60 Seconds with Mrs Elizabeth Hayes, Head of Classics
What began as a degree, with the aim for doing a law conversion course, became a lifelong love. I stayed at Manchester to complete a Masters, focusing my MA dissertation on Roman temples. Ancient religion and mythology are my favourite areas of the classical world.
I went from Manchester to London, where I completed teacher training in Classics at KCL. I then came to KC as bright-eyed young newly qualified teacher in 2009, and have never quite got around to leaving.
In my time at KC I have run the school newspaper, been House Tutor in J&O, been Head of Saxons, and I took on the role of Head of Classics in 2017. I also spent two years combining my role at KC with running a PGCE in Classics at the University of Sussex, from 2022-24.
Outside of the classroom, Classics is still very much a part of my life, where I enjoy travelling to ancient sites and visiting museums. Beyond that, I enjoy seeing other countries and experiencing other cultures. It will surprise none of my students to know that I am a sci-fi and fantasy nerd am always willing to chat books, tv series, and films.
When I get the chance, I also enjoy horse riding – there is nothing more freeing than galloping over a field somewhere. I have even ridden up Mount Vesuvius.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
My favourite thing about teaching, particularly having been in the same place for so long, is the privilege of watching students grow into adults. Watching students develop their interests and helping them to become good people is an honour and a pleasure. The other great thing about my job is that I get to talk about mythology all day, which as many of my classes will tell you, is very much my happy place. Although the paperwork is stressful, I also get to take students to some amazing places. Pompeii is always a highlight, but my favourite is a tie between Delphi in Greece and the Borghese Gallery in Rome – two places that should be on your travel lists. If anyone is ever going to Greece, Rome, or the Bay of Naples, I am always happy to recommend things to see.
What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?
The best tip for Classics is to be curious; always ask why, and in an essay always explain why. Classics is really the study of the ancient world, so look at objects and ask what they tell us. For Latin and Greek, as for Classics more broadly, the key is consistent hard work. Vocabulary cannot be learnt in one night, and needs to be revisited frequently to stay in the memory. Persevere until you reach set texts; what’s the point of learning Latin if you don’t read things written by the Romans.
What are the department highlights and upcoming events?
The annual Classics dinner is always a highlight of the year. We welcome back previous A Level students in classical subjects and have dinner with them and the current Upper Sixth. It is always wonderful to hear how everyone is getting on and what they are up to now. There will be another foreign trip, and whether you study a classical subject, or just want a cultural experience, they are always a fun way to see the world. Finally, Classics Club runs on Wednesday lunch times in H1 and is a fun way to learn Classics outside the curriculum. Come and enjoy some classical fun!