I grew up in the South East of England, in a county they call "The Garden of England" - Kent.
This is where I went to university and began teaching. I worked as a teacher for 5 years before I moved to the UAE. I have taught across Foundation Stage and KS1.
My passion is teaching Foundation Stage. I love the exploratory and play based nature of learning at this age. My first year at DBS, I began teaching in Year 1. At first I was a little apprehensive about this, being such a champion for Foundation Stage.
However, I have grown to love teaching Year 1 and would not want to leave this year group! It is a year where children really start to make progress and are so proud of their achievements.
They grow so much in independence and confidence, its lovely to be a part of. The children at DBS come from many different backgrounds, I love learning about them and their families. They are often able to teach me things too!
Outside of school I like to spend my time reading on the beach, listening to music and trying out new restaurants!
Best Moment In Teaching
It would have to be moving to the UAE to teach international students. I feel my experience so far at DBS has been invaluable towards my career. I love to meet new people and learn different ways of life. Not only have I been able to do this in school with my students and colleagues, but also outside of school - meeting people from all over the world. DBS has a beautiful community spirit with staff, students and parents that work together to make our school the best that it can be. Moving to a new country can have it's challenges, however working at a school such as DBS has made it so much easier.
Amanda Strachan
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!
Assistant Headteacher: Leader of Lower Primary Greta Nicholl
I grew up on the Island of Malta and I am Maltese. In my studies I always been passionate Mathematics and Science subjects. I like reading about nature and how things develop around us. My curiosity always takes me to new dimensions and new experiences. I love travelling around the world, to build up my knowledge and get inspired by different cultures. In my experience as a Teacher Assistant, I went back to my routes were I continued to develop my artistic skills. In my family we all appreciate arts, and being brought up doing paintings and props, I am more keen to share my abilities to others. Best Moment In Teaching My best moment in school as a Teacher Assistant was every morning when school day is about to commence, and the little ones come and greet you with a hug. Nothing can change the blessing and support we bring together as one. In school I always feel welcomed and appreciated for all the things I do. Working in DBS is just one big family!
Niamh Shine
grew up in the South West of Ireland in a beautiful city called Cork. I began my teaching career in London, where I worked for five years before I moved to the UAE in 2016.
Rachel Woolas
I have worked in Education for the last 11 years. Working within Education was not something I had actually considered until watching my first child struggling through his early years at school. He was constantly misunderstood over the difficulties he was presented with. This really gave me the passion to retrain, enabling me to be there to support other children through what sometimes can be a hard time for them. I wanted to try to change people’s perceptions. Show every single child that they mattered. I want them to know that I will be by their side to support and guide them so they can reach their dreams! I have worked in both Mainstream and Special Educational Needs settings before being lucky enough to join the fabulous DBS Family. Best Moment In Teaching. I find it hard to pinpoint any one moment as I feel I am truly blessed in the career I have chosen. I get to see moments of greatness every single day! When a child achieves what they have worked so hard on, I have the absolute privilege to see the joy on their faces when they say….I did it!!
Inclusion Learning Assistant 
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