Although not completely new to NAS, as I have been in situ on a semi-permanent basis throughout Term 3, 4F will be my first full time commitment within the school, and as with each new class and each new teaching experience I am looking forward to it immensely.
In the 17 years I have enjoyed in the UAE, I have taught at many of the city’s other premium provider schools: DESS, JAPS, Repton and GEMS WIS. My specialist age ranges are within KS2 and KS3 – I really enjoy teaching these developmental years, particularly Years 4 and 5; as I find this is the age where children begin to ask more critical questions and have more shared input into discovering their own outcomes or reaching individual conclusions.
There are many things to look forward to with any new class, I look forward to developing bonds with a group of eager young minds, and helping to guide their interests and understanding of curriculum content and the wider world. I also always look forward also to developing a relationship with mums, dads, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, grandparents and nannies and drivers. I am looking forward to working within an established year group and adding my skill set and experience to the mix.
My own personal viewpoint on education is that, although we want fast paced learners and a work space that reflects this, it also essential to have a solid foundation of understanding, and I feel sometimes that deeper understanding comes with slowing things down a little bit and actually taking some time to talk, to communicate, to explain and to listen. I am always, very happy to spend a few additional minutes discussing some point of interest before moving on.
Obviously, with a few Dubai years behind me I am not a novice teacher in the city, I am very happy to be joining the staff here at NAS, as I know from experience, that NAS provides a first-class option for my future career path, I am sure you also appreciate, it provides a first-class option for your child’s educational needs and wider social development. So, together, we can move forwards and all enjoy the development and fun times ahead of us as part of a larger 4F team.
When away from the chalk-face I have deep appreciation for the natural history of this country and wider region, I am a published children’s author and still pursue writing from a hobbyist perspective. I enjoy general socialising, sports A to Z, kayaking, quizzes, barbecues and Dubai’s cooler months.
I look forward to the opportunity of meeting in the near future and would encourage you to consider that, although our common connection is your child’s educational journey, this encompasses so much more than just assessments and grades, any worthwhile learning has to be ‘blended’ with fun, inquiry, friendships, successes, failures, discipline and determination.
If there is not a chance to meet before the summer break, I wish you and your family a safe, settled and hopefully slightly cooler few months and we will reconnect in August to and get off to a focused commencement of the Year 4 curriculum.