Principal: Mr Ian Williams, MA International Education, BSc Economics and Accountancy.
Ian Williams first started teaching in his home county of Cornwall at Roseland school. Following a memorable visit to Kenya, he decided to begin an international teaching career. Moving to Colombia teaching Mathematics, was followed by a return to the UK and Birmingham for a Head of Department role. Vienna International school became the next assignment, followed by five years in Saudi Arabia with a combined academic and pastoral role. Returning to Colombia as a Deputy Head renewed many friendships and then a Secondary Headship beckoned in Ukraine. Having always aimed at returning to Africa, the first opportunity came combined with his first Director’s position in Uganda. He is delighted to be the Principal at Uplands, The International School of Penang and is looking forward to learning and growing and contributing to the further development of the school.
Geoff Newton, originally from Durham City, United Kingdom, obtained his honours degree in Chemistry from the University of London. After qualifying as a teacher, he spent ten years in secondary schools in the United Kingdom teaching Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and General Science, before occupying posts teaching Chemistry overseas. Mr Newton came to Uplands from the International School of South Africa, and has served as both Head of Science and Examinations Officer in his years at the School.
Deputy Principal (Operations): Mr Craig Skinner, BSc G Dip in Sec Ed. Craig Skinner grew up in Melbourne, Australia, except for two years (1979 – 1981) when he lived in Penang. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement and Graduate Diploma, Secondary Education) from Victoria University in Melbourne. Craig began his teaching at Albert Park College where he was also Sports Coordinator before heading to Birmingham,UK, for two years. Upon returning to Australia, he was Head of Physical Education, Sport & Camps and CAS Coordinator at The Kilmore International School. He then spent the following year employed by Kardinia International College, Geelong, based at The Prem Center in Chiang Mai running an Experiential Learning Programme. Craig joined Uplands in January 2008 as CAS Coordinator and Teacher of Physical Education.
Deputy Principal (Assessment) Mr Jonathan Field, BSc Chem & Management Chemistry; Science/Chemistry/ToK, Examinations Officer.
Jonathan Field comes from the small town of Battle in the south of England and obtained his degree in Chemistry with Management from Imperial College London. He trained on the Teach First programme, spending four years teaching science in a challenging but rapidly improving school in south-east London where he lead the Science Faculty and was involved in a number of whole-school innovation projects. Jonathan spent a year working on innovative learning programmes for a small education consultancy before rejoining the teaching profession in August 2009 as a member of Uplands' Science Faculty.
Deputy Principal (Pastoral), Head of Boarding Mr Lance Baguley . BA (Geog & PE), Higher Dip Ed.
Lance Baguley grew up in South Africa and graduated from Stellenbosch University before moving to England in 1995. In Bristol he was Head of Boarding and taught Physical Education and Geography at Colstons Collegiate School for seven years before moving to Santiago, Chile. At The Grange School he was Head of Senior and taught Physical Education. Following eight years in Chile, Lance joined Uplands as Deputy Principal (Pastoral), Head of Boarding and teacher of Physical Education in 2012.
Deputy Principal (Primary) Ms Alison Nicholson, Dip. Ed. B.Ed.
After completing her studies at Otago University and Dunedin Teachers College Alison Nicholson taught in New Zealand schools for fifteen years before moving to Indonesia. During her time in Bali she became involved in the IB Primary Years Programme and, now as Head of Primary, she has continued to develop and implement the programme in the six years she has been at Uplands.
Secondary
Art:
Mr Ian McGill, BA PGCE; HoD ART, HoF Arts.
Ian McGill has been a teacher of Art for thirty years. He has taught in British schools, international schools, two colleges of Art and a university, on four continents, and has worked on each continent twice. Ian has taught within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (15 years), the IB Middle Years Programme (6 years), under the Cambridge Examinations Board (20 years), and within the state educational systems of places as diverse as the Caribbean, China and Mexico.
Ms Anna Martinez, PGCE Art & Design B Design (Textile Design); HoY 7.
Anna Martinez, originally from Brighton, England, obtained her degree in Textiles from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. She then spent three years working as a professional artist and sculptor. After qualifying as a teacher in 2005, she spent three years in a secondary school in Kent teaching Art and Design Technology before teaching at Uplands.
Design Technology:
Ken Rawlings, B.Ed degree Design Technology, Chief Engineer (Royal Navy), Joint Aviation Authority Flight Crew License UK CAA, IFR & VFR Pilots License validation CAA Ukraine. HOF Technology, HOD Design Technology and HOY 8.
