🎓 Academic Projects & Papers 🎓
My Academic Philosophy & Research Approach 📚
My academic work is driven by a deep commitment to uncovering overlooked narratives, particularly those shaped by gender, faith, and cultural identity. I approach research through a human-centred lens—prioritising empathy, contextual understanding, and source integrity. I’m passionate about primary source analysis and how lived experiences are documented, remembered, and preserved.
Whether studying Tudor religious transformations, colonial legacies, or modern gender dynamics, I seek to link the past with present conversations about identity, power, and inclusion. Especially the historically progression of religion across cultures, religions, and in secular society. I believe scholarship should not only inform but also inspire—making historical knowledge accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. My interdisciplinary perspective is grounded in thoughtful inquiry, critical engagement, and the ethical handling of historical memory.
Future Academic Trajectory & Continuing Development 🔍
While I am not currently producing academic papers, my passion for research continues through professional museum and heritage projects, where I apply critical analysis, interpretation, and public engagement techniques. My past academic work reflects an enduring interest in how identity—particularly gender, faith, and power—is expressed, challenged, and preserved across historical contexts. I’m especially drawn to the intersection of religious history, cultural memory, and material heritage, which I explore through both curatorial work and independent study.
Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a Diploma of Higher Education in Arts and Humanities with the Open University. This will allow me to build on my foundation in History and Religious Studies, while exploring art history, literature, and cultural theory more broadly.
In the meantime, I continue to deepen my knowledge through online courses and hands-on projects that bridge academic inquiry with public history, archival access, and inclusive storytelling.
Academic Skills 🎓
Research & Analysis
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🔍 Primary Source Analysis → Museum Exhibition Design: Skilled in interpreting historical letters, religious texts, artworks, and political literature, applying findings to create accessible public displays.
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💻 Primary Source Research → Archival Data Management: Skilled in both online and physical research, cataloguing and organising information for essays, professional projects, and archival systems.
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📚 Thematic Research → Content Development: Experienced in exploring complex themes such as gender, religion, monarchy, colonialism, and social identity, translating insights into public programming and interpretation.
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🏛️ Historical Contextualisation → Curatorial Interpretation: Strong understanding of political, social, and cultural environments shaping events and ideologies, used to inform exhibit narratives.
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📊 Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis → Visitor Data Interpretation: Analysing survey data, attendance records, and qualitative feedback to inform exhibition planning and evaluation.
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🌍 Comparative Analysis → Cross-Cultural Interpretation: Comparing themes, sources, and contexts across different cultures, religions, or historical periods to broaden interpretive narratives.
Communication & Interpretation
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🗣️ Public Presentation → Visitor Engagement: Skilled in presenting project findings, and adapting communication for diverse audiences in museum and heritage settings.
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🖋️ Plain Language Writing → Public Interpretation: Adapting complex academic material into accessible content for exhibitions and publications.
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✍️ Essay Writing → Report & Grant Writing: Confident in producing structured, well-referenced, and persuasive written work for academic, curatorial, and organisational purposes.
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📋 Textual Interpretation → Interpretive Material Creation: Analysing historical and literary texts to produce accessible exhibition materials.
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📑 Citation & Referencing → Information Accuracy: Proficient in MHRA referencing, ensuring accuracy and traceability in academic and collections documentation.
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📝 Editorial Skills → Publication Support: Proofreading, editing, and formatting text for academic and professional publications.
Critical & Ethical Practice
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🧠 Critical Thinking → Problem Solving in GLAM Work: Evaluating contrasting perspectives across history, theology, and ethics to inform balanced and inclusive heritage practice.
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⚖️ Ethical Research → Inclusive Heritage Practice: Applying ethical frameworks to ensure culturally sensitive and respectful interpretation.
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🗂️ Source Criticism → Collections Provenance Research: Assessing authenticity, origin, and ownership history of artefacts and documents.
Digital & Creative Skills
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🖼️ Visual Analysis → Exhibition Layout Planning: Using images, objects, and visual sources to inform engaging exhibition design.
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💻 Digital Literacy → Online Collections Development: Using digital tools to organise, publish, and maintain online collections and resources.
Project & Field Skills
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📍 Archival Research → Collections Discovery: Locating and retrieving relevant materials from archives, libraries, and databases for academic and curatorial use.
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🔎 Field Observation → Exhibition Content Enrichment: Incorporating insights from site visits, field trips, and museum tours to enrich interpretive content.
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⏰ Time Management → Project Delivery: Planning and delivering academic and professional projects to strict deadlines while balancing concurrent responsibilities.
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🧍 Independent Learning → Continuous Professional Development: Expanding knowledge through self-directed study, online courses, and public history engagement.
Projects 💻📚
Themes & Focus
My academic and creative projects centre on museum interpretation, material culture, and historical representation. I explore how gender, religion, and power are visualised through costume history, monarchy, and cultural memory. Many of my projects are rooted in visual storytelling and presentation, combining historical research with design and communication. Whether developing museum-style exhibition materials or analysing media portrayals of historical figures, I consistently aim to make complex histories accessible, engaging, and inclusive.
