Executive Leadership team

My name is Mia Grant, and I am excited to join the DBSJ community. I grew up in London and studied Law at the University of Liverpool before discovering my true passion for teaching.

I completed my Primary Education degree at the University of Goldsmiths and have been teaching for three years, mainly with Year 2 students in KS1.

As a teacher, I am known for making lessons fun, hands-on, and creative. I believe in involving children in their learning, encouraging them to ask questions, participate actively, and learn from their mistakes. I aim to create a supportive and enjoyable classroom environment where everyone feels excited to learn.

In my spare time, I enjoy experimenting with new cooking recipes and exploring different cuisines. My favourite children’s book is “”Amazing Grace”” by Mary Hoffman because it teaches us that we can achieve anything if we put our minds to it and never give up. One of the things I look forward to most about joining DBSJ is being part of a new school and team. I am excited to bring my energy and passion for teaching and to make a positive difference in the lives of my students.

My name is Mr Joshua Gibson, and I am thrilled to be one of the founding teachers of what promises to be an excellent school community.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Geography from Aberystwyth University, I worked internationally as a qualified swimming teacher and coach in the UAE and USA. Following this, I returned to the UK to complete my teaching qualifications. I have been teaching for six years across a range of year groups in primary school, with four years here in the UAE. My teaching philosophy revolves around making learning as practical, engaging and relevant to the children’s interests as possible. I believe that learning should be fun and hands on, underpinned by the curriculum to ensure that all children are learning as much as possible! My classroom is a very friendly place as I view the whole class as one team, all working together. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and exercising. Swimming has always been a large part of my life, and I try to swim at least six kilometres every week!

I am thrilled to introduce myself as Ms. Sarah Webb. From a young age, I was passionate about becoming a primary school teacher.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Nottingham Trent University in Early Years and Special and Inclusive Education. I then did my PGCE at Birmingham City University. After teaching for one year in England, I moved to Dubai in 2019. I have now been teaching in KS1 for six years.

My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every child can achieve and find joy in learning. I am convinced that children thrive best in a safe environment where they understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Every child deserves an enriching education that nurtures and motivates them. My professional practice is grounded in mutual respect. I strongly believe in hands-on learning experiences and celebrating all successes, no matter how big or small.

My favorite children’s book is “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae. I love this story because it celebrates differences and understands that we need to dance to our own beat; we are all going to achieve, but we take our own route. In my spare time, I enjoy going on long walks and trying out new recipes at home. I am very fond of animals, and I have a cat called Cheddar, my little pride and joy.

My name is Mita Pandya and I am so excited to be part of such a cutting-edge and caring school.

Knowing that I wanted to make a difference to the lives of children, I initially studied law, specialising in Child Protection. Being involved in many projects and in academia led me to change my path to create a positive impact for children: education. This led me to gaining my PGCE at Brunel University London. I have been in teaching for around ten years now and have loved every minute! I have worked for six of those years in the UAE.

My teaching philosophy is focussed on children’s creativity and inspiring them to reach standards of excellence. My classroom is a place where children are happy inquirers, excited about learning, independent and challenged to a level that they set for themselves.

In my spare time I love to cook, play badminton and do yoga. A book I have really loved to read and use in teaching is Dubai’s Talking Towers by Ralph Browning. We loved bringing the characters to life through drama and through creating their own version of the story.

My name is Mr. Andrew McCracken, and I am delighted to be joining your family in this exciting journey as founding members of DBSJ!

Education has always been a huge part of my life. My mother, one of my biggest role models, was a Primary School Principal. As I am sure you are aware, teaching preparation does not stop in the classroom. At home, my sister, father and I were often tasked with cutting and laminating displays and resources! My mother instilled a passion for education in me and because of this, I studied an Education Degree, and completed my PGCE in Liverpool Hope University. Now, after teaching for 10 years (8 of these in Dubai) I strive to instil this love for learning onto your children.

My teaching philosophy includes a passion for inquiry based learning. I believe in creating an environment where children take ownership of their learning and develop their unique ways to delve deeper into concepts. Creating a love for learning and an eagerness to explore is very important to me. I have a huge passion for the arts. From a young age, the stage has been my second home. I love getting involved in productions and choirs here in Dubai and I am so excited to bring this passion to DBSJ. When I am not performing, I love to go to the Dubai Opera House or delve into a good book!

