Degree
BA in Ancient & Medieval History from the University of Birmingham.
MA in Byzantine Studies from the University of Birmingham.
MEd from the University of Birmingham
Specialist Period of History
Greek Mythology and the Ancient World but particularly the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars
Subjects Taught in the School
Ancient History A-Level: Sparta & Persia
Classical Civilisation A-Level: Statues & Tragedy
GCSE History, KS3 History, Year 7 Humanities
Dinner Party: Which 6 people from History would you invite and why?
- Dienekes - He was described as the bravest Spartan at the battle of Thermopylae (braver than even Leonidas) but was not in Frank Millers graphic novel or the film, so deserves some recognition. When told that the Persians had so many archers that their arrows would blot out the sun, Dienekes responded “Good! Then we shall fight in the shade.” A quick witted mind and he definitely brings some banter to the dinner
- Diomedes - Another warrior who has had the limelight shifted from him. In the Trojan wars he stabbed Ares (The Greek god of War!!) in the stomach but again everyone only remembers Achilles because he had ladies ankles. He’ll be able to share war stories with Dienekes and has blatantly got some gossip about what happened in the Trojan War.
- Aeschylus - He was a Greek comic playwright and general funny man. My favourite play of his was ‘Frogs’ He will add some light relief to the party and would be the comedy element needed to balance out the war stories. He would have to be seated well away from Dienekes though because Sparta & Athens didn’t get on.
- Julia the Elder (Daughter of Augustus)- She was a party girl in Ancient Rome and got herself and her father into a lot of trouble with her constant affairs and immoral behaviour. Throwing her into the mix will definitely liven things up.
- Elizabeth I - She’d be a bit out of her element with all the Ancient Greeks & Romans but would no doubt hold her own. She is coming along because she’s a fellow ginger and arguably one of the greatest monarchs in British History. I’m pretty sure that she and Julia will get on very well.
- Dr David Livingstone - African explorer. Famous for re-naming the Victoria Falls. Would love to hear his travelling stories through Africa and the adventures he had. He was a Christian missionary so would probably sit him next to Julia to see how long it would take for an argument to kick off.
If you could be present at any historical event:
The battle of Salamis during the Persian Wars. This one battle was such a deciding factor in the Persian Wars and subsequently has influenced ‘Western’ Europe
Favourite Historical book
The Alexander Trilogy by Mary Renault. A very vivid, and reasonably accurate portrayal, of the rise of the legendary Alexander the Great. For a proper History book it would have to be ‘The story of Britain. A people’s History’ by Roy Strong. Read this when I was growing up and loved it so much I became a History teacher.
Favourite Historical Film
300! Despite all the historical inaccuracies (and there are a lot.)
Favourite Historical argument to get into a debate with
Was the dropping of the atomic bombs justified? A classic debating theme that year 9 engage with. The last time I had a proper argument with my Dad was about this subject.