University of Gloucestershire History & Religious Studies Projects 2021 - 2024 🎓
History 🏛️
2023
The Gloucester Folk Museum's "Threads: Belonging and Unbelonging"🧵
Gloucester Folk Museum
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My independent research for the Gloucester Folk Museum's 'Threads: Belonging and Unbelonging' exhibition revealed how Victorian mourning dress regulations reinforced class distinctions while Queen Victoria's own fashion choices democratized certain styles across social boundaries.
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This research contributed to a public exhibition that attracted, demonstrating how academic research can engage broader audiences with complex historical narratives. I designed and presented slides exploring men’s and women’s attire and contributed to the museum’s final public-facing display.
My work focused on:
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Women’s and men’s fashion from the early 1800s to the early 1900s, including the influence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, mourning dress, and social identity through clothing.
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The development of nurse uniforms, the use of textiles like calico, and the impact of colonial trade policies.
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Regional trade and the textile industry in Gloucester, examining its historical context within the British Empire.
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Presentation content was displayed via structured PowerPoint slides tailored for a public museum audience.
My research uncovered how Queen Victoria requested that all her clothes and the clothes of courtiers be of British manufacture, boosting the British textile industry. This attention to the British industry heightened the demand of these mass-produced products, which increased output and boosted the British economy.
Translating complex historical analysis into accessible museum presentation required developing new skills in visual storytelling and audience engagement. I developed my PowerPoint slides as an initial design, then the Gloucester Folk Museum sent us an example of the structure they wanted, and that was displayed in the exhibition.
Skills Demonstrated:
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📚 Historical research & academic writing
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🎨 Public history & visual communication
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🧵 Material culture & museum interpretation
This project combined my interests in gender studies, monarchical power, and costume and textile history, contributing to my academic research and heritage interpretation portfolio. It also enhanced my understanding of museum practice and public engagement, offering valuable insight into exhibition development and the display process. Also prepared me for hands-on museum and heritage roles such as my work with Holst Victorian House.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Contributed original research on 18th–20th century Gloucestershire textile trade, enhancing the museum’s historical narrative for the Threads: Belonging and Unbelonging exhibition
🌟 Linked fashion history to local identity by examining influences from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
🌟 Produced and presented visual materials showcasing upper-class dress history from the Georgian to Victorian periods
🌟 Strengthened visual literacy and academic presentation skills through curatorial simulation
🌟 Collaborated on inclusive exhibition design, applying accessibility-focused curatorial practices
🌟 Deepened engagement with the heritage sector through university–museum collaboration
2023
Mary the First 👑
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As part of my Gender, Power, and Politics module, I produced an independent research presentation on Mary I of England, analysing her reign through the lens of gender, monarchy, and political power.
Key Focus Areas:
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Explored gendered perceptions of monarchy and the unique challenges faced by England’s first queen regnant.
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Analysed Mary’s marriage to Philip II and the Queen Mary’s Marriage Act (1554) as a case study in patriarchal political resistance.
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Examined expectations of fertility, succession, and legitimacy placed upon female rulers.
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Investigated religious conflict, public rebellion, and the long-term framing of Mary as "Bloody Mary."
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Engaged with gender theory and Tudor historiography, applying academic research methods to critically assess her reign.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🎓 Critical thinking & historical analysis
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📚 Research using primary sources & secondary scholarship
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🎨 Academic presentation design
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🗣 Public history communication
This project combined my interests in gender studies, monarchical power, and religious history, and contributed to my growing portfolio in academic research and heritage interpretation.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Challenged traditional narratives surrounding Mary I by offering a nuanced, gender-aware analysis of her reign
🌟 Contributed to academic conversations on Tudor monarchy and the intersection of gender and political legitimacy
🌟 Demonstrated interdisciplinary research by incorporating gender theory, political history, and religious studies
🌟 Enhanced public history communication skills through accessible presentation design and storytelling
2022
Christopher Columbus 🧭
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As part of my degree, I completed this project for the Themes in History module, exploring how 19th-century visual art shaped and mythologised the legacy of Christopher Columbus in relation to religion, imperialism, and American identity.
Key Focus Areas:
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Analysed paintings such as The Departure of Columbus from Palos by Emanuel Gottlieb and The First Landing of Columbus by Dioscoro Puebla Tolin.
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Interpreted artistic portrayals of Columbus as a religious and imperial figure, reinforcing dominant Eurocentric narratives.
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Examined the marginalisation of Indigenous peoples within visual representations.
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Investigated contemporary reassessments of Columbus, including the 2019 removal of murals at Notre Dame and the Vatican’s response to Indigenous suffering.
