Dubai British Foundation School – www.dubabritishfs.ae

Dubai British Foundation School - Faculty and Class

Teachers

Muireann Carroll

Muireann Carroll completed her training in Froebel College, Dublin, achieving a

Bachelor of Education in 2003. She continued her education in Trinity College,

Dublin where she gained a Higher Degree in Education, whilst also completing

a postgraduate Degree in Educational Leadership. Muireann has enjoyed

extensive professional development throughout the years gaining numerous

certificates in Early Childhood Education, Special Needs Education and Visual Arts Education.

She is an accomplished and experienced primary school teacher, with eleven years teaching

experience and eight years leadership experience. Muireann has worked at all class levels as

well as in Special Needs Education, English Language Support and Learning Support. She has led

Literacy and Math’s initiatives throughout her career and has gained expertise in a variety of

teaching methodologies.

Muireann joins us from Castaheany Educate Together National School, Dublin, where she held

the position of Deputy Head Principal.She enjoys teaching all aspects of the curriculum through

a discovery based learning approach. Music and Art play an important role in Muireann’s teaching and she is a strong advocate of parental involvement. She is looking forward to

working collaboratively with the parents and guardians of our DBF children.

Muireann is interested in Art and is vocally trained and passionate about musical education.

She has travelled all over the world and has stayed in Dubai on numerous occasions when

visiting close relatives who reside here. She is looking forward to settling here and gaining an

even greater insight into the diverse cultures that make teaching in the UAE so fascinating and

rewarding.

Jenna Martynski

Originally from Swansea, South Wales, Jenna has experience of teaching in

both the UK and Dubai. Achieving her Bachelor of Education Degree in 2006

from Swansea University, Jenna firstly taught in her native Wales before

moving on to teach in Ipswich, England. Keen to enhance her experience in an

international context, Jenna enthusiastically relocated to Dubai.

Dubai British Foundation School – www.dubabritishfs.ae

Whilst teaching in England, Jenna contributed to three successful school inspections and quickly

gained promotion to become a Key Stage One Team Leader. Jenna is therefore acutely aware of

the important preparation that is required for successful transition to Year One at the end of

The Foundation Stage.

Part of Jenna’s responsibility as a Key Stage One Leader, involved being actively involved in

improving standards within Early Years. To achieve this aim, Jenna helped to develop exciting

programmes of study to enhance young children’s learning. This was excellent preparation for

relocating to the UAE, where Jenna was appointed to a Foundation Stage Leadership role at

Scholars International Academy, Sharjah.

Jenna is an advocate of child-centered learning. She has a particular interest in curriculum

design and a passion for supporting all children to succeed through enjoyable learning

opportunities.

Appointed to be one of our Foundation Stage Leaders, Jenna is delighted to be joining DBF in its

inaugural year. Sharing her proven expertise, our students are sure to enjoy a memorable and

highly effective start to their education.

Fiona O’Connell

Fiona is from a small town in Cork, Ireland. She attended Mary Immaculate

College of Limerick for three years achieving a Bachelor of Education.

Starting her teaching career in a school in Limerick, Fiona taught Year One and

Year Two children before relocating to Dubai to further her career and to

explore opportunities to travel. She has gained valuable experience whilst in

Dubai, teaching Year Two children and also Foundation Stage One children.

In her spare time Fiona enjoys swimming and playing football. She has a keen interest in music

and plays the piano to a high standard.

Fiona is delighted to be joining Taaleem and is excited to be part of the teaching team that will

launch DBF in its inaugural year. She loves working with young children and is keen to explore

opportunities to use her musical expertise, in conjunction with our music specialist teacher, to

enhance and promote effective learning for all children.

Dubai British Foundation School – www.dubabritishfs.ae

Jessica Ward

Jessica joins DBF with a varied and unique experience of working with children

from FS1 to Year 6 in the UK. Initially working as a Higher Level Teaching

Assistant, Jessica was inspired and encouraged to train to become a teacher.

Working with children of all ages within primary education, Jessica had a rare

insight into how children learn and gained untold benefit from team-working

with several experienced and knowledgeable teachers.

Jessica relocated to the UAE 3 years ago and has been working with Foundation Stage children

at Repton School, Dubai, where she was supported to achieve her PCGEi teaching qualification

through Nottingham University.

Respected for her genuine rapport with children, Jessica looks forward to inspiring her students

to love finding out about the world around them and gaining the confidence to begin their

journey of lifelong learning.

Raj Johal

Having achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Media Studies, Raj

moved on to complete a Post Graduate Teaching Qualification before

commencing her first teaching post at an inner-city school in Birmingham.

Teaching Year Two students for 3 years, Raj gained invaluable experience of

using the British National Curriculum before relocating to Dubai to explore

new opportunities.

Firstly teaching at Deira International School and then at Dubai International Academy, Raj’s child-centred inquiry approach to teaching and learning is in keeping with best early years

pedagogy.

In addition to teaching, Raj has led action research whilst in Dubai to further develop good

practice and has enjoyed mentoring teacher-training students.

She is passionate about health and fitness and is currently studying for a diploma in

nutrition. Her achievements include completed the Dubai Marathon and taking part in team

triathlons and cycle events.

She is looking forward to joining DBF and using all of her skills and knowledge to help our

students to have the best possible start to their educational experience.

Dubai British Foundation School – www.dubabritishfs.ae

Aoife McGovern

Aoife is from Dungarvan, a lovely coastal town in Ireland, where she enjoyed

seven years of teaching before relocating to Dubai. She has a Bachelor of

Commerce and German and a Postgraduate Certificate in teaching.

Aoife has experience of teaching throughout the whole primary age range, but

particularly enjoys teaching in Early Years. She is an advocate of active learning and enjoys

being creative in her lesson planning and delivery. She is very musical, proficient in the use of

ICT and studious. She is currently studying for her Masters in Education through DCU in Ireland.

Aoife is a talented sports player. She has represented her county in Ladies Gaelic football for

the last 15 years, competing in two All-Ireland finals in Croke Park. She is also a skilful hockey

player and loves swimming, running and generally keeping fit.

In Ireland, Aoife worked for the PDST (Professional Development Service for Teachers)

supporting the P.E. department. She has given seminars and has helped teachers to create new

and exciting ways to teach P.E., with an emphasis on inclusion for all pupils. She is passionate

about Physical Education and Sport and is looking forward to sharing her expertise at DBF.

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