Each section of sixth grade began with a performance for their peers, of four Latin plays, written and adapted by Lynn Iozzo and Anne Smith. The plays were based on original Latin comedies of 2nd c. B.C.E. by playwright Titus Maccius Plautus. Dr. Iozzo’s two classes performed the “Mostellaria” (Haunted House) and “Miles Gloriosus” (the Braggart Soldier). Magistra Smith’s two classes performed the “Menaechmi” (Menaechmi Twins)—especially highlighted by actual identical twins, Geoff and Mike Stewart, in the principal roles—and “Aulularia” (the Pot of Gold). Students remarked that they enjoyed the collaborative approach to learning the plots of these complex plays that included mistaken identities, slaves outwitting their masters, faithful friends and unfaithful spouses, gladiators, dancing girls, spirits, narrators, sacred and profane love, and silly antics and buffoonery.

Students  participated in both required and elective activities, such as designing a coat of arms, building a load bearing structure, stained glass window design, Medieval music and Gregorian chants, and jousting. They worked in small groups to design fully-functioning catapults using ping-pong balls. The winner was determined after measuring the greatest distance the ball traveled and its accuracy in hitting a target. In the jousting events, heralds introduced their knights before each combatant took his jousting pole (a foam noodle or ball) and rode forward to knock his opponent down.

To complete their Medieval studies, the sixth graders traveled to the Bryn Athyn Cathedral and Manor House, where they enjoyed a tour given by guides in period costumes (a knight, a queen, a nun, and a squire). They learned about stained-glass windows, Gothic architectural elements, stone masonry, and ironwork. The unit ended with a showing of A Knight’s Tale, a fitting end to three jam-packed days of fun and learning.