies, Professor Hall gave an assembly to Year 9 students on the usefulness of studying Classical Civilisations, followed by a seminar on Homer's Odyssey with the Year 11 and 12 students who study Classical Civilisations at GCSE or as an enrichment activity.

Professor Hall said: “It is hugely important that this is not simply a subject that is hidden away at private schools. "I think it is incredible what is happening here.

"The benefits that subjects such as this bring to students are immeasurable.”

Simon Beasley, one of the Classical Studies teachers, said: “It was a huge honour to have Edith come and speak to our students.

"The students were bowled over by her passion and approachability.

"She is a fantastic role model for our students hoping to go on to university.”

The Professor, who has taught at Oxford and Cambridge, spent Wednesday, February 3 at the Bromwich Road school.