Faye Simpson

I had my first classroom experience in 2000 as a Foreign Language Assistant working in France as part of my degree and this opportunity really opened my eyes to how rewarding a career in teaching could be.

Since completing my PGCE in 2003 I have worked in two UK schools and made the decision to explore the world of international teaching by joining DBS in 2015. I have been fortunate throughout my career to work with pupils from all over the world, and am always amazed by the huge range of languages that exist within a school community and inspired by the different cultures that accompany our pupils' linguistic capabilities. Communication skills are so incredibly important in the 21st Century, and I really enjoy seeing the pupils I teach grow in confidence and develop in this area.

Best Moment In Teaching

Foreign exchange trips have been by far the best experiences of my career - I have been fortunate enough to organise and accompany trips to France, Germany and China and would recommend a stay in a foreign country to anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the language and culture.

Ella Summers

I joined DBS in September 2019, after working in three other outstanding schools in the UAE. Before training as an English teacher, I worked for many years in advertising in London. However, literature was always my first love and I feel extremely lucky to be able to share my passion with my students. Outside work I love swimming, SUPing, surfing, yoga, writing, reading (obviously) and travelling. Best Moment In Teaching There have already been lots and lots of highlights during my short time at DBS, but the parts I have enjoyed the most have been watching all of my students stand up and perform: in class, assemblies, speakathons, spelling bees and drama productions. There is so much talent at DBS!

English Faculty Leader / VI-6 Form Tutor

Graeme Pawlett

I first discovered my passion for pedagogy whilst working as an English assistant in France. After completing my training as a teacher of MFL in the UK, I was eager to find a place where I could combine my twin passions of teaching and of language-learning. I found that place in DBS, where working in the polyglot setting of an international school has given me a wonderful opportunity to pursue my love of both teaching and learning languages. Best Moment In Teaching My best moment in teaching so far is, undoubtedly, coming to DBS. I'm incredibly fortunate to work with such lovely, bright young people, to teach some extraordinarily talented linguists and to be part of an amazing team.

French Teacher / VI-7 Form Tutor

Kate Ridley

I have been teaching English Literature and Language since 2012, starting in the North of the Netherlands and now in Dubai at Dubai British School. Originally from Gloucestershire, I have always loved travelling the world. Best Moment In Teaching There are so many moments that have been incredible since I started teaching; from exchanges, to mock UNs, to the terrified pupil giving an incredible speech, to students personally confiding in me. Specifically, in relation to my subject, it is a great joy when students engage in lively debate about a literary text. It is a wonderful reminder that English may be an academic subject, but it is also a subject that teaches life and choices - reminding students how important differing perceptions, political and geographic influences, the lessons of history, and personal enjoyment can also guide their own futures.

Head of Year 10 / English Teacher

Melanie Wood

I joined DBS as a full time Secondary English Teacher in September 2013 after working for 17 years in a top performing school in the UK. I teach across all age groups, from Year 7 to Year 13 and I also assist in the Pastoral and English transition of students from Year 6-7. I have two sons in DBS Primary and we expect to remain with the school for the duration of their Secondary education. As a family, we love to travel and are quite adventurous. We will continue to make our way around the world, discovering new places and experiences. Best Moment In Teaching Turning Josh Riding into Mount Rushmore and building a giant model of the Apollo moon landing to represent America for an International Day Tutor Group Competition - and winning both categories!!!

English Teacher / 8B Form Tutor

Michelle King

Originally hailing from rainy Cardiff in Wales, I have been in the Middle East since 1999 with my family and other animals. I teach English Language and Literature in the secondary school, and have been at DBS since 2016. I have a real passion for the English language and am a self-confessed geek when it comes to all things linguistic. My specific area of expertise is children’s literature. Outside of schooI, I enjoy baking, netball coaching and desert rally driving. I thoroughly enjoy teaching the talented students of DBS and developing the same enthusiasm for my subject in them as I have. Best Moment In Teaching The best experience in teaching for me is not a specific instant but that lightbulb moment at which students change from being intimidated by a text to gaining a real passion for it. For instance, this year my wonderful A Level class were so involved with the characters of Ian McEwan’s Atonement, feeling such strong empathy with the characters that discussions were electric! Those sorts of reactions make it all SO worthwhile!

Head of Year 8, English Teacher.

Teagan Hale

I joined the modern foreign language department at DBS in 2019, having completed my teacher training at the University of Reading. During my undergraduate degree, I spent a year teaching in Spain and decided to replicate the experience in Beijing after graduating. Both my previous experiences solidified that teaching internationally is the right fit for me. During my studies, I loved learning about all the unique aspects of the Spanish language and culture and hope to pass that on to the students. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy travelling, playing rugby and cooking. Best Moment In Teaching There isn’t one defining moment, but the best feeling is watching the students click with a difficult piece of language. Closely followed by their proud faces when they get a good grade.

Spanish Teacher

Faye Simpson

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