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Reflected on how visual culture influences historical memory and national myth-making.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🖼️ Visual analysis & historical interpretation
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📚 Source evaluation & academic writing
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✍️ Presentation development
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🌐 Cultural awareness & critical thinking
This project enhanced my ability to critically assess the role of art and heritage in shaping public understanding of history.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Provided original analysis of 19th-century artwork to challenge traditional, Eurocentric interpretations of Columbus
🌟 Highlighted the erasure of Indigenous voices in historical representation, encouraging more inclusive public history narratives
🌟 Developed nuanced understanding of how visual media reinforces national identity and myth-making
🌟 Engaged with contemporary debates surrounding monument removal and colonial legacy, contributing to relevant heritage discourse
🌟 Strengthened interdisciplinary skills by blending art history, religious symbolism, and political critique within a historical framework
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2022
Transgender & Intersex People in Sport 🏳️⚧️
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As part of my first-year Themes in History module, I independently researched and created a PowerPoint presentation exploring the intersection of feminism, gender identity, and sport, with a particular focus on the experiences and representation of transgender and intersex athletes.
Key Focus Areas:
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Traced the history of transgender and non-binary inclusion in professional and Olympic-level sport.
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Analysed how sporting regulations affect both trans athletes and cisgender women, highlighting debates around fairness and inclusion.
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Examined the stories of key figures including Renée Richards, Santhi Soundarajan, and Caitlyn Jenner, exploring their impact on public perception and policy.
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Investigated the role of intersex athletes in elite competition, including the Olympic regulations that govern their participation.
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Critically reflected on how sport can both reinforce and challenge binary gender norms.
Skills Demonstrated:
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📚 Independent research & topic synthesis
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🏳️🌈 Gender studies & feminist theory application
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🎨 Academic presentation design
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🗣 Public history communication & awareness
This project deepened my understanding of the complex relationship between gender identity, equity, and representation in modern sport. And added to my growing portfolio with gender theory and feminism.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Offered a timely and inclusive critique of gender identity in sport, contributing to contemporary conversations around inclusion, visibility, and representation
🌟 Raised awareness of how sporting policies disproportionately impact and endanger both transgender and cisgender women
🌟 Provided historical and social context for understanding the evolving roles of intersex and transgender athletes in elite competition
🌟 Enhanced critical engagement with feminist theory and gender discourse through independent research and presentation
🌟 Strengthened academic communication by translating complex gender and policy issues into an accessible and visually engaging format
Religious Studies 📖
2021
Sanctity of Food in Hinduism 🛕
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Completed as part of an introductory group activity during induction week - which I spent with the Religious Studies side of my degree -this project explored the significance of food in Hindu religious life.
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Each group member contributed a themed slide; my section focused on the spiritual symbolism of vegetarianism and ritual purity.
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The presentation aimed to foster early collaboration, research skills, and confidence in academic communication.
Key Focus Areas:
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Prasāda – the ritual offering of food to deities
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Dietary principles such as vegetarianism and sattvic eating
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Temple food practices and their symbolic roles
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The religious significance of fasting, festivals, and food taboos
Skills Demonstrated:
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🍛 Introductory religious and cultural analysis
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🤝 Team collaboration and contribution
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📊 Slide creation and visual presentation
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📚 Basic research and synthesis
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🎤 Early confidence-building in public speaking
This project deepened my understanding of Hinduism, specifically their food traditions and culture. It also has added and strengthened my religious and cultural portfolio.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Built foundational academic and teamwork skills prior to lectures
🌟 Strengthened confidence in religious studies through peer discussion
🌟 Contributed to a well-received group presentation exploring cultural diversity
🌟 Developed early understanding of respectful engagement with world religions
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2023
Bamyan, Afghanistan: Cultural Heritage and Destruction 📿
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This project examined the religious, historical, and cultural significance of Bamyan, Afghanistan, with a focus on the ancient Buddhist heritage destroyed by the Taliban.
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It traced Bamyan’s role as a peaceful centre along the Silk Road and explored the impact of the Taliban's destruction of the Giant Buddhas and other pre-Islamic archaeological treasures.
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The project also addressed the persecution of the Hazara people and the broader implications for cultural preservation under extremist regimes.
Key Focus Areas:
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Investigated Bamyan’s status as a historic Silk Road city and a centre of Buddhism under the Kushan Empire
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Explored the symbolism and destruction of the Giant Buddhas, carved between the 3rd–6th centuries CE
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Analysed the Taliban’s cultural and religious motivations for iconoclasm
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Connected political extremism with the erasure of religious and ethnic heritage
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Reflected on the role of UNESCO and international organisations in cultural protection
Skills Demonstrated:
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📚 Cultural history and religious studies
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🏛️ Heritage politics and historical site interpretation
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🧠 Critical thinking and conflict analysis
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📊 Visual presentation development
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🌍 Understanding of international preservation efforts
This project deepened my understanding of the Taliban's influence on visual culture in Afghanistan. During my A Level English Literature we read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Which explored Afghanistan's social and political climate during and after the Taliban overthrew the King in the 1970s. And this project added some more context and bridged my A Levels and university studies together.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Raised awareness of the intersection between religion, politics, and heritage destruction
🌟Demonstrated ability to synthesise complex historical, political, and religious content
🌟 Highlighted the importance of cultural preservation in conflict zones
🌟 Developed knowledge of UNESCO’s role and global responses to cultural heritage crises
2023
Image of God in
The Lorax (2012) 🌱
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As part of my Religious Studies module - Christianity: Narrative Theory, I explored the image of God through a theological lens using the film The Lorax (2012).
