Abigail Branney, a talented and ambitious student from Xaverian College, has achieved a momentous triumph in the prestigious Fitzwilliam College Ancient World and Classics Essay Competition.
The annual competition, led by the University of Cambridge, is renowned for its rigor and attracts entries from students across the globe who possess a profound passion for the ancient world and classical studies. The competition challenges participants to critically analyse and explore various aspects of this historically-rich subject.
Abigail took on the challenge with enthusiasm and chose to research a topic of which she had no prior knowledge. She thoroughly enjoyed this new challenge of analysing how ancient women are best presented through visual imagery. This year, the competition received more entries than ever before, and Abigail’s entry impressed the judges with its insight and articulation. So much so, that the Head of Admissions for Arts at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, called her personally to congratulate Abigail and discuss her essay further.
Commenting on her success, Abigail said: “Placing so highly in the competition has made me more confident in applying to universities. The competition has shown that I am a motivated, dedicated student who can produce work to a high standard. It was great to feel like my work had been noticed and someone wanted to talk about it with me.” The competition has inspired Abigail’s Extended Project Qualification, and she is looking forward to delving further into the topic.
Reflecting on her achievement, Abigail expressed her gratitude for the guidance and support she received from her teachers at Xaverian College. Abigail joined Xaverian in September 2023, after completing her GCSEs at St Monica’s RC High School in Bury. She is studying Classical Civilisation, English Literature, Mathematics and the EPQ, and has plans to study English Literature and Classics at university.
She continued: “I chose to study Classical Civilisation because it seemed interesting on the Taster Day, and it has become something that I really enjoy and want to study further at university. Mr Dearnaley has been really supportive, he told me very early on in the year that I was good at the subject and should consider doing it at university. He also encouraged me to attend residential courses at Corpus Christi College in Oxford and a Latin course at St. John’s College in Durham. It isn’t something I had considered before, but I am looking at studying a joint honours programme in English Literature and Classics.”
Will Dearnaley, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History Teacher at Xaverian College, commented: “It’s great to see another Xaverian student recognised for their work in the Fitzwilliam College Ancient World and Classics Essay Competition. Abigail works exceptionally hard, and it’s been a pleasure watching her grow over the past year. She should be really proud of this fantastic achievement!”