Rachel Woolas

I am a trained Geography teacher and have taught in Abu Dhabi, New Zealand and London. I love to travel, experience new places and meet new people. When I’m not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, enjoying the outdoors and walking our rescue dog around the nearby lakes. I joined the inclusion team at DBS in 2019 when my family moved to Dubai from Abu Dhabi, where we had lived for 7 years. My first role was as an ILSA working in the primary and secondary school which I loved and gave me an insight into this wonderful community school. This year, I am excited to join the Secondary Inclusion team as a Learning Support Assistant working specifically with the BTEC Business and Travel & Tourism students. It is a real privilege to work with students of determination. I love my job and the biggest reward is seeing students make progress. Last year, seeing the huge smile on my student’s faces when they achieved their highest scores, was truly a magical lightbulb moment. I could see how proud and confident they were and how they believed in themselves. I always say to students, “Reach for the stars, you can do it!”

My journey with the delightful DBS family began in 2019 when I joined the Primary Inclusion team as a KS2 Inclusion Assistant. Originally from London, I have been living in Dubai since 2009 with my husband and two daughters. Before embarking into the field of education four years ago, I worked as an Optometrist and even then it was the pediatric clinics I enjoyed the most. Having studied Neuroscience and Psychology, I was always intrigued by child development so when I was given the opportunity to engage in the world of learning, it was a dream come true! Four years later and I am still as enthusiastic walking into a classroom and watching these young minds grow. Being an avid reader and a lifelong learner myself, I thrive to pass my passion for books and the power of knowledge to my students. After working as an Assistant Teacher for two years in both KS1 and KS2, I retrained and expanded my skills to enter the Special Education Needs department. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to spend every day with other people who love what they do and to be able to learn from them. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and walking on the beach. Best Moment In Teaching Knowing that you have helped someone reach their true potential and to be present in that exact moment is a joy I had never experienced before teaching. Watching the children’s eyes light up with relief and appreciation for a concept they have just come to understand is just wonderful. I have witnessed generosity, perseverance and kindness in the classrooms as I have seen talent on the sports ground and in concerts. Being able to experience the result of the impact you make as an educator time and time again is exceptionally rewarding. Supporting the children through challenges and celebrating their successes and accomplishments is something I truly treasure.

As a qualified science teacher in the UK I have worked in Birmingham and London where I was also deputy in the science department. I moved to Dubai in 2005 and have been with Dubai British School as a parent since it opened its doors. My older 2 daughters have left DBS and are now a Cambridge Law graduate and Warwick Law undergraduate. I am very grateful to the dedicated and talented staff of DBS who helped them achieve their goals. I have worked as a science and ICT teacher in Dubai before I joined DBS as an Learning Support Assistant for secondary science 3 years ago. I value my role here in the DBS Secondary Inclusion Department as it is important to ensure that no child is overlooked. Best teaching moment I am very fortunate to be working in a department where the teachers want to ignite a passion for science and challenge all their students in ways that are motivating and rewarding. Inspiring a love of learning and continuing to learn throughout one's life is what makes teaching worth it.

After graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Education, specialising in English and Special Educational Needs, I commenced my teaching career in a small inner-city primary school before making the move back to Northern Ireland to further my teaching profession. I had the pleasure of managing and actively working in a learning support centre for children with Specific Speech and Language disorders and Autism, an area that I am passionate about. Working in this capacity fulfilled one of my life-long ambitions and provided me with opportunities to work within multidisciplinary teams within my local education authority. I made the move to Dubai in 2012 with my two children and husband and during this time I have completed my Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) qualification, Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) and continue to advance my career in Senior Leadership studies. I was delighted to an instrumental component of the Inclusion Department when we were awarded the MENA SEN department 2017. I have also had the pleasure in hosting training workshops with established training providers, which has allowed me to share my knowledge with other professionals. Best Moment In Teaching In the capacity that I work there is nothing that brings me greater pleasure than seeing my students achieve goals that they thought were impossible. Those light bulb moments are priceless and each time they are achieved. I get the greatest sense of accomplishment and a reminder of why I love the job that I do.

I am originally from the UK where my employment was in the Tourism sector. I moved to Dubai with my family in 2007. With having two boys both with different learning difficulties, I felt very passionate about being able to help and support other children achieve their goals. So in 2011 I joined the DBS Secondary Inclusion Department . Originally I was across all subject but now mainly based in maths and have totally enjoyed every moment since. Best Moment In Teaching There are far too many best moments at DBS, but those light bulb moments from the students are always priceless

My love for working in education began in 2007I first joined the DBS family as a library assistant and continued while working across various Taaleem schools, transitioning into the Inclusion department. In 2007, I relocated to the UAE with my husband from my busy life in London where I completed a degree in Biomedical Science. I worked as a scientist for many years in the NHS before discovering my love for working with children and being a mother of 2, how rewarding that role can be. Through my work with students from KS1 across to KS5, I realised this was truly a passion of mine. While supporting students I was able to witness firsthand the impact a little support can have on a child’s academic and personal development. I believe early inclusive practice ensures individuals meet their academic needs but also their social and emotional developments that set the foundations to a great beginning in life. This is the reason I have embarked on this journey within the Secondary Inclusion department specialising in English support. Best Moment In Teaching Seeing the happiness, energy and enthusiasm in a child willing to do well and push themselves is one of the biggest rewards. Their success is a reflection of their hard work and I am fortunate enough to be part of that journey.