Meet the Senior Leadership Team of Dubai British School Jumeira
Marwa El Barawy
Islamic B Teacher
Marwa El Barawy
Islamic B Teacher
I am delighted to introduce myself as Marwa El-Bahrway, joining the esteemed Dubai British School Jumeira as an Islamic teacher.
My educational journey commenced with a focus on Arabic Language and Literature, along with Islamic Studies, at Zagazig University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree. Subsequently, I pursued a teaching certification in Quran Sciences from Al-Azhar University in Cairo. With sixteen years of experience in international schools as both a teacher and a leader, I bring a wealth of expertise to my new role.
My teaching career has predominantly centered on guiding students aged 6 to 16 years old. I am passionate about creating an interactive classroom environment where students can deeply engage with the profound teachings of the Holy Quran and the life of the Prophet (PBUH). At the core of my teaching philosophy is placing students at the forefront of their learning journey, employing innovative methods and practical applications.
Beyond my professional life, I derive great joy from reading both Arabic and English literature. One particular book that has deeply resonated with me is “”Life will change,”” which beautifully illustrates the transformative power of love and inspiration in overcoming life’s adversities.
When I’m not immersed in literature, I indulge my curiosity for diverse cultures through travel, an activity that continues to enrich my perspective. Recently, I’ve also discovered a newfound passion for tennis, finding it to be both a mentally stimulating and physically rewarding pursuit.
I am enthusiastic about becoming an integral part of the DBSJ community and am committed to fostering excellence. By engaging students in diverse activities and nurturing their innate curiosity, my aim is to inspire a lifelong love for learning in each of my students. Let’s begin a thrilling educational adventure together.
Elodie Cottin
French Teacher
Elodie Cottin
French Teacher
Hello! My name is Élodie Cottin, and I am thrilled to join the dynamic community at DBSJ as your new French language teacher.
I am originally from France and have spent the last eight years in education. I hold a Professional Teaching Certificate and a Master’s degree in Sciences of Education from the American University in Dubai.
My teaching journey includes experiences in IB and international school education, primarily working with diverse age groups (6 to 11 years old) as a French bilingual homeroom teacher. I have a special interest in Special Educational Needs and learning disabilities, driving my commitment to an inclusive classroom environment. My goal is to tailor my strategies to meet the diverse needs of all my students, ensuring everyone can thrive and enjoy learning French.
In my classroom, expect a student-centered approach where learning is fun, interactive, and connected to real-life experiences. Engaging activities and a supportive atmosphere are key to building confidence and proficiency in French.
Outside of teaching, I am sporty and adventurous. I play beach volleyball, do CrossFit, and enjoy hiking. I spend most weekends exploring the UAE’s desert landscapes, driving off-road, and camping when the season allows.
Additionally, I have a passion for reading, particularly adventure books, historical fiction, and philosophical works. Two of my favorite books are “”The Lord of the Rings”” by J.R.R. Tolkien and “”The Forty Rules of Love”” by Elif Shafak. I love these books because they made me cry, laugh, identify with the characters, and gave me a lot to think about. I believe in the power of reading and that books can change our lives.
I am excited to join the DBSJ community and look forward to creating a vibrant and inspiring learning environment. I am eager to engage with the diverse school community and support our students’ growth as confident and enthusiastic French speakers. Let’s make this a wonderful year of learning and growth together!
Fiona Root
Performing Arts
Fiona Root
Performing Arts
I am Fiona Root, a passionate educator and performing arts teacher who is thrilled to be joining the community at Dubai British School Jumeira.
My teaching journey began with studies at the University of Leeds, and I’ve since had the pleasure of teaching in schools across the UK and UAE in various roles across the whole school. My main focus is on nurturing children’s collaborative skills and self-confidence through various channels relating to the performing arts. Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing a child enjoy taking part and enjoying being part of a production, whatever the size and scale.
When I am not in school, I am an avid Latin American and ballroom dancer. I also enjoy hiking, and yoga. Beyond teaching, I’m deeply committed to animal rights and am a long-term vegetarian. I am excited to bring my enthusiasm for education and creativity to DBSJ. I look forward to working together to create a vibrant and inspiring learning environment where every child can thrive!
Rebecca Cox
Visual Arts
Rebecca Cox
Visual Arts
Hi everyone! My name is Miss Rebecca Cox and I am thrilled to be the Founding Art Teacher at Dubai British School Jumeira.
I am looking forward to creating many memorable moments with all of our students.
I am originally from Fife, Scotland, where I studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, earning a BDes(Hons) in 2015. After spending several summers as an Au Pair and working as an Art Specialist at summer camps, I decided to pursue my passion of working with children and completed a PGDE in Primary Education at the University of Dundee in 2017.
I moved to Dubai in 2019 and have since taught across EYFS and Primary levels, following the U.K. curriculum. I have loved every minute of it! As an educator, I foster a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and child-led exploration, providing children with opportunities to independently explore and discover.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy dabbling in a variety of crafts and love to travel. Exploring new cultures and cuisines is a passion of mine, with my favourite counties (so far) being Iceland and Vietnam. I love spending time with friends and family, whether it’s cycling along the beach or enjoying coffee and cake together.
I love to read and completed 30 books last year; this year, my goal is 35. My favourite children’s book is “”Matilda”” by Roald Dahl. I admire how Dahl weaves positive messages about kindness and standing up for what is right into his whimsical storytelling.
I’m excited to join the DBSJ community and embark on this creative journey with our students. I look forward to collaborating with families to nurture our students’ growth, creativity and love for the arts.
Andrew Cumming
Head of Physical Education
Andrew Cumming
Head of Physical Education
Hello! I am Mr. Andrew Cumming, and I am thrilled to be joining Dubai British School Jumeira as the new Head of Physical Education.
