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Early Years & Primary

Leading Your Child in Their Early & Primary Years

Each teacher has been carefully selected to bring to life a curriculum that is both progressive and challenging for your child's growth and development. From diverse backgrounds and experiences, each brings forth different strengths.

Click on the individual photo to see the teachers in action

Name Qualifications Position
David Griffiths
BA (Hons), PGCE        Head of Primary
Katrina Huish
BEd (Hons) Deputy Head (EY/MP1)
Symond Russell
BA (Hons), PGCE, Cert TESOL       Deputy Head (MP2/3), Year 5 Teacher
Tina Jenner
BA, PGCE Reception Teacher
Liew Sau Kuen
Dip SE Reception Teaching Assistant
Monica Lee
Dip ECE Nursery Teacher
Selvi Kunchu
Dip ECE, BECS Nursery Teaching Assistant
Daniel Knight
MEd, BSc (Hons), PGCE Year 1N Teacher
Christina Velan
Dip IT
Year 1N Teaching Assistant
Clare Sweeney
BEd, PGCE Year 1E Teacher
Nina Stiff
MA, BA, DipArch Year 1E Teaching Assistant
Julie Campbell
BEd Year 2N Teacher
Marie Ng
BA Year 2N Teaching Assistant
Sahmalah Sakthivel 
DipTchg, Cert TESOL Year 2E
Noor Hidayah
Year 2E Teaching Assistant
Kath McIlwhan
MTchg, DipEd Year 3 Teacher
Victoria Fisher
BA (Hons), QTS Year 3 Teacher
Claire Waller
BEd (Hons) Year 4 Teacher
Heather Dyte
BSc, PGCE Year 4 Teacher
Melalyn Ng
BEd TESOL Year 4 Teacher
Atiyeh Sadeghi
MP2 Teaching Assistant
Robin Holmes
BA (Hons) Year 5 Teacher
Sandip Jagdev
BEd, QTS Year 5 Teacher
Adrianna Astle
BA, BEd, DipTchg Year 5E Teacher
Heather Brown
BEd, BCS (Hons) Year 6E Teacher
Jennifer Northam
BSc (Hons), PGCE Year 6X Teacher
Scott Astle
Cert TEFL MP3 Teaching Assistant
Elizabeth Neil
BA, GDipEd Head of EAL
Christopher Bailey
BA (Hons), PGCE, DipELT, Cert TESOL EAL Teacher
Glenda Gordon
BA, BEd EAL Teacher
Ann Lee
Dip Ed, Dip BusAdmin EAL Teacher
Sandra Heilberg
BA, PGCE, Cert TESOL EAL Teacher
Angela Mutinda
MSc, BA (Hons), Dip Tchg Head of Learning Support
Michele MaryAnn Peter
Dip Couns, Dip LD Learning Support
Elly Robertson
BScEd, PGDip, PGCE Learning Support
Marilou Bromley
MA, BSc Guidance Counselor
Martyn Nayman
BBA Head of Languages other than English (LOTE)
Leilah Zahedi
BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip Couns, Cert TEFL KS 3 Coordinator/Spanish/French Teacher
Elena Gallego
MA, PGCE Spanish/French Teacher
Ranofla Dianti
MA, BA