Ken Rawlings was born in Lincolnshire where he attended school before leaving home to join the Royal Navy. He served as a Chief Engineer onboard Her Majesties warships for 16 years before leaving the service and taking up an appointment as a Technical Author writing technical manuals for a new class of submarine. Sometime later he secured a position, managing a large commercial power station, close to his home and family in Lincolnshire. Three years later, he decided upon a career change and returned to studying at York St John University obtaining a B.Ed degree in Design and Technology. Having taught in a number of Grammar and Comprehensive schools in England he returned to study and successfully entered the world of aviation and the purchase of his first aircraft. He still flies privately but returned to teaching and secured International teaching positions in Ukraine, Sudan, Jordan, London and currently Uplands school, Penang. His favorite past time is flying but he also enjoys 5 aside football, fishing and music. It is also his intention to bring his aircraft from the UK to Penang and hopefully offer older students a chance to experience firsthand the world of aviation.
Mr Neil Henderson, QTS Dip Engineering; HoY 8.
Originally from England, Neil Henderson studied Engineering at the University of Plymouth and Design at the University of Wolverhampton. He has been teaching Design Technology for 11 years, before which he was a youth worker. Neil also has years of experience as a teacher of rugby and as a Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader.
Drama:
Suki Atherton, B.Ed (Hons) Drama, TEFLA Cert; HoD Drama
Suki spent 4 years at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama obtaining a Bachelor of Education in Drama. She then lived in Madrid teaching TEFL before working in London as a Head of Drama. Suki's international teaching career has taken her to schools in Hong Kong and Colombia and more recently she has managed departments in several grammar schools and private schools in the south of England.
Media & Film:
Ms Janine Ward, BA PGCE; HoD Media & Film.
Originally from Yorkshire, England, Janine Ward has a degree in Media from John Moores University Liverpool and worked in television production before training as a teacher. After teaching Media in a college in Liverpool for three years, Janine was appointed Head of Media Studies at King’s College, British School of Madrid. Janine came to Uplands to set up our Media and Film Studies Department. She is alos Head of Yr.12.
English:
Mr James Allen, MA (Hons) PGCE ; HoF English.
James Allen obtained his MA from the University of St Andrews, and his PGCE from the University of Kent. His first teaching post was in Sri Lanka, after which he moved to a school in Uruguay. After a short spell in the UK, he spent four years as Head of English at a school in Togo, West Africa. Another spell in the UK followed, after which he moved to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Mr Allen has been Head of English at Uplands since August 2009, and he also helps to coordinate Uplands’ Model United Nations team.
Ms Doreen Smith, BA, PGCE, CELTA and MA English/American Literature, HoY 13
Doreen Smith was born and grew up in Northern Ireland. Her qualifications include a BA in English and History, PGCE, CELTA (Teaching English Language to Adults), and an MA in Anglo/America Literary Relations. Doreen worked for many years in the South West of England as an English Lecturer at adult community colleges in further education before leaving the UK to work in international schools. In the last ten years, prior to joining Uplands, she worked in international schools in Germany, China, Togo, Malawi and Thailand.
Mr Adam Taylor, MA PGCE; International Awards Coordinator: HoY 12.
Adam Taylor, originally from Bath in the UK, obtained a Combined MA Joint Honours Degree from the University of Edinburgh, studying Ancient Civilisations of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. After taking a two year qualifying course to become an English teacher, he spent another two years in a secondary school in the UK , before taking up a position in Uplands as a classroom English teacher and, more recently, a teacher of the Theory of Knowledge section of the IB Diploma. He also co-ordinates the International Award programme for the School.
English as a Second Language (ESL):
Ms Alissa Goefron, BA Chinese 2 RSA/UCLES/TEFLA 3 PGCE; HoD ESL.
Alissa Goefron studied Mandarin at the University of London, after which she qualified as a teacher of English as a Second Language and went on to teach English, first in Taiwan and then in Indonesia for a total of 12 years. On returning to the UK in 2005 she first worked in language schools, retrained as a teacher of Mandarin and obtained her PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages in 2009. She came to Penang the same year and delights in the opportunity to teach both her native English and the more challenging Mandarin.
Ms Abby Brewer, BSc Ed Graduate Curr & Inst Program.
Abby Brewer hails from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA, where she received her degree in English Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After receiving her teaching certification, she spent two years in Germany on a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship, followed by some time teaching at a local school in Washington, D.C., and, most recently, before coming to Uplands, at an international school in Gran Canaria, Spain.
