I have been teaching Modern Foreign Languages for over 16 years. For the past ten years, I have been living and working here in the United Arab Emirates in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Teaching in the UAE has been incredibly enriching and rewarding and has presented me with the unique opportunity to work with students from all over the world.
I am originally from County Armagh, Northern Ireland. At the age of 18, I relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland to pursue my studies in Modern Foreign Languages. I decided to study for a Master’s Degree in Interpreting and Translating French and Spanish at Heriot-Watt University. Completion of the Master’s Degree also involved a period of study in France and Mexico in order to write dissertations in French and Spanish.
On my return to Northern Ireland, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Modern Foreign Languages) from Queen’s University of Belfast helped me to achieve my academic and professional goals. The PGCE facilitated the development of my teaching skills in a theoretical and highly practical sense with placements in schools in Northern Ireland.
My second, and more recent, Master’s Degree is in International Business Management with Marketing from Heriot-Watt University, Dubai. I pride myself on being a lifelong learner and always try to motivate my students to think along those lines.
My experience in teaching spans roles that focused on both academic and pastoral perspectives. I believe wholeheartedly in a holistic approach to teaching and learning. Encouraging students to strive to achieve their potential and exceed even their own expectations relies on this universal approach.
When I have free time, I love to travel. I do feel that learning languages inspires wanderlust and a desire to learn about other cultures. I have travelled extensively around the world and always encourage my students to do the same. I also love Art and Drama; I really enjoy going to art galleries, theatres and exhibitions when I can.
I am really looking forward to working within the World Languages Department at Nord Anglia School Dubai. The ‘Be Ambitious’ philosophy of the school has tremendous resonance for me and I feel that by learning new languages young people have an authentic opportunity to truly broaden their horizons. I am excited to be a part of that learning journey for NAS’ language students.