Louis Kidger, 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.
Louis took on the challenge with enthusiasm and invested countless hours in meticulous research and crafting his essay. His submission, tracking the response of the ‘Spartan Mirage’, stood out among the numerous entries, impressing the esteemed panel of judges with its depth of insight and eloquent articulation.
Commenting on his success, Louis said: “I found the competition incredibly interesting! My essay delved into the Spartan Mirage and the falsified idealisation of the Spartan state, and therefore how the Spartan Mirage is deeply rooted into the fabric of the modern day. I was really pleased to know I had been highly commended and was keen to gain feedback from the judges so I can continuously improve my work.”
Reflecting on his achievement, Louis expressed his gratitude for the guidance and support he received from his teachers at Xaverian College. Their unwavering encouragement and mentorship played a crucial role in honing his analytical abilities and cultivating his passion for studying classics.
Louis joined Xaverian in September 2022 after completing his GCSEs at Longdendale High School to study A Levels in Ancient History, English Literature, Mathematics and Music, and has plans to study a Philosophy, Politics and Economics Degree at university in the future.
He continued: “I hadn’t heard of Ancient History before joining Xaverian and now I absolutely love studying it! The subject is full of diverse and fascinating concepts and you learn about how to identify the truth, which I think is really important today, especially with the rise of Social Media, AI, etc.”
Will Dearnaley, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History Teacher at Xaverian College, commented: “It’s great to see a Xaverian student recognised for their work in the Fitzwilliam College Ancient World and Classics Essay Competition. Louis works exceptionally hard and it’s been a pleasure watching him grow over the past year. He should be really proud of this fantastic achievement!”
If you love thinking deeply about the world around you and are fascinated by culture, then Ancient History and Classical Civilisation are courses you’ll find irresistible. Share your observations, opinions and interests, alongside developing essential critical and creative thinking skills.
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses.
