Laura Vertigans graduated from Loughborough University with a Bsc in Geography and Sports Management before studying a PGCE with Primary Humanities at the University of Exeter.
Upon graduation, Laura has worked in the UK for four years, starting at an inner-city school in Bristol, before later moving to a village state school, ‘with outstanding features’ in Somerset. During this time, she gained valuable experience as Primary PE Co-Ordinator, introducing the Daily Mile initiative, Walk to School Programme and networked with the surrounding community to improve the quality of physical education and sport opportunities provided to children within schools. Laura has been teaching at DCIS this year and has helped coach and develop the Performance Swimming Squad for Year 6 and 7. Afterwards, Laura moved to Malaysia at her first international school, being promoted to Primary Maths Co-Ordinator and helping lead and develop the Mathematics Curriculum across both Primary and Secondary.
Laura prides herself upon ensuring high quality education and promoting dynamic, fun lessons to help children grow and develop into independent thinkers and eventually, global citizens. She has a keen interest in challenging childrens’ thinking to understand the wider world around them and to follow their own interests and hobbies.
Laura grew up as an expatriate student herself, having moved to the Middle East with her family from a young age. She has lived in countries such as Saudi Arabia; Qatar and the UAE, before moving to boarding school at the age of 16. She encourages her students to set high expectations, take risks and embark on new adventures, reflecting on many of her life experiences to aid her teaching. In addition, Laura has represented her country in swimming at national and international level, and has used this previous experience to help develop and lead the Performance Swimming Programme for Year 6 and 7.
Throughout her teaching career, Laura has travelled the world, keen on exploring and experiencing a range of different cultures. When away from the classroom, she likes to embark on new adventures, surf and try different cuisines wherever she visits. She is also a keen reader and diver!