Secondary English Team

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!

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!

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!!!