Mick Hollis, BA (Hons), PGCE, MSc
Mick Hollis was born in Leicester and went to school there before going to Leeds University to study English Language and Literature. His first teaching job was in Newbury where he taught for over three years. He then decided to see more of the world and took up a teaching job in Singapore. He returned to the UK after his three year contract ended but quickly decided that he wanted to go back to Singapore. After his second stint here he returned to the UK, where he stayed for five years. Now with three young daughters in tow, he headed with his wife Kathleen to the Gulf state of Qatar where he worked for five years, before moving to Brunei for four years. He returned to the Middle East - first Egypt, then back to Qatar - before deciding that his heart was in the Far East and he accepted the post at Uplands. Outside of school he enjoys sports, music and travel.
Humanities:
Mr Andrew North, MA, PGCE, Geography, HoF Humanities .
Andy North is currently Head of the Humanities Faculty at Uplands. He graduated from Aberdeen University with an MA Honours (2:1) in Geography and subsequently gained a PGCSE. He taught for eight years in a large comprehensive school in Hampshire, UK, before moving into international education. Andy held positions of responsibility in the United Arab Emirates for three years and in Malawi for a further three years. He joined Uplands in August 2006 and lives in Penang with his wife, also a teacher, and two young sons.
Mr Nic Klar MEd, BA, DipEd; History, University & Careers Advisor, Head of A-Levels.
Nicholas Klar has been the Universities and Careers Advisor at Uplands since 2008 and serves as the A-Level Coordinator as well as teaching in the Humanities Department. He holds a M.Ed. in Educational Management, a G.Dip.Ed in History/Social Studies and a BA in History and Development Studies. The vast majority of his career has been in a variety of teaching and leadership roles in overseas schools (Japan, China and now Malaysia). Nic Klar has also been a HOD (History) at a private secondary college in Adelaide, South Australia – Georgetown’s sister city.
Ms Maria Prior, MA BA PGCE SEN; HoD Psychology. HoY 9.
Maria Prior, from the UK, obtained a BA in Humanities from Manchester Metropolitan University and a PGCE from the Insititute of Education in London. After qualifying and teaching in London for four years, she then taught History, Psychology and Learning Support at an international school in Kuala Lumpur. Maria recently completed an MA in Special Education and returned to Malaysia after a brief study and teaching experience back in the UK
Ms Emma Mc Askie, BA, PGCE, History and English, HoD History.
Emma graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a BA Honours (2:1) in History and Politics and subsequently gained a PGCSE in secondary History and English. She taught for several years in large comprehensive schools in Hereford and Birmingham UK, before moving into international education. Emma worked in the United Arab Emirates for three years before joining Uplands in August 2012.
Kevin Hurley, BS Education, MS Education, HoD Economics
Kevin Hurley, originally from Sturgeon Bay, U.S.A, obtained his degree in Education with focus on History, Geography, and Economics from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. After being certified and licensed as a teacher of Secondary Social Studies, he spent the next 8 years at teaching posts in the U.S.A., Egypt, Japan and most recently China. During that time he also obtained a MsED from the University of Wisconsin STOUT with a focus in online classrooms and technology use in the classroom. He comes to Uplands from Shanghai where he taught Economics and Geography.
Reed Bell, BA (History), Teacher Certificate
Reed originally from Ohio, USA, studied History at Wilmington College (Ohio) and completed his teacher licensure at Ashland University (Ohio). Reed holds a State of Ohio teaching license in grades 7-12 integrated social studies. He has 4 years of teaching experience in the American public school system. He recently spent 2 years teaching near Seoul, South Korea.
Ms. Fiona Cummings: BA (Geog), GradDipBusSt (Econs), Dip.Tching Fiona Cummings grew up in Melbourne, Australia, and in New Zealand. She studied at Auckland University, North Shore Teachers’ College and Massey University in New Zealand. Fiona began her teaching at an intermediate school in Gisborne, New Zealand, before working as a town planner at the local council there. After returning to teaching and before joining Uplands she was Head of Social Sciences at a large co-ed high school in the same town where she taught variously Years 9 - 10 Mathematics and Years 10 – 13 Economics and Geography
Information and Communications Technology:
Mr Robin Liao, MEd PG Dip; Mandarin, HoD ICT.
Robin Liao, originally from Brisbane Australia, obtained his Master of Education degree from the University of Southern Queensland. After qualifying as a teacher, he spent ten years in schools in Australia teaching languages and Information Technology (IT) before occupying posts teaching IB and IGCSE programs overseas. Mr Liao is a Diploma Programme examiner for IBO.
Mr Thneah Boon Keng, BSc.
