Year 5 Team

I grew up in a small town in the west of Ireland beside the sea. I moved to London to train as a teacher and spent seven years there in an outstanding school before moving to Dubai in 2015. Since then I have worked in three different schools, and I am very excited to continue my career working with the DBS-EH family. I have worked all across Key Stage 2 and throughout my teaching career I have specifically focused on special educational needs as well as leading English, maths and science. I strongly believe that education goes beyond academia and should enrich every student, helping them to foster a growth mindset which will enable them to succeed in all aspects of life. All children are unique and as a teacher it is important for me to get to know them and to help develop their character and personality. I always strive to deliver exciting lessons that promote curiosity and independence and are accessible to all learners at their level. When I am not teaching I love being outdoors. I spend lots of time on my bicycle, and I enjoy hiking. I feel lucky that am able to explore so many unconventional and surprising parts of the UAE (and the world) either on two wheels or on two feet. I have three very special furry friends who like to explore with me - my dogs, Sunshine, Lady and Maisie, who were rescued from local shelters. The everyday moments are what I enjoy the most - having conversations with children and getting to know them; helping them to solve problems or deal with worries they might have; laughing together when things don't go to plan and just generally enjoying each other's company.

My journey with Dubai British school started in 2018 when I joined as a Learning Assistant. Originally from Kashmir, India, I have been living in Dubai since 2016 with my husband and two daughters. I hold a Bachelors in Economics, and Masters in Business Administration with Human Resources as my main specialization and have been associated with the corporate sector for almost a decade before entering the field of Education. I am a people’s person and enjoy being surrounded with kids and interacting with them. I love travelling, running, yoga and spending time with my family. Nature and fresh air charges me up and my all time passion is singing. Best Moment In Teaching My day is made when the kids come up to me and say that I brighten up their day.

Originally, I am from Peterhead in ‘Bonnie’ Scotland, and I moved to Dubai in 2010 after finishing my Primary Education degree at Dundee University - hoping for a break from the cold, Scottish rain. I spent my first few years in Dubai working at a local school, which I loved as I got to learn lots about the rich Emirati culture. In 2013 I made the move to Dubai British School Emirates Hills, and I have worked in Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and I am currently teaching in Key Stage Two. DBSEH really is one of a kind, I have worked here for such a long period as I absolutely love the warm community feel. Throughout my time at DBSEH I have taken on lots of additional responsibilities and currently work as Assistant Headteacher with a focus on Wellbeing and Positive Education. I am very passionate about wellbeing as I believe a happy child is a learning child and love researching different ways to support our students. Currently, I am also Lower Primary Phase Leader and Primary Head of House. These two roles have allowed me to build wider school relationships and enables me to celebrate the successes of lots of different children. Meeting with the Primary House Captains to organise new events is always a highlight of my week. Dubai is a wonderful place to live and I love waking up to the sunshine every morning. At the weekends, you will usually find me at the pool with my kindle – I love sharing my book recommendations with friends. I am also a keen spinning enthusiast as it’s a great way to burn off some steam after a busy day at school. Best Moment In Teaching My favourite part of the school day is first thing in the morning seeing all those smiling faces excited to get into school to learn!

I knew from a very young age I wanted to be a teacher. I come from a family full of teachers, and I couldn’t imagine doing any other job. I love the buzz of working in a classroom and how every day is different.   I have been a teacher for over ten years, the last five being in Dubai. During my career I have taught every year group from Year 2 – 6 and held several leadership positions. I am really excited to be joining DBS as the Year 5 Leader.   Originally from Devon, England, I followed my sisters (who are both teachers in Dubai!) out to the Middle East five years ago. I love living and working here: living in a diverse, multi-cultural city with endless sunshine is incredible.   In my spare time I love reading, especially while lying on the beach or by a pool! I also enjoy lots of crafts such as sewing and knitting and make a lot of my own clothes.    Best moment in teaching  I love the feeling of community that develops in a classroom over a year, almost like an extended family. Watching the children celebrate each other’s successes and support their classmates when faced with challenges makes me feel so fortunate to do the job I do!