Meet the Senior Leadership Team of Dubai British School Jumeira
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.
Shane Taylor
Secondary Music Teacher
Shane Taylor
Secondary Music Teacher
I am a Music educator and musician from Ireland, with teaching experience in New York, the UK and the UAE. My aim is to make Music at DBSJ inclusive, engaging and accessible to everyone, whatever their musical background or experience.
Holding a Master’s degree in Music Technology, I enjoy drawing on my professional experience in my teaching alongside performance and musical understanding. I am passionate about creating opportunities for students to explore, create and develop their own musical identity.
At DBSJ, I feel very fortunate to be working with such a supportive team and am excited to contribute to the development of Music across both the Primary and Secondary phases. I believe a successful musical culture is built through collaboration, with students learning to work as a team, perform in groups and ensembles, and support one another.
Outside of school, I am an active musician, DJ and music producer, with a particular interest in electronic music, live performance and music technology.
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!
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!
Daniel Nicholson
Secondary PE Teacher
Daniel Nicholson
Secondary PE Teacher
Hello! I’m Mr. Daniel Nicholson, and I am very excited to be joining Dubai British School Jumeira as part of the founding secondary team, where I will be teaching Physical Education.
I bring with me 5 years of teaching experience, 3 of which were spent in Kuwait, giving me valuable insight into both UK and international education. My passion for sport and working with young people began at Leeds Beckett University, where I completed my degree in Sports Coaching. I then continued my studies at Edge Hill University, gaining my PGCE in Secondary Physical Education.
Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to teach students across a wide range of age groups. I always strive to make PE engaging and enjoyable, ensuring that every lesson is active, inclusive, and leaves students with a positive experience of sport and physical activity.
Outside of school, I am a keen sportsman myself. I enjoy playing football, cricket, golf, and padel, which helps me stay connected to the sports I love and bring that enthusiasm into my teaching.
What excites me most about joining DBSJ is the opportunity to make full use of the school’s excellent facilities to deliver outstanding sporting experiences. Whether that’s introducing students to new sports, running inter-school competitions, or encouraging healthy lifestyles, I am passionate about helping every child find enjoyment and confidence through physical activity.
I am looking forward to becoming part of the DBSJ community, working alongside colleagues, parents, and most importantly, our students. Together, we can inspire a love of sport and an appreciation of the benefits of an active lifestyle. I can’t wait to see all that we will achieve in the year ahead.
Richard Sinclair
Physical Education Teacher (Rugby Teacher)
Richard Sinclair
Physical Education Teacher (Rugby Teacher)
I am delighted to be joining Dubai British School Jumeira as a Teacher of Physical Education.
Sport has always been a huge part of my life, and my passion for physical activity naturally led me into a career in Physical Education. I have enjoyed teaching PE across a range of age groups and school settings in both the UK and internationally.
I believe PE should be about much more than simply learning how to play sport. It is an opportunity for students to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership, while discovering activities that they can enjoy throughout their lives. I aim to make lessons challenging, inclusive and enjoyable, giving every student the opportunity to experience success and develop a positive relationship with physical activity.
Rugby is a particular passion of mine. I have played both Rugby Union and Rugby League and have also enjoyed coaching throughout my career, including an English Schools National Vase win in 2019. I particularly enjoy the competitive side of sport and the way that being part of a team can develop confidence, friendships and important life skills.
I am really excited to be joining the DBSJ community and looking forward to getting involved in the school’s fantastic sporting and co-curricular programme. I am particularly keen to help students develop their skills, try new sports, represent the school and, most importantly, enjoy being active.
Rebecca Louise Parkinson
PE & Swimming Teacher (Gymnastics)
Rebecca Louise Parkinson
PE & Swimming Teacher (Gymnastics)
I am delighted to be joining Dubai British School Jumeira as a Teacher of Physical Education. I am a passionate PE teacher with 11 years of teaching experience, including the last 9 years at a leading independent school in the UK, where I have taught pupils across the full age range.
I have a particular passion for gymnastics and love creating lessons that are fun, engaging and inclusive, while encouraging every pupil to challenge themselves and develop their skills. I believe in celebrating every success, big or small, and creating a positive environment where pupils feel confident to participate, learn and achieve their personal best.
I am very excited to begin my international teaching career here at DBSJ and look forward to getting to know the pupils, working alongside colleagues and becoming part of the Dubai British School Jumeira community.
Outside of school, I am a keen sportswoman myself. Having previously played hockey at National League level, I continue to enjoy keeping active and regularly take part in fitness classes. I love bringing my own enthusiasm for sport and an active lifestyle into my teaching.