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This project analysed how divine characteristics are symbolically represented in environmental storytelling, linking spirituality with moral responsibility and social critique.
Key Focus Areas:
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Examined the transcendence and immanence of the Lorax, depicted as a divine-like figure who descends and ascends from the heavens and speaks through nature.
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Analysed the theme of faith over observation, highlighting the Lorax’s responses as rooted in belief rather than proof.
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Interpreted the Lorax as an environmental guardian, mourning the destruction of the valley and persistently advocating for change.
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Contextualised the narrative within a critique of capitalism, examining how environmental collapse results from unchecked greed and industrialism.
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Integrated analysis of the 1971 text and 2012 film, using songs like How Bad Can I Be and Let It Grow to contrast past and present values.
Skills Demonstrated:
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✝️ Theological analysis & symbolic interpretation
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🌍 Moral philosophy & environmental ethics
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🎥 Media literacy & intertextual analysis
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🎓 Presentation development & communication
I've been a big fan of the movie The Lorax since it came out and loved how Dr. Seuss explored capitalism and eco-capitalism. Alongside an omnipresent being (The Lorax) as the voice of reason against environmental dominion, exploitation and destruction of nature. With Mr. O'Hare continuing the Onceler's former dream which descents into dystopian authoritarianism which completely corrupts everything around Thneedville. Bringing my love of The Lorax into my university studies was really fun and I finally had a platform to talk about my belief that The Lorax is a God/spiritual figure.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Bridged theology and environmental ethics through an interdisciplinary analysis of religious symbolism in popular media
🌟 Showcased how children’s literature and film can deliver powerful spiritual and moral narratives on stewardship, justice, and belief
🌟 Highlighted the enduring relevance of Christian theological concepts such as transcendence, immanence, and moral responsibility
🌟 Contributed to wider academic conversations on the relationship between faith, capitalism, and ecological collapse
🌟 Demonstrated creativity and originality in applying religious studies theory to unconventional source material
2023
Governance & Political Legacy in Postcolonial Nations 🌍
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As part of a group project for my God, Politics and Power module, I examined how colonial governance systems shaped modern political structures across formerly colonised nations.
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My contribution focused specifically on governance and political legacy, analysing how European imperial control—especially British—continues to impact contemporary administration, religious identity, and state formation in regions such as Africa, India, and Australia.
Key Focus Areas:
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Investigated Eurocentric governance structures and their adoption post-independence
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Examined the political legacy of the British Raj on India and Pakistan
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Discussed Christian missionary influence on African governance
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Highlighted the persistence of colonial administrative frameworks and their socio-political effects
Skills Demonstrated:
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📚 Political and historical research
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🌍 Postcolonial theory and interdisciplinary thinking
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✍️ Academic communication and structured slide design
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🧠 Critical analysis of global power structures
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🗣 Collaboration and group coordination
This project broadened my understanding of British Imperialism, post-colonial rebellions and revolutions, expanding on my knowledge from my A Level History studies.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Developed insights into the lasting effects of colonial governance
🌟 Strengthened interdisciplinary communication between politics, religion, and history
🌟 Enhanced ability to analyse institutional legacies through critical frameworks
🌟 Contributed to an engaging group presentation with real-world relevance
Papers ✍️
Recurring Themes & Methodologies
Across my academic work, I consistently explore themes of gender, religious history, and social change, often through the lens of primary source analysis. My approach combines close textual reading with critical engagement in historical and theological debates. I am especially drawn to underrepresented narratives, power structures, and the lived experiences of individuals in early modern and modern contexts. My papers reflect a strong focus on intersectionality, identity, and the ways in which religious and political ideologies shape both personal and collective memory.
University of Gloucestershire History & Religious Studies Papers 2021 - 2024
History 🏛️
2021
Letters from WWI Trenches:
A Source-Based Analysis (1914–1918) 🪖
Module: Doing History
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As part of this first-year module, I conducted a detailed source-based analysis of personal letters written by soldiers on the Western Front during the First World War.
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Focusing on the correspondence of Gilbert Williams, William Charles Davis, and Hugh Andrew Skilling, I explored themes of trench life, trauma, and personal narrative.
This paper incorporated secondary scholarship, particularly Memory and Trauma: Narrating the Western Front 1914–1918 by Ross J. Wilson, to place primary materials within wider academic discussions of memory, wartime experience, and historical communication.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🔍 Primary source analysis
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📚 Critical reading and historiography
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🧠 Interpreting trauma and memory in historical contexts
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🖊️ Academic writing and argumentation
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🗂️ Independent research and time management
The paper reflects both my emerging academic style and my strong interest in personal histories and conflict narratives. Also created the foundation of primary source work in a university setting with referencing using HMRC.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Deepened understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of war through first-hand soldier accounts.
🌟 Demonstrated ability to contextualise primary sources within academic debates on memory and trauma.