After obtaining his degree in Science from University Science Malaysia, Thneah Boon Keng joined Uplands in 1978 teaching IT from Years 7 to 11. In between those years he has coached and prepared students for GCSE O level Computer Studies, IGCSE ICT and Edexcel examinations. Recently he has helped in delivering ICT to the IB PYP programme in the Primary department.
Learning Support:
Mathematics:
Ms Julie Tan, BSc with Ed(Hons); HoF Mathematics.
Julie Tan, a Malaysian citizen, obtained her Bachelor of Science with Education (Honours) from University of Science, Malaysia and has extensive experience teaching Mathematics in the Secondary School up to IB level. Julie has provided a sense of stability and continuity to the Mathematics Faculty whilst open to changes and progress throughout the years.
Ms Tippi Zhu, BSc in Applied Math.
Tippi Zhu, originally from Guangzhou, China, obtained her degree in applied Mathematics from the Central China Normal University. After qualifying as a teacher, she spent four years in secondary schools in China teaching A-level Mathematics, Physics and Economics before occupying posts teaching IB Mathematics overseas. Ms Zhu came to Uplands from an international school in Guangzhou where she was Deputy Head.
Mr Martin Alderson, BSc Maths PGCE.
Martin Alderson, originally from Leicester, England, obtained his degree in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics from the University of Warwick. After qualifying as a teacher, he spent fifteen years in secondary schools in England teaching Mathematics before occupying posts teaching A-level and IB Diploma Mathematics overseas. Mr. Alderson came to Uplands from an international school in Gaborone, Botswana, where he was Head of Mathematics.
Dr Simon Phipp, Dr Phil; Mathematics/ Physics.
Simon Phipp, originally from Nantwich England, read Physics at University College Oxford, where he later undertook a D.Phil in Atomic and Laser Physics. Having taught at university and school level over the past 20 years, he has wide experience as a Physics and Mathematics teacher, including A’ level, IGCSE, European Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate. Dr. Phipp came to Uplands from D’Overbroeks College in Oxford.
Ms Jessica Ockenden, Mathematics.
Originally from England, Jessica Ockenden (BSc PGCE) studied Mathematics & Statistics at Royal Holloway & Bedford New College (University of London) and, after having worked as a teacher under the auspices of Voluntary Service Overseas, gained her PGCE from the University of Liverpool. She taught in the UK for 15 years before deciding to venture abroad. Ms Ockenden moved to Uplands in 2011 from an International School in Bahrain.
Mr. Richard M Cooper, BSc PGCE
Richard, originally from Manchester, England, studied Mathematics at The University of Leeds. After a brief career in bookmaking he decided to go off and see the world, eventually landing in Shanghai where he worked as an EFL teacher. Driven by his passion for Mathematics he returned to Exeter University to retrain as a Mathematics teacher and eventually landed back in Shanghai. Richard comes to Uplands after spending the last eight years in China, most recently at Dulwich College, Zhuhai.
Modern Foreign Languages:
Ms Florence Dass, BA Bahasa Malaysia, Houseparent .
Florence Philomenathan, from Kedah, Malaysia, obtained her degree in Arts (Malay Language major) from the University Science Malaysia (USM), Penang. She lectured in Malay Language and General Subjects at Tunku Abdul Rahman College (Johor and Penang) for a combined period of 2 years and 6 months. She has taught Malay at Uplands for 11 years to both Secondary and Primary students. Florence is also a House Parent in Uplands Boarding Section.
Ms Mathave MA, BA, TeachingCert Bahasa Malaysia; HoD Bahasa Malaysia.
MPS Mathave Vadiveloo, a Malaysian citizen, after qualifying as a teacher, went on to obtain a degree from the University of Science Malaysia, with a major in Translation and a minor in Japanese. She also holds a Master’s degree from the same university in Translation (English-Malay). She taught various subjects in Malaysian schools for many years before joining Uplands to teach Malay. She has worked as a freelance translator-cum-editor of bilingual and trilingual dictionaries (English-Malay-Tamil) and is Examiner Responsible for the International Baccalaureate’s Malay Ab Initio paper, Her areas of interests are lexicography and etymology.
Mr Anthony Carney, BA Comb.Hons (German & French), PGCE (German & French), CELTA (Teaching English Language to Adults), Dip. TEFL. HoD Modern Foreign Languages
Originally from Yorkshire, England, Anthony Carney has a BA Combined Honours degree in German and French from Queen Mary College, London University, and a PGCE from Leeds University. His other qualifications include CELTA (Leeds Metropolitan University), Dip.TEFL. (Scottish International Learning Centre) and a Certificate in ESL in the Mainstream(University of South Australia). Tony taught German, French, Religious Education and P.E. for 16 years at the Sacred Heart Comprehensive School in Redcar, UK. Before coming to Uplands to teach German and French (in both Secondary and Primary) he taught for seven years at St. Christopher’s School in Bahrain.
