W. B Thompson Classics Teaching Papers and Administrative Papers

Description

The collection of W B Thompson, a Classicist and lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Leeds from 1956 until retirement in 1979. the collection contains material relating to his work with the Cambridge School Classics Project and demonstrates his interest in not only classical subjects but the teachings of classics and training classics teachers for schools.

The National Collection of Classical textbooks compiled by Thompson is also housed at The University of Leeds.

Biography or history

W.B. Thompson, classicist and lecturer in education, attended the University of Manchester from 1932 to 1937. After a period as a school-teacher, he was appointed, in 1956, to a post in the School of Education, University of Leeds, where he remained until his retirement in 1979. He assembled the National Collection of Greek and Latin Textbooks, which now form part of the Special Collections in Leeds University Library.

Thompson was also involved in the Cambridge School Classics project, an initative to restructure and expand the teaching of Classical subject to students in all schools including comprehensive, not just Grammar. His ethos was to introduce classics to students for them to "enter classics far enough" to understand the importance of the Greco Roman histories. His involvement in the restructuring and expanding of classical teaching actually began a year befire the CSCP had began with his 'Classical Studies: a new approach for junior high schools' course which aimed to introuduce new possibilities to Classics teachers and the idea of a move away from Classical Linguistics and a more toward teaching classical culture and life.

Access and usage

Access

Some parts of this collection have not been listed in detail and the content may be protected under the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation. Please consult the relevant part of the catalogue for specific details. Where a detailed record does not exist, please contact Special Collections. Upon receipt of your request, a member of the team will discuss your requirements with you and review relevant material accordingly

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