Marie-Claire Gibbs

Upon completing my teacher training in Belfast, I moved to England and gained much experience teaching across Key Stage 2 and developing my professional interests, which led to me taking on many different opportunities within leadership. I finally made the exciting move to Dubai in 2016, where I added to my experience by working across a range of outstanding schools. Teaching in Dubai has been a wonderful experience to date; it has been really interesting to have such a diverse and wide range of cultures to find out about and to celebrate within one classroom. I am incredibly passionate about providing children with memorable learning experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom; finding opportunities to bring their learning to life and understand the purpose for what they are learning about. I believe that a positive, supportive and stimulating learning environment is crucial for all children to become confident and resilient learners who can achieve their highest potential, both academically and emotionally. I can quite often be found singing in lessons, although many of my pupils have debated my ability in this area! I joined the DBSEH in 2020 and was soon made to feel at home thanks to the warm, friendly community atmosphere that is particularly evident at this school.

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!

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.