Ms Hélène Domarchi, MA French BA Eng LLC PGCE French/Spanish; French.
Hélène Domarchi, who has her origins in Corsica and Bordeaux, obtained her MA from the University of Aix-en-Provence, and her PGCE from the combined Universities of Aix-en-Provence and Lancaster. She began her teaching career in the UK, before moving to Syria to teach in a private institute. She taught French and Spanish for four years in Togo, West Africa, in her first IB school. Hélène Domarchi became Head of French at Uplands in August 2009, having previously taught in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Ms Corinne Maibach, Diploma in Secondary Teaching, focus on languages; Swiss, HoD German.
Corinne Maibach grew up in Spiez, Switzerland. She studied at the University of Bern, Switzerland, and received her teaching degree in February 2008. During College and University she worked at a community detoxification clinic. Her first teaching engagement started in August 2007, as a part time language teacher. In summer 2008 she continued her studies as a part time student at the University of Zurich to become a specialist teacher for children with special needs. She has also been a part time teacher at a youth centre for troubled teenage boys. She joined Uplands in August 2010.
Ms Lin Jing, BA Chinese Teaching Dip; HoD Mandarin.
Lin Jing, originally from Xi’an, China, obtained her Bachelor degree in Chinese language and literature from the Normal University of Xian Yang. After graduation she worked in Mitac International Corporation for one year as a standard Mandarin pronunciation trainer. Before she came to Uplands, she spent three years in Etonhouse Xi’an Hi-Tech International School, teaching Secondary Mandarin before occupying posts teaching IB Mandarin overseas.
Ms Sharliasalwa Bt Ahmad Shariffudin, B Management; Bahasa Malaysia
From Perak, Malaysia, Sharliasalwa Shariffudin has an honours degree in Business Management majoring in Finance. After teaching English and Science at a local school, Sharlia joined Uplands in 2010 to teach Bahasa.
Farah hails from Penang, Malaysia. She graduated with an honours degree in Hospitality Management from Mara University of Technology, Shah Alam, Malaysia. After her graduation, she taught at KDU College, Kuala Lumpur followed by KDU College in Penang. Later she moved to Disted College Penang teaching Management subjects in the Hospitality Industry and also Bahasa Malaysia for Expatriate and local students. She has been a member of the languages departments of MRSM Balik Pulau in Penang and Mara University of Technology, also in Penang.
Akiko Takashima – BA Law, Japanese PGCE.
Akiko was born in Japan, studied as an IB student in Paris and then attended university in Kyoto. After graduating university, she became a literature and language teacher and has taught IB Japanese at levels: A1, A2, B and Ab initio. She misses studying Mandarin which she began learning during her previous employment in China. She is looking forward to learning Bahasa Malaysia while teaching at Uplands.
Ms Maria Rosario Sanchez Andres, BA Spanish language and literature, PGCE, HoD Spanish
Ros, obtained her degree in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Valencia, Spain. She has been teaching Spanish in Spain in different language schools. She came to Penang two years ago and worked in USM, Universiti Sains Malaysia as a teacher and coordinator of Spanish department. She has been an examiner of DELE (Spanish Diploma as a Foreign Language) granted by Cervantes Institute for the last two years.
Jennifer Field, MEd (Equiv)
Jennifer Field grew up in the South of Germany and graduated in five subjects (Geo, Bio, English, Sociology, and Psychology) from the Pedagogical University of Ludwigsburg to be a primary and secondary teacher. After two years teaching at a local school near her hometown of Heroldstatt Jennifer moved to the UK. In London she taught German and ESL at one the first City Academies, where she also became head of the Modern foreign language department and took care of the international side of things including looking after and teaching ESL students from abroad. Seven years later she moved to Malaysia with her husband. Enjoying being head of MFL Faculty and a German teacher she had a teaching break looking after their baby boy. Jennifer is now back at Uplands teaching German and Geography part time.
Counsellor:
Mrs Melinda Cartlidge, BA (Hons) Health Studies.
Melinda was born in Canada, but grew up in the north east of England and gained her honours degree in Health Studies at the University of Central Lancashire, followed by post-graduate courses in Psychological Therapies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Newcastle. Over the past six years she has worked with ethnic minority communities and individuals in Newcastle as part of the NHS Primary Care Mental Health Service. Mel is very excited to be taking up her new role of counsellor at Uplands.
