A fourteen-word poem from Roman times inspired local school pupils to compose some dazzling haiku about their current lives and loves in an Inspiring Ideas session held at St Catharine’s College today.
A fourteen-word poem from Roman times inspired local school pupils to compose some dazzling haiku about their current lives and loves in an Inspiring Ideas session held at St Catharine’s College today.
Inspiring Ideas is important because it shows Cambridge is a friendly place that wants to welcome young people and give them a first experience of university.
Dr Helen Van Noorden
The Inspiring Ideas day for schools is organised as part of the University’s Festival of Ideas, which opens to the public on 23rd October.
“These are the threads by which we are linked to antiquity, “said Dr Helen van Noorden explaining how just one copy of the poem - Catullus 85 - was found under a beer barrel in medieval Verona.
She challenged the young people to decode the poem and to consider the choices the poet had made in order to express his feelings, comparing the strict metre of Catullus' poem with the syllable-counting rules of the haiku.
The Year 9 students then had a go at composing their own short poems in the haiku style, before sharing them with each other.
One student wrote:-
“The thing about this
Is it demands to be felt
Too sharp to ignore.”
In the morning, students learnt how to understand a medieval fresco under the guidance of Dr Abigail Brundin before exploring some real-life examples in the Fitzwilliam Museum.
“I chose a Catullus poem because I think young people can really relate to him,” Dr Van Noorden said. “He was a young man, writing about relationships, not an old man sitting in a dusty study. His poems are about all of the things teenagers are feeling and engaging with.”
“Inspiring Ideas is important because it shows Cambridge is a friendly place that wants to welcome young people and give them a first experience of university.”
Kate Simpson-Holley, Deputy Head at Jack Hunt School, said “It has been a really excellent day – the activities have got everyone thinking, and the chance to look round a college and meet some real live students was particularly appreciated.
“The day has started some interesting discussions about ‘what next,’ and started people seeing next year’s subjects in ways they haven’t thought of before.”
“I’ve had a great day,” agreed Jack Hunt student Evie. “It’s been interesting to have the tour of the colleges and see what the students study. I hadn’t heard of haiku before, it was cool to try writing one.”
Fellow Jack Hunt student Callum also enjoyed Inspiring Ideas. “Today made me think about hidden meanings. The museum was the best, I could think for myself about what shows hidden messages in the art and how that helped make the world today.”
Laura McGarty, Schools Liaison Officer for St Catharine’s College, said “We love welcoming students to our Inspiring Ideas events, but we also remind them that Cambridge isn’t only here for them one day a year – we are here all year round. We’re ready to answer questions and offer advice about subject choices, studying at university, and life as an undergraduate.”
St Catharine’s College hosted Year 9 students from Barnfield West Academy, Luton; Biddenham International School and Sports College, Bedford; Jack Hunt School, Peterborough, and Ipswich Academy.
St John’s College, Newnham College, and Gonville and Caius College also hosted Inspiring Ideas sessions this year.
- The Festival of Ideas is co-ordinated by the University’s Public Engagement team.
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