Year 5 Mythology Competition

This year, in the absence of the annual Minimus Mythology Competition,  and inspired by their study of the myths of Perseus and Medusa, Year 5 pupils have thrown themselves into our own Mythology Competition with gusto!

Pupils were invited to submit competition entries in a range of genres, including artwork, drama, animations and diary entries.

Congratulations to EVERYONE who entered – there were some exceptionally creative and clever entries, which made judging our winners even more difficult.

A special mention to the following pupils:

• Clemmie O and Eleanor I for their diary entry and artwork respectively that were awarded JOINT THIRD PRIZE
• Jovan S and Viola G for their animations, which won them JOINT SECOND PRIZE
• Aria D, whose exceptional sculpture of Medusa earnt her a well-deserved FIRST PRIZE

The pupils had all enjoyed learning about Medusa – here is a summary of the myth:

Medusa lived on a secluded island in the sea, where she hid in a dark, dingy cave. Once, she’d been a beautiful young woman, but now she was twisted and ugly, and instead of long golden curls, her face was framed by venomous snakes. Donning the nymphs’ cap, Perseus became enveloped in darkness, and crept inside the cave. He hoisted his shield high, realising that he could see reflections in the gleam of the metal. It hit him that this was why Athena had given him such a highly polished shield; by using it as a mirror, he had no need to look directly at Medusa, and could avoid the fate that had befallen so many others.

Tiptoeing through the cave, Perseus passed a series of eerie statues of men and women – the previous victims of the gorgon. As quiet as he tried to be, Medusa heard his footsteps, and rushed out to attack him. But emerging into the mouth of the cave, she couldn’t see anyone.

Perseus caught her reflection in the shield and tried not to shudder. Knowing this was his chance, he crept closer, before swinging his sword down on Medusa. With a cry, she was killed. Still taking care not to look directly at her, Perseus gathered her head into his bag, and fled the island, heart beating fast.

About Minimus

Minimus is a unique Latin course for younger children, based on a real family who lived at Vindolanda in 100AD: Flavius, the fort commander, his wife Lepidina, their three children, assorted household slaves, their cat Vibrissa – and Minimus the Mouse.

​Latin is firmly entrenched in the Beechwood curriculum for Years 5 to Top Form, and we now eagerly await the Senior Department Latin Plays on Thursday, 29 June, a favourite in the Beechwood Calendar!