🌟 Strengthened independent research skills and academic writing under university-level expectations.
🌟 Developed a foundation for future work in conflict history, personal narratives, and public history interpretation.
2021
Reframing Columbus: Representing the “Discovery” of the Americas 🧭
Module: Major Themes in History
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In this group project and paper, I critically analysed the representation of Christopher Columbus and the so-called “discovery” of the Americas across various media, including monuments, exhibitions, and historical narratives.
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My research explored how these portrayals contribute to colonial myth-making, particularly focusing on which voices are amplified or erased in public memory.
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The analysis reflected wider themes of empire, power structures, and the politics of historical interpretation.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧠 Critical thinking and historical analysis
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🖼️ Visual and textual source evaluation
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✍️ Academic writing and structured argumentation
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📚 Engagement with historiography and public history
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📊 Researching representation and narrative framing
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👥 Teamwork and project coordination
This paper deepened my understanding of Columbus' "discovery" of the Americas and how him and his crew involved themselves in Native Americans' lives.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Provided original analysis of 19th-century artwork to challenge traditional, Eurocentric interpretations of Columbus
🌟 Highlighted the erasure of Indigenous voices in historical representation, encouraging more inclusive public history narratives
🌟 Engaged with contemporary debates surrounding monument removal and colonial legacy, contributing to relevant heritage discourse
🌟 Strengthened interdisciplinary skills by blending art history, religious symbolism, and political critique within a historical framework
2021
Feminism & Transgender Inclusion in Competitive Sport ⚧️
Module: Major Themes in History
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As part of a group presentation on feminism, I explored the representation and inclusion of transgender and intersex athletes in competitive sport.
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My research examined both historical and contemporary case studies, including Renée Richards, Santhi Soundarajan, and Caitlyn Jenner, alongside broader debates on intersex athletes and Olympic gender regulations.
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I contextualised these case studies within feminist theory, intersectionality, and discussions of how sport reflects and challenges societal definitions of sex, gender, and fairness. Which I carried through into my written assignment.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧠 Critical thinking and intersectional analysis
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🌐 Engagement with contemporary and historical debates
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🗣️ Collaborative presentation and public speaking
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📚 Academic research and sourcing diverse perspectives
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✍️ Clear communication of complex gender issues
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👥 Teamwork and project coordination
This paper deepened my understanding of the complex relationship between gender identity, equity, and representation in modern sport. And added to my growing portfolio with gender theory and feminism.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Inclusive critique of gender identity in sport, contributing to contemporary conversations around inclusion, visibility, and representation
🌟 Raised awareness of how sporting policies disproportionately impact and endanger both transgender and cisgender women
🌟 Provided historical and social context for understanding the evolving roles of intersex and transgender athletes in elite competition
🌟 Enhanced critical engagement with feminist theory and gender discourse through independent research and presentation
2022
Power and Pragmatism: A Critical Analysis of Machiavelli’s The Prince 📜
Module: Renaissances and Reformations
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Conducted a critical analysis of Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince (1513), exploring its key political theories within the context of Renaissance statecraft and early modern governance.
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This project examined Machiavelli’s influence on ideas of leadership, pragmatism, and the exercise of power, and evaluated how his work shaped early notions of realpolitik.
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The analysis also discussed how The Prince has continued to inform historical and political research, particularly debates on human nature, morality, and statecraft, with reference to the work of historians of political thought since its publication.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧠 Critical reading and interpretation of political texts
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🏛️ Understanding of early political theory and intellectual history
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📚 Research into historiographical debates and scholarly reception
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✍️ Academic writing and structured argumentation
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⏳ Contextual analysis of historical texts and their long-term impact
This paper deepened my political history understanding and added to my GCSE and A Level Philosophy and Ethics studies.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Interdisciplinary analysis of political texts, political theory, intellectual history, and historiographical debates
🌟 Provided historical and social context for understanding the political and social aspects of Renaissance Italy
🌟 Enhanced critical engagement with political theory through independent research and writing
2022
The Call for Reform: Causes of the English Reformation ✝️
Module: Renaissances and Reformations
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Investigated the question “Why did some people feel the need to reform the established Church?” through theological, political, and social lenses.
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This research explored the core motivations behind the Protestant Reformation, including clerical corruption, doctrinal conflict, and the rise of individual conscience and faith in early modern Europe.
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The project also examined how these new ideas emerged alongside the invention of the printing press in 1440, which accelerated the circulation of reformist thought. I discussed how emerging sects were “viewed as the product of a single energy, unwitting agents or heralds of modernity, and so, self-evidently superior to the medieval Catholicism they replaced.”
Skills Demonstrated:
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📜 Critical engagement with religious history and historiography
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🧠 Analysis of theological and ideological shifts
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🗣️ Structured argumentation and written communication
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🧩 Contextual thinking across political, social, and technological change
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🕰️ Evaluation of long-term impacts of early modern religious reform
This paper reflects and supports my long-standing passion for the Tudor period, Christianity and religious history, particularly how shifts in belief and doctrine have shaped societies and individual identity across time.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Offered a timely and inclusive critique of the English monarchy contributing to contemporary conversations around kingship, queenship and expectations of the crown.