Music:
Ms Catherine Thomas, BMus, PGCE ; HoD Music.
Catherine Thomas studied Music at King's College, London, specializing in Music History and studying the piano under Lila Gailing at the Royal Academy of Music. Upon receiving her BMus, she worked at the Royal Festival Hall, completing her ABRSM Diploma on the Piano, with Stephen Pilkington as her teacher. She took her PGCE at Homerton College, Cambridge, has a TEFL qualification and has taught in schools both in the UK and abroad. Catherine joined Uplands in 2009.
Ms Kathleen Bristow, Cert. Ed. Head of Primary Music
Kathleen Bristow originates from the north-west of England. An experienced Primary School PYP teacher, she taught for many years in the UK and Europe, as a class teacher and music specialist of the Primary age ranges from Nursery/Reception to Year 6, before moving to an international school in Nassau, Bahamas as Primary Music Coordinator. Ms Bristow was principal percussionist and assistant conductor in the Bahamas Concert Orchestra (now Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra). At Uplands she is Music specialist for Years 1 to 7.
Physical Education:
Mr Lee Bossler, BSc PE, Sport Sc & Health Sc, PGCE; HoF Physical Education.
Lee Bossler, from London, previously worked in a school in Cheshire, UK, teaching Physical Education and was Head of Year. He obtained his degree in Physical Education, Sports Science and Health Sciences,and his PGCE, at Chester University. He enjoys taking part in, teaching and organizing a multitude of sports and took part in his first marathon in KL, in June 2011.
Ms Carmelina Gabo, MA in PE, B in PE.
Carmelina P. Gabo obtained her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Physical Education from Mindanao State University and Southwestern University respectively and spent 13 years teaching in universities in the Philippines. Before joining Uplands, Carmelina taught PE in international schools in Thailand and Macao.
Ms Nadine Van Niekerk, PGCE / BA Geography & PE; Geography, HoY 11.
Born in Zimbabwe, Nadine van Niekerk obtained her degree in Sport Science, English Literature and Geography from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. After qualifying as a teacher, she spent two and a half years teaching Geography, Physical education, coaching a variety of sports to provincial level and coordinating girls sport at Thomas More College in South Africa. Following this, Ms van Niekerk travelled to England and Oman to teach both Geography and Physical education. Before joining Uplands, she was worked with troubled youths in a wilderness therapy programme in Utah and Oregon, USA.
Mrs Heather Baguley : Boarding Houseparent, teacher of Physical Education. BA (Geog & PE), Higher Dip Ed.
Heather Baguley grew up in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountain region of South Africa. She graduated with a degree in Sport Science and Geography from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. In 1996 she moved to Bristol England, where she gained invaluable experience at Badminton Ladies College teaching Physical Education and working as a boarder house mistress. After getting married she moved to Colton’s Collegiate School. Here she taught GCSE and A level Physical Education and Geography as well as working as a houseparent in the boarding-house together with her husband Lance. In 2003 Heather and Lance moved to Santiago, Chile. Heather taught at The Grange School. Following eight years in Chile, Heather joined Uplands as a part-time teacher of Physical Education in 2012. She loves any form of exercise and has played many years of representative Sport, her high light being winning the English National hockey league and playing in the European Cup in Rome.
Science:
Mr James Midgley, BSc(Hons) Chemistry; HoD Chemistry.
James Midgley, originally from Kingston Upon Hull, UK, obtained his degree in Chemistry from the University of Hull. After graduating James worked in various roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including Quality Assurance, and Production Management. James then left industry and came into teaching earning his PGCE from the University of Leeds. He then went on to teach for two years in a specialist science school in Nottingham, UK. James came to Uplands from Yokohama International School, Japan where he taught IGCSE and IB SL/HL Chemistry for four years.
Dr Arunananda Mukherjee, Physics; HoD Physics.
Arunananda Mukherjee (Arun), originally from India, obtained his degree in Physics, and Masters in Science from Visva Bharati, India. He has completed his Ph.D in Atomic and Nuclear physics from the same university with the collaboration of the Department of Atomic Energy, Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India. He has been teaching Physics in higher classes since 1993 in different schools in India and abroad. He taught in The Doon School, Dehra Dun, the foremost residential school of India. Arun taught Physics as Head of Science in Indus International School Hyderabad, India, before he came in Uplands, where he currently heads the Physics Department.
