My interest in History stems from childhood holidays spent exploring archaeological sites, castles and other historical monuments. It was further developed by inspirational teachers at both school and university. I relished the stories of the past and was fascinated by many of the characters I discovered along the way; I also came to see how much the study of History helps us to make sense of the world we live in. Over time, I became equally engaged by historical methods – constructing and challenging interpretations of the past through the rigorous use and evaluation of historical source materials.
I completed my undergraduate degree in History at Oxford University. I left Oxford with a very keen interest in the Middle Ages and developed this by doing an MLitt in Medieval History at the University of St Andrews. During these years of study, I decided that I wanted to become a teacher to inspire a love of History in young people and develop my own knowledge and understanding of the past. I did a PGCE at Cambridge.
Since then, I have spent 15 years teaching in girls’ schools in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, including nine years as Head of History. I have enjoyed teaching a wide range of periods in British, European and World History and helping students develop skills, including evaluating historical sources and structuring arguments. Leading foreign trips has also been a high point of teaching, particularly taking students to visit Berlin and Krakow to support their work on aspects of 20th-century European History.
Outside teaching, I enjoy travel and exploring the outdoors with my three young children – walking and introducing them to some of the historical sites that sparked my own interest in the past.
I look forward to sharing my love of the past with you.