🌟 Explored the religious aspect of Tudor life, as well as political, social and technological impact of the ever changing theological sphere
🌟 Provided historical and social context for understanding the evolving socio-political climate from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I
2022
Industrial England Through Outsider Eyes: A Source Analysis 🏭
Module: Victorian Values
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Conducted a primary source analysis of Letters from England (1808) by Robert Southey, focusing on his vivid observations of post-Industrial Revolution society.
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The research explored urban pollution, poor sanitation, and the impact of industrialisation on public health, particularly within working-class communities.
Skills Demonstrated:
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📖 Primary source analysis and interpretation
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🧵 Understanding of gender, labour, and class history
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✍️ Academic writing and critical thinking
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🕰️ Contextual historical research
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👓 Analytical reading of 19th-century social commentary
This paper also allowed me to explore and deepen my interest in gender studies, examining the changing roles of women in industrial society and the emergence of women in the workforce as a response to shifting economic and social structures.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Demonstrated ability to contextualise primary sources within academic debates on the socio-political climate in the Victorian era
🌟 Explored gender, labour, class history and as well as political, and industrial impact of the ever changing cities and towns
🌟 Provided historical and social context for understanding the evolving socio-political climate during Queen Victoria's reign
2022
Gender & Victorian Social Hierarchies:
A Critical Essay 👒
Module: Victorian Values
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Wrote a critical essay exploring Victorian attitudes towards gender roles and societal expectations.
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The research analysed how men and women were differently valued across domestic, political, and economic spheres, with a particular focus on how gender norms shaped identity, behaviour, and individual agency in 19th-century Britain.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧠 Critical thinking and gender analysis
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📚 Engagement with social and cultural history
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✍️ Academic essay writing and structured argumentation
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👓 Analytical reading of historical texts and secondary sources
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🧵 Understanding of intersectional themes within history
This paper deepened my interest in gender studies and how historical structures inform contemporary understandings of identity and equity.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Demonstrated ability to write critically within academic debates on the socio-political climate in the Victorian era
🌟 Proven analytical reading and secondary source analysis skills
🌟 Provided historical and social context for understanding the evolving socio-political climate during Queen Victoria's reign.
🌟 Explored social structure within upper and lower class society, within domestic and workplace cultures
2023
Post-Reformation Belief & Fear: Ghosts, Doctrine, and Religious Division 👻
Module: Medieval Religion, Superstition and Fear
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Explored Early Modern attitudes toward the theological and cultural differences between Roman Catholicism and the emerging Protestant Churches following the English Reformation.
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The project focused on contrasting beliefs about the afterlife, saints, and supernatural intervention, reflecting how these doctrinal shifts influenced religious practice and public belief.
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Additionally, wrote a critical essay evaluating Archbishop Sandys’ claim that “The Gospel hath chased away walking spirits”, analysing how far this reflected changing post-Reformation beliefs about ghosts, purgatory, and the role of superstition in daily and religious life.
Skills Demonstrated:
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📖 Theological and historical analysis
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👻 Critical thinking about cultural belief systems
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✍️ Academic writing and evaluative argumentation
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🕯️ Interpretation of historical religious texts
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📚 Contextual understanding of Reformation-era transformations
This paper developed my understanding of religion and superstition post-English Reformation, linked to my love for the Tudor period and its religious landscape.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Demonstrated ability to analyse theological and historical beliefs and practice during Medieval England
🌟 Proven interpretation skills and understanding of historical religious texts
🌟 Provided historical and social context for understanding the evolving theological and the superstitions of the time
🌟 Explored social structure within the church's beliefs of the afterlife, ghosts, and superstition in daily life
2023
Queenship and Gender: A Critical Analysis of Queen Mary I 👑
Module: The Politics of Gender
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Completed an analytical critique exploring the life and reign of Queen Mary I within the context of Tudor gender roles and expectations.
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The project assessed how Mary both conformed to and defied contemporary gender ideals, particularly regarding her authority as England’s first (official) reigning queen.
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The research also examined public and political reactions to her marriage to Philip II of Spain, and her persecution of Protestants—actions that contributed to her enduring reputation as “Bloody Mary”.
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This work highlighted how gendered perceptions shaped her legacy and influenced historical narratives surrounding female rulership.
Skills Demonstrated:
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👑 Critical engagement with gender and monarchy
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📚 Contextual historical analysis of power and identity
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✍️ Academic writing and evaluative critique
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🕰️ Understanding of Tudor political and religious history
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🧠 Interpretation of legacy through gendered frameworks
This paper allowed me to explore and develop my knowledge of the gender climate of the Tudor period, and my portfolio of history, religion, and gender studies.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Challenged traditional narratives surrounding Mary I by offering a nuanced, gender-aware analysis of her reign
🌟 Contributed to academic conversations on Tudor monarchy and the intersection of gender and political legitimacy
🌟 Demonstrated interdisciplinary research by incorporating gender theory, political history, and religious studies
Religious Studies 📖
2021
New Religious Movements and World-Rejecting Typologies 🕊️
Module: New and Non-Religious Movements
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Completed a theoretical and case study-based essay in response to the question: “New Religious Movements are inherently world-denying. Referring to Wallis’ typologies, discuss the above statement.”