Mr Simon Lucas, MEd in Sc Ed, BA/MA Biochem, PGCE; Science/ Biology.
Simon Lucas, originally from the UK, obtained his degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and in Science Education from the University of Leeds. After qualifying as a teacher, he taught briefly in the UK before teaching IB Biology overseas. Mr Lucas came to Uplands from an international school in Southern Africa. He is an IB examiner and moderator.
Ms Ngiam Li Siok MSc, BA Chemistry; Science/Chemistry.
Ngiam Li Siok, a Penangite, graduated from Wellesley College, MA, USA with a Liberal Arts education in Chemistry. She went on to earn an MSc in Environmental Chemistry, whilst teaching undergraduate students Organic Chemistry in University Science Malaysia. Li Siok has been teaching Science and Mathematics at Uplands since 1998. She is keen to develop Science for ESL students.
Ms Preeti Ghosh, MA / BEd; Biology & Science.
Preeti Ghosh, originally from Bangalore, India, obtained her Masters in Zoology, and her Bachelor of Education from Kanpur University. After qualifying as a teacher, she spent 18 years in secondary schools in India teaching Biology to Form 5 and 6 students, before occupying teaching posts in IB Biology overseas. Preeti came to Uplands from the National Public School in Bangalore where she was teaching Sixth Form Biology.
Mr Jorge Lopez, BSc Biology; Biology. HoY 10
Jorge Lopez, originally from Barcelona, Spain, obtained his degree in Biology from the University of Oviedo. After qualifying as a teacher in Spain, he moved to London, where he obtained the UK Qualified Teaching Status and taught for two years in secondary schools. After teaching two more years at a British school in Porto and five years in an American school in the Canary Islands, he came to Uplands where he is teaching Biology, Chemistry and has a responsibility as a Head of Year.
Mr Andrew Cartlidge, BSc Molecular Biology, PGCE; Head of Science.
Andy Cartlidge, originally from the UK, obtained his degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Edinburgh. He has changed careers three times but has worked in education since 1995, having taught in state and private schools in both the UK and Australia. He has previously taught P.E., been a Head of Science as well as a teacher-trainer.
Princess Barcega, BSE Physics, MAT Physics.
Princess was born in the Philippines; she earned her degree in Physics from the Philippine Normal University, Manila and took her Masters Degree in Teaching Physics in Technological University of the Philippines. She was awarded a Japanese Government Scholarship (Monbukagakusho Scholarship) Science Teacher Trainee from Tottori University, Japan. She has 15 years of teaching experience and the last six years was spent as Science Coordinator and IB /IGCSE Physics Teacher in an International School in Bahrain.
CAS Coordinator/ECA Coordinator
Mr Anthony Luciano, BSc Environmental Science & Education
Mr Luciano, from Ohio USA, holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Science, from Western Washington University, and has had several years of teaching environmental education. Tony came to Penang from Utah, where he facilitated therapeutic treatment for youth at risk. His experience with young people, and his passion for adventure has proved an asset in our Extra Curricular Activities and Creativity, Action and Service programmes.
IB Diploma Coordinator/English
Mrs Kathleen B Hollis BA (Hons) PGCE
Kathleen is originally from Leicester. She gained her honours degree in English from the University of Leeds then, after obtaining a PGCE from the University of Leicester, taught for a number of years in the UK before taking up a post in Singapore. From there, she has been to Qatar where she served in three schools, occupying the posts of HOD English, KS3 leader and finally Assistant Deputy Principal (Curriculum). She has also worked in Egypt and in Brunei where she was KS3 Curriculum Coordinator. Kathleen has been an examiner for SATS, GCSE, A level and IB English A1 during her time as a teacher. She has also had published a number of study guides related to ‘O’ level Literature texts.
Primary
Ms Julliena Teh, PTM LMC; Year 1.
A Malaysian citizen, Julliena Teh obtained her Diploma in Early Years Education from the London Montessori Centre, a Certificate in Pre-School Education from PTM, and has attended courses in the teaching of EFL at the British Council. In 2003, she attended the IB PYP teacher training workshop held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Ms Teh has been a teacher to very young children for the last 30 over years. She has also taught ESL.
Ms Jennifer Braithwaite, BA, PGCE, CELTA, Year 2
Jennifer Braithwaite was born in Tokyo, Japan but grew up in Cumbria, England and read English with Philosophy at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has a PGCE, specializing in Early Years. Jennifer has taught in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam, across the Early Years and absolutely loves the 3-7 age group! Jennifer joined Uplands in 2011 as Class Teacher for Year 2.