My journey in education began with a passion for sport and physical activity, which led me to study Physical Education at the University of Edinburgh, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree. Over the past 11 years, I have had the privilege of teaching PE in the UK and internationally, with my most recent role as Head of PE for 3 years at an outstanding-rated school in Dubai.
My teaching experience spans across all age groups, but my heart lies in primary education. I believe in making every lesson fun and active, ensuring that every child has a positive and enriching experience in physical activity.
Outside of the classroom, I am an active sports enthusiast. I enjoy playing football, golf, padel, and wakeboarding whenever I get the chance. My other passion is travel—I have been fortunate to explore over 70 countries and visit all seven wonders of the world. These experiences have enriched my perspective and allowed me to bring a global outlook to my teaching.
What excites me most about joining DBSJ is the opportunity to utilise the school’s world-class facilities to provide incredible sporting experiences for our students. Whether it’s introducing new sports, organising inter-school competitions, or promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, I am committed to fostering a love for physical activity among our students.
I am eager to meet and collaborate with the DBSJ community, parents, and most importantly, our enthusiastic students. Together, let’s inspire a generation of young athletes and ensure that every child discovers the joy and benefits of leading an active life. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead filled with growth, achievements, and lots of fun in PE!
Stephanie Erskine
Physical Education Teacher
Stephanie Erskine
Physical Education Teacher
Hello! My name is Stephanie Erskine, I’m thrilled to introduce myself as your new PE teacher at DBSJ.
With 13 years of teaching experience across diverse cultures and environments, I bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our community. My journey has taken me from the vibrant landscapes of Kuwait to the scenic vistas of Kazakhstan and the dynamic energy of Hong Kong. Each of these unique experiences has enriched my teaching approach, allowing me to connect with students from all walks of life.
As an enthusiastic and energetic educator, I am deeply passionate about physical education and the vital role it plays in shaping healthy, confident, and well-rounded individuals. My teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and engaging environment where every student feels valued and motivated to achieve their personal best. I believe that physical education is not just about sports and exercise, but about fostering teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong love for an active lifestyle.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy staying active by working out, diving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family. These hobbies not only keep me energized but also inspire me to bring fresh ideas and perspectives into my teaching.
I am most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with the students and parents at DBSJ. Together, we will embark on an exciting new adventure, creating memories and achieving milestones. I am committed to supporting each student’s journey, celebrating their successes, and helping them overcome challenges.
Thank you for welcoming me into the DBSJ family. I am eager to contribute to our vibrant school community and to share my passion for physical education with all of you. Let’s make this year a fantastic one, filled with growth, fun, and unforgettable experiences!
Joanna Yardy
Physical Education Teacher
Joanna Yardy
Physical Education Teacher
I am thrilled to join the Dubai British School Jumeira community as a Physical Education Teacher.
I hold a BA (Hons) degree in Physical Education Secondary with QTS from the University of Bedfordshire. I have over 10 years teaching experience and started my career working in schools within the UK before embarking on a move to teach internationally in Shanghai, China and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I will be moving to Dubai with my family from the UK.
I have experience working with students from early years to year 13, specialising in swimming, dance, and exercise physiology. I am very passionate about sport having competed at national and master’s level within swimming. My teaching philosophy is centred around creating an engaging and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.
In the classroom, you can expect a teacher who is caring, enthusiastic, patient, and dedicated to fostering a love for learning. I strive to tailor my teaching methods to suit the diverse needs of my students, ensuring that everyone can thrive. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy taking part and watching a variety of sports. I also love to read, and you can often find me reading in the pool combining both of my passions. I also love spending time with my family and getting outdoors.
I am excited to join DBSJ at the start of the school’s journey and cannot wait to meet all the students and their families at the start of term and share my passion for sport and love of learning with our vibrant community!
Connor Moffatt
Inclusion Teacher
Connor Moffatt
Inclusion Teacher
My name is Connor Moffatt and it gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as the Inclusion teacher at Dubai British School Jumeira.
I have recently reached the milestone of a decade within my career in education and I am excited for this new adventure.
I am passionate about wellbeing both in my personal and professional life. I began my journey through Sport and Physical Education at the University of Lancashire where I achieved my Bachelor’s degree before completing my PgCE at the University of Cumbria. I also returned as a teacher of PE for students completing their PgCE. My experience combines both mainstream and SEN schools within the Primary sector. I am determined to ensure every child feels valued and optimistic about their own learning journey. This feeling led me to become a Specialist Practitioner with specialisms in Autism/ADHD, PE, Behaviour & Social, Emotional and Mental Wellbeing.
I have supported over 40 schools with training and specialist reports around inclusion and adaptive provision. My main role has been to identify barriers to learning and provide alternative approaches to ensure all children have access to a challenging and meaningful education.
I believe in setting a positive and inclusive culture within a classroom which sets solid foundations for communication in order to recognise and support individuals. I strive to ensure children access learning through a multi-sensory approach with a focus on active learning.
I will be arriving in Dubai from Lancashire in the United Kingdom with my wonderful family. I have recently become a father of a cheeky boy, Frankie, who I often share stories about. I like to complete challenges in my spare time which test my own resilience and determination, I recently ran four miles every four hours for 48 hours.
Nikki Holman
Head of Admissions, UK Curriculum Schools
Nikki Holman
Head of Admissions, UK Curriculum Schools
My name is Nikki and I’m the Head of Admissions for the Dubai British Schools Group, I have been with the group since January 2022, having previously lived in Singapore for 9 years where I was the Head of Admissions for Dulwich College (Singapore). I have two daughters, aged 4 and 3, and understand how important it is finding the perfect school for your children. I am on hand to help you as you start this journey to Dubai British School Jumeira and can’t wait to meet you and your children.