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The project critically analysed Roy Wallis’ sociological typologies of world-rejecting, world-accommodating, and world-affirming groups.
The research focused on two major movements:
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The People’s Temple led by Jim Jones in Guyana, exploring its transition from social activism to mass suicide.
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The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity (Moonies) in South Korea, assessing its doctrinal structure, global outreach, and societal detachment.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧠 Sociological theory application and critique
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📖 Comparative religious analysis and evaluation
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✍️ Academic writing and argument development
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🌍 Contextual research into international belief systems
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🔍 Critical thinking and use of typological frameworks
This paper developed my religious studies portfolio, and expanded my knowledge of new and non religious movements around the world.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Applied Roy Wallis’ typologies to evaluate contrasting case studies, showcasing theoretical understanding.
🌟 Highlighted the complexities and limitations of categorising belief systems as inherently “world-denying.”
🌟 Demonstrated nuanced analysis of global movements through contextual, historical, and sociological lenses.
🌟 Strengthened ability to critically assess religious typologies within academic frameworks.
2021
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gloucestershire ⛪
Module: Contemporary Religious Landscapes
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Completed a case study exploring the history and local development of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) in Gloucestershire, tracing its roots from the 1600s through to the present day.
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This research included an analytical history of Gadfield Elm Chapel, the oldest extant Mormon chapel in the world, examining its role in early British Mormonism and transatlantic missionary movements.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧭 Local and transnational religious history research
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🧠 Analytical and contextual interpretation of religious sites
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📚 Historical writing and source evaluation
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🧾 Case study methodology and presentation
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🏛️ Engagement with contemporary and historic religious landscapes
I loved researching and writing this paper, it was really good to see and talk to local religious groups and people in Cheltenham.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Deepened understanding of local religious heritage by tracing the Mormon movement’s development in Gloucestershire. And expanded my knowledge of Mormonism from my History GCSE and online course
🌟 Contextualised the global growth of Mormonism through focused analysis of Gadfield Elm Chapel.
🌟 Demonstrated the significance of regional religious sites within wider transatlantic missionary narratives.
🌟 Strengthened research skills in religious history, heritage site interpretation, and case study methodology.
2022
Belief, Practice, and Diversity in Global Religions 🙏
Module: Global Religions
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“Considering the diversity that exists within each of the religions studied during this module, does it make any sense to talk about them as coherent wholes?”
🛕 Explored key themes in Hinduism, focusing on belief and ritual practices, as well as the impact of migration and the global Hindu diaspora on religious expression and identity formation. During this module, we visited the local Krishna Mandir in Cheltenham - one of two Mandirs in Gloucestershire. Pictured to the right.
🕍 For Judaism, completed a critical essay examining internal variation, sectarian differences, and historical development within Judaism, questioning the validity of generalised religious categorisations.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🌍 Comparative religion and cross-cultural analysis
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🧠 Critical engagement with religious diversity and pluralism
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✍️ Structured academic writing and argumentation
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🔍 Contextual analysis of diaspora communities and religious identity
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📚 Research into global religious traditions and expressions
This paper encapsulated the whole module which developed and expanded my knowledge of global religions. I loved visiting local religious buildings and sites. This strengthened my religious portfolio and my understanding of Judaism and Hinduism.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Developed nuanced understanding of intra-religious diversity within Hinduism and Judaism, challenging assumptions of religious uniformity.
🌟Applied fieldwork insights from visiting the Krishna Mandir to contextualise diaspora religious practices and identity.
🌟Strengthened interdisciplinary skills by combining religious studies, anthropology, and sociology to interpret ritual, migration, and belief systems.
🌟Enhanced cross-cultural communication, critical analysis, and structured academic writing through comparative reflection.
🌟Gained experience in integrating site-based observation with theoretical frameworks for more holistic understanding of religious expression.
2022
Representations of Jesus in Abrahamic and Secular Thought 🕎✝️☪️
Module: Research & Enquiry
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Explored the diverse representations and attitudes toward Jesus within the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—focusing on how each tradition conceptualises his role, divinity, and teachings.
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The research also examined secular and atheist perspectives, interpreting Jesus as a historical figure, a moral philosopher, and one of the earliest social reformers, notably through his advocacy for marginalised groups, including sex workers and the poor.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧠 Interfaith analysis and theological interpretation
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📖 Engagement with religious texts and comparative doctrine
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🕊️ Critical evaluation of religious and secular worldviews
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✍️ Academic writing and thematic synthesis
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🔍 Independent research and reflective enquiry
This paper was so fun to research and write I loved and still love Jesus as an historical figure, and love the intersection of Abrahamic religions. And how he is seen across them historically. Developing my religious portfolio.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Demonstrated nuanced understanding of interfaith perspectives by analysing how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam conceptualise Jesus’ identity, role, and teachings.