Ms Amy Bossler, BEd Primary; Year 3/4, Primary Maths Coordinator.
Born in Belgium, Amy Bossler has been teaching internationally for 5 years. She has a B.Ed with Physical Education from Chester University, UK, graduating in 2004. Amy has been at Uplands for 2 years as Year 2 Class Teacher, and is looking forward to teaching Year 3/4 from September 2011. Amy is also heavily involved with the extra-curricular sport, especially coaching the Uplands swim team, and has recently completed the KL half marathon.
Ms Sylvia Rajamoney, Dip Teaching; Year 3/4.
Sylvia Rajamoney, a Malaysian graduate with a Diploma in Teaching, served in Malaysian primary schools for six years, running the English and Music departments in the primary years and specializing in English Literacy and Music. After her bond with the government was over, she took a break from teaching and moved overseas. Upon her return, she joined Uplands as a Class Teacher in 2003.
Ms Melanie Sparks, BEd; Year 3/4.
Melanie Sparks, originally from St-Eustache, Canada, obtained her degree in Education from the University of Manitoba. After qualifying as a teacher, she spent time in Europe before teaching in a French Immersion school in Manitoba. Having decided to move internationally, she began teaching in Abu Dhabi where she worked as a middle school English teacher and coordinator. Melanie Sparks came to Uplands in 2007 where, over the past 5 years, she has worked as a Primary School teacher as well as PYP coordinator.
Ms Roopinder Kaur, B Teaching; Year 5.
A Malaysian citizen, Roopinder Kaur obtained her Bachelor of Teaching from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. After qualifying as a teacher, she came directly to Uplands and has had seven years’ experience teaching the IB Primary Years Programme, first in Year 2 and later in Year 5.
Ms Helen Teese, BEd, Dip Ed, Cert Teaching; Year 6.
Helen Teese, originally from Queensland, Australia, obtained her Teaching degree from a University in Brisbane. After qualifying as a teacher, she taught in schools in Queensland. Ms Teese came to Uplands from an international school in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Mr Daniel Naidoo, Year 6, Drama Coordinator
A South African University graduate, Daniel Naidoo taught at Durban Preparatory High School, before moving to the UK where he taught at the Royal Russell School in Surrey. There he was both Mathematics Coordinator and Head of Drama. Daniel joined Uplands in 2011 and has yet another dual role: Year 6 Class Teacher and Head of Primary Drama.
Mr Dean Metcalf, BA, PGCE, RSA CELTA, PGC Sports; HoD Physical Education (Primary).
Dean Metcalfe, originally from Cumbria, England, has been teaching for ten years since obtaining his degree and sports teaching qualifications. This is his third year teaching at Uplands. He has previously taught in the UK, Taiwan, Korea and Vietnam, where he was Head of the PE Department. In his free time he takes part in a wide range of sports; from football and rugby to triathlons and running marathons.
Ms Tansy Dang, BSc, Primary Maths/Mandarin.
Tansy Dang, a Malaysian, holds a Diploma in Teaching ESL and a BSc in Chemistry from University Science Malaysia. Ms Dang taught English, Science and Mathematics in both primary and secondary schools in Penang for more than 10 years, before moving to the United States, and later to China where she taught in international schools. Ms Dang joined Uplands in 2007.
Mrs Jacqueline North, BSC, PGCE Primary specializing in maths
Jacqueline is originally from the UK, obtaining her degree in Psychology from Portsmouth University in the South of England. She then did her Primary PGCE in London and taught for a year in a Primary school there before moving abroad in 2000. Jackie has taught in International Primary schools in Dubai, Malawi and Penang where she first taught in St Christopher’s Primary school and has lived in Penang for six years with her husband and two sons. She will be teaching mainly English language and maths part time in Primary, across the year groups.
Primary English as a Second Language (ESL):
Ms Rokiah Sulaiman, BA.
Rokiah Sulaiman received her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Nevada-Reno, USA, and Diploma in TESOL, Singapore. She has been working in Uplands School since 1989 as an ESL teacher, gaining considerable experience teaching students in both Primary and Secondary sections of the School. Rokiah has undergone IB training and especially enjoys the challenges of teaching English as a Second Languge as an integral part of the PYP programme. A Malaysian, she is married and has three children.
Library Services
Ms Sharlotte Bernard, Librarian.
Ms Roslien Sebastian, Assistant Librarian.
Class Assistants
Ms Joyce Koo.
Ms Ruth Boon Aroonratana.
Ms Renu Cadman.
Ms Joyce Yeoh, Technology Coordinator, Food Technology
