With a passion to see students shine, meet our Head of PE Callum Brooks

Being a resident in the UAE provides so many opportunities. It’s an amazing place to bring up a family, and your friends also become close family also.Having lived in Dubai for 13 years, I have to say I’m look forward to spending time exploring the islands of Abu Dhabi. I’ve played for, coached, and supported rugby teams at Zayed Sports Stadium many times over the years but I’m looking forward to expanding my tourism adventures across the city.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ONCE THE SCHOOL OFFICIALLY OPENS IN AUGUST?

I’m most looking forward to meeting students and parents and creating quality professional relationships. The students make the school!

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE, AND WHY?

My father was a Deputy Head of a Prep School many years ago and I watched him work to create an outstanding school, which provided extra opportunities to students throughout the school. He brought joy to the workplace, and I aim to follow in his footsteps, whether it be house events, camping experiences, mountain adventures, inter-school competitions, I’m all for it! 

WHAT TOPICS CONTINUE TO CAPTURE YOUR ATTENTION IN YOUR FIELD? WHAT DO YOU FIND INTERESTING ABOUT THEM?

Having worked with Apollo Perelini, the UAE National Rugby team’s head coach for the past 13 years, I’ve had a lot to do with the coaching of youth rugby in the UAE, including 5–6-year-olds and older. I’ve also been fortunate enough to travel to Monaco with the Apollo Perelini Rugby Skills Academy this year and continue to upskill myself to be the best coach I can. I’d love to potentially coach at a club in Abu Dhabi!

WHAT DO YOU FEEL MOST PASSIONATELY ABOUT, AND WHY?

Providing opportunities for students to shine is my passion. If you look back at your own childhood you may not remember any standard lessons, but I bet you’ll remember those special moments, whether that’s watching a big sports event, meeting a professional athlete, or playing on a sports team. I also really enjoy seeing students’ progress from KS1 through to senior school, following their development and how they engage in sports over the years.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO, AND WHY?

I enjoy coaching all sports, especially rugby, football, and cricket. I also enjoy going to the gym, staying fit and keeping up with the younger PE Teachers!My family and I love the outdoor lifestyle, whether that be having a BBQ, beach time with friends and family or exploring the UAE. We also love exploring breakfast and coffee spots!

WHEN YOUR MIND WANDERS, WHERE DOES IT GO?

What is the next project at work, what more can we do to make the school even better.

Want to learn more about our school? Read all about our Primary Teacher Anna Olasimbo – a passionate lifelong learner.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT CALLUM.

Callum is the Head of PE at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi. With extensive experience in the Emirates, Callum's been based in Dubai working in education since 2010. Callum inspired younger children to stay fit, have fun with their friends, and feed their passion for movement and sports while leading a junior school PE department for almost a decade, before stepping in as Director of Sport. Prior to these roles, he was also Head of Rugby. Callum has a KS2/3 Education Degree specialising in Physical Education, and has also worked in an academy in Liverpool and a GPS School in Australia.