Jack Bailey '24 Researches Ancient Roman Sports for Independent Study

This semester, MBS junior Jack Bailey ’24 researched the sometimes bloody and always entertaining world of ancient Roman sports as part of an Independent Study project. He delivered the results of his findings in Kirby Chapel on Thursday, June 1.

In his presentation, Jack gave his audience a front row seat to the Colosseum and Circus Maximus as he discussed the history and purpose of the Roman games, the influence of the state as well as common citizens, and the ethics of the competitions. He also compared and contrasted Roman sport to our athletic competitions today.

For the project, Jack worked under the guidance of MBS Latin teacher Nicole Freeto. 

The Independent Studies Program at MBS has grown significantly since its inception in 2007. The program offers motivated and high-achieving students the opportunity to work with expert faculty in delving deeply into an area of interest. The student’s strong commitment is translated into projects that demonstrate active learning, creativity, intellectual curiosity and the ability to work on one’s own.

The Independent Study Program encourages students to expand their intellectual curiosity and explore an intellectual area in depth, under the guidance of a selected faculty member with a special expertise or interest in the field.