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.

Hello Dubai British School Jumeira Families,

My name is Miss Caitlin Swanwick, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the DBSJ community. I’m so looking forward to meeting you all and becoming part of such a fun, vibrant, and welcoming school.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with children. My passion for learning led me to complete a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood and Primary Education at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. I’ve been teaching for five years, with most of my experience in a Prep classroom—the first year of formal schooling in Australia.

My teaching philosophy is built on kindness, curiosity, and a deep respect for every child’s unique journey. I believe young children thrive in warm, nurturing environments where they feel safe, supported, and valued. By fostering a sense of wonder and encouraging playful exploration, I aim to help children develop a lifelong love of learning.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, visiting the beach, and playing with my three-year-old English Cocker Spaniel, Stella. One of my favourite children’s books is Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. I love it because it celebrates friendship, kindness, and teamwork—all told through a magical, engaging story.

Hello, families of DBSJ! 

My name is Miss Hannah Wyllie, and I’m delighted to be your child’s teacher this year. I studied Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University for 3 years and have taught across Year 2 and Year 3 for the past two years. I’m moving from Kent, England to Dubai this summer and am so excited to begin this new adventure with you and your children.

I’m a kind and compassionate teacher who believes that strong, positive relationships are the foundation for successful learning. Every child is unique, and I am committed to supporting them in the way that suits them best to reach their full potential.

In my classroom, kindness and happiness come first. I work hard to create a safe, warm environment where children feel confident, valued, and encouraged to try their best. When children feel seen and supported, they can achieve amazing things, and I’m here to help make that happen.

Outside the classroom, I’m very sporty and passionate about fitness, and I love bringing that energy into school life. I’m also a keen reader and enjoy sharing stories with the class. One of my favourites is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a book that holds a special place in my heart, and one the children always enjoy!

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.

Hello, families of DBSJ!

My name is Miss Checklin, and I am so excited to be part of the DBSJ family. I cannot wait to get to know you all! I would love to share a few key points about my background, interests, and philosophy so that you can get to know me better.

As a child, I remember lining up my teddies and forcing my brother to be part of my ‘make believe’ class. I used to take registers and teach my family times tables. I did have a feeling that one day I’d become a teacher!

Originally, I went to Drama school and studied Drama with English. I performed professionally in productions across the UK in my teens to my mid twenties. I then went onto train as a teacher in Bristol and this will be my 8th year of teaching.

My teaching philosophy revolves around children having fun, making progress and engaging in their learning. I take the time to really get to know my students and develop trust and respect. My classroom is vibrant, practical and energetic. I am committed to creating a safe space where students feel valued and motivated to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally through consistent structure, empathy, and collaborative teaching strategies. Be prepared to have lots of fun this year, we will be going on an exciting journey together!

In my spare time, I love to keep fit and active with spin classes and run clubs across Dubai. I enjoy spending time with friends and my fiancé watching concerts and travelling. I still sing and perform myself which keeps my love for the Arts alive!

My name is Mr. Vadera, and I am delighted to join the vibrant community at Dubai British School Jumeira.

I am an experienced and dedicated teacher with a passion for education and a strong commitment to helping my pupils achieve their full potential. I completed my initial teacher training at the University of Birmingham, where I gained practical experience through various placements in diverse school settings. This invaluable experience allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set and a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies.

After qualifying as a teacher in 2016, I spent four years at an outstanding school in Leicester, meticulously planning and delivering dynamic and captivating lessons to Key Stage 2 students. In 2020, I moved to Dubai and have been teaching here ever since, continuing to foster a love for learning among my pupils. My teaching philosophy revolves around creating a positive and engaging learning environment where every child feels supported and motivated to excel. I believe in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning through creativity and enthusiasm.

My classroom is a place where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow, and every student is encouraged to explore their unique strengths. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, travelling, and spending time with my family. One of my favourite children’s books is Holes by Louis Sachar. This book holds a special place in my heart as it was the one that made me fall in love with reading.

My name is Miss Sian Bell, and I am delighted to be joining the DBSJ community. I would love to share a little about my background, interests and teaching philosophy so that you can get to know me before the start of the school year.

Originally from Cambridge in the UK, I completed my B.Ed. Primary Education with QTS at the University of Bedfordshire and have been fortunate to spend over ten years working with children across a range of primary age groups.

For the past four years, I have been teaching in Dubai, where I have been fortunate to work within vibrant school communities and build amazing relationships with all my students. Throughout my career, I have also had the opportunity to lead Year 5, Concept curriculum, as well as Design and Technology, helping to create engaging learning experiences that inspire children to think creatively and solve problems.

My teaching philosophy centers around creating a warm, inclusive and exciting classroom where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their very best. I believe children learn best when they are curious, actively involved and enjoying the learning process. I love bringing learning to life through creative, hands-on experiences that encourage children to ask questions, take risks and develop confidence as learners.

My favourite children’s book is Varjak Paw by SF Said. I love the story’s themes of courage, resilience and self-discovery, as well as the way it inspires children to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.

I am incredibly excited to be joining this wonderful community, building strong relationships with children and families. I look forward to inspiring curiosity, encouraging a love of learning and helping children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

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.