🌟 Bridged religious studies with historical, sociological, and ethical discourse by exploring secular and atheist interpretations of Jesus as a moral and social reformer.
🌟 Showcased interdisciplinary thinking by linking theology, history, and social justice themes to explore how religious figures are reinterpreted across different contexts.
🌟 Strengthened independent research, textual interpretation, and reflective enquiry, contributing to a broader understanding of interreligious and secular dialogue.
2023
The Image and Attributes of God in Christian Thought ✝️
Module: Christianity: Narrative Theory
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Explored how the Christian God has been represented and understood across different historical periods, tracing shifts in theological interpretation, narrative structure, and doctrinal emphasis within various Christian traditions.
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The project also examined how perceptions of God have been shaped or challenged in atheist and secular discourse, contributing to broader discussions on the divine in literature, philosophy, and cultural expression.
Skills Demonstrated:
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📖 Theological and historical analysis of religious concepts
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✍️ Structured academic writing and critical reflection
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🧠 Comparative evaluation of religious and secular viewpoints
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🔍 Research into evolving religious narratives and imagery
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🕊️ Engagement with abstract and philosophical religious themes
This paper built upon my previous paper: "Representations of Jesus in Abrahamic and Secular Thought". I love the differences and similarities of the perception of God, and the history of religion as a whole. I've been taught about Christianity since Primary School so I always felt drawn to it and I love the fables and the differences in each translation of scripture.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Traced the evolution of Christian theological thought, highlighting changes in divine imagery across historical contexts.
🌟 Contributed to interdisciplinary discussions by bridging theology with philosophy, literature, and cultural studies.
🌟 Developed an understanding of how religious narratives adapt over time and across belief systems.
🌟 Encouraged critical reflection on the abstract portrayal of divinity in both sacred and secular frameworks.
🌟 Strengthened ability to interpret complex theological texts while engaging diverse perspectives on faith and belief.
Kirk Hallam Community Academy - Sixth Form
A Level Coursework 2019 - 2021 🗂️
Stalin’s Suspicions of the Western Allies, 1941–1945: Justified or Paranoid? ☭
Subject: History 🏛️
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This independent research project critically assessed whether Stalin’s suspicions of his Western allies during World War II were justified.
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It examined political, military, and ideological tensions within the Grand Alliance, including the Second Front delay, territorial disputes over Poland, and conflicting capitalist-communist ideologies.
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Primary and secondary sources, including cartoons, speeches, and historian commentary, were analysed to explore the causes and consequences of mistrust between the USSR, USA, and UK.
Skills Demonstrated:
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📚 Historical analysis and interpretation
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🧠 Critical thinking and argument development
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🔍 Source evaluation and contextualisation
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✍️ Independent research and academic writing
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🎯 Political and ideological comparison
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🚀 Understanding of Cold War foundations
This coursework built upon our third paper module the British Empire from the 1800s to late 1900s. Also contributed to my growing political and historical portfolio.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Deepened understanding of early Cold War geopolitics and the breakdown of the Grand Alliance.
🌟 Demonstrated ability to synthesise primary and secondary evidence to form a balanced and nuanced argument.
🌟 Built foundational research skills that prepared me for higher academic study in history and international relations.
🌟 Explored the roots of long-term diplomatic tensions that shaped post-war global politics.
🌟 Strengthened analytical writing through independent enquiry into ideological conflict and wartime diplomacy.
Trumpet by Jackie Kay: A Feminist Analysis 🎺
Subject: English Literature 📚
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As part of my coursework, I produced a critical essay analysing Jackie Kay’s Trumpet (1998) through a feminist and gender theory lens.
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The paper focused on how the novel deconstructs traditional masculinity, with particular attention to the transgender main character Joss Moody, and the societal pressures to perform gender as a black man in the 1960s.
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I explored key theorists such as Judith Butler and Simone de Beauvoir to frame my analysis, alongside comparisons to characters in Macbeth and real-life transgender figures like Roberta Cowell.
Skills Demonstrated:
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🧠 Literary analysis and critical thinking
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🚺 Application of feminist and gender theory
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📚 Comparative analysis with historical and literary contexts
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✍️ Structured essay writing and referencing
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🏳️⚧️ Exploration of intersectionality and LGBTQ+ representation
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🔍 Independent research and argument development
This coursework built upon my queer and feminist portfolio. I loved reading and analysing this book and being able to write freely about queer people in an academic setting.
Impact & Key Achievements 🎯
🌟 Developed an intersectional critique that connected gender theory with racial and LGBTQ+ identity in literature.
🌟 Applied academic theory (Butler, de Beauvoir) to real-world literary and historical contexts.
🌟 Built confidence in discussing complex topics such as transgender identity, societal norms, and performative gender.
🌟 Strengthened analytical and essay-writing skills through close textual analysis and comparative frameworks.
🌟 Contributed to a broader understanding of how literature can challenge dominant narratives around gender and identity.