Welcome, families of Dubai British School Jumeira!

My name is Manika Tanna and I am so excited to be part of the founding team at DBSJ! I am very much looking forward to meeting you all and working together to create a vibrant and supportive school community.

I have just moved to Dubai from Hong Kong where I have spent all my life! Having just got married over the summer, I am excited to live in this amazing city and to bring my experience in International education to Dubai. I have been a teacher for 6 years, after completing my education at the University of Exeter and have taught across Early Years and Key Stage 2. I was previously the Wellbeing Coordinator and place great importance on your Child’s heath and wellbeing.

I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can feel inspired and challenged to reach their true potential. Encouraging students to become independent and respectful of each other and of the environment while making learning fun! My classroom is a place where children can feel valued, successful and capable of anything and everything.

In my spare time I love to travel, lift weights and cook. I am a massive foodie and am always thinking of my next meal! My favourite book is the magical world of Harry Potter and I will forever dream to be walking along the hallways of Hogwarts.

My name is Ms. Laura Hogan, and I am thrilled to be joining this vibrant school community. In this biography, I will share a few key points about my background, interests and philosophy so that you can get to know me a little ahead of time!

I studied Teaching with English Language as an undergraduate and Education as a postgraduate. I taught in the UK for over three years before moving to the UAE 11 years ago. I feel privileged to have had opportunities to work in diverse school environments and to teach students from all over the world.

My teaching style ensures that children receive an enriched curriculum through hands-on, interactive, and challenging activities. I aim to motivate children to want to learn independently and stretch themselves both emotionally and academically, becoming fully prepared for the future.

In my spare time, I am learning how to ski, a new skill that I never thought I would be brave enough to try. I love reading and learning new things. my favourite author quote is “It’s better to know how to learn than to know.” – Dr Seuss.

I am eagerly looking forward to getting to know each of your children and helping them embark on a journey of discovery and growth.

My name is Ms. Mary O’Leary and I am thrilled to be continuing my teaching career with Taaleem, by joining the Dubai British School Jumeira family for the next academic year. am looking forward to working closely with the students and their families in DBS Jumeira.

Prior to this, I worked in another Taaleem school, Greenfield International School for 3 years. I am a dedicated, enthusiastic Key Stage 2, primary school educator with over a decade of teaching experience spanning the educational landscape of the UAE and Ireland, teaching a wide variety of curricula (Irish, British and IB). In 2013, I graduated from St. Patrick’s College, Dublin with a Bachelor of Education.

My teaching philosophy revolves around building healthy-strong relationships with the students, their families and the wider school community as I believe this is essential to successful learning. I like to learn about the student’s backgrounds, what they like, what they don’t like and understand their learning styles so I can confidently cater for their needs. I am very passionate about teaching English and my favourite children’s book is an autobiography ‘I am Ruby Bridges’. I love this book because it shows how Ruby Bridges became an inspirational figure in education, at the age of six years old.

Beyond the classroom, I am enthusiastic about sports, particularly camogie – an Irish team sport involving the use of a wooden stick and recently, I am thoroughly enjoying padel tennis. In addition, I enjoy running or going to the gym. I also have a great zest for the outdoors and I eagerly await the arrival of cooler temperatures in the UAE. temperatures in the UAE. Over the coming year, I am looking forward to working closely with the students and their families in DBS Jumeira.

My name is Oliver Page, I am delighted to be joining DBSJ, the school is shaping up to be incredibly special with a community that mirrors it.

I began my teaching career in the UK and have spent the past six years teaching in Dubai. I have had the opportunity to teach a wide range of age groups, from the youngest students in FS to the oldest in Cycle 2, both as a class teacher and in leadership roles.

My teaching philosophy fosters a love of learning, emphasising academic, personal, and social development while encourage a growth mindset by praising progress and effort. I create a stimulating, supportive environment that challenges children, nurtures their unique strengths, and promotes confidence in both creative arts and sports, ensuring holistic development and resilience in all areas of life.

I’m a keen sportsman, and outside of school you’ll find me playing golf, cricket, or football. I also enjoy spending time at home with my wife, our newborn son, and our rescue cats. My favourite children’s book is “Kensuke’s Kingdom”, it’s a beautifully written tale of an exceptional friendship which survives beyond the boundaries of culture and language; I find this very fitting for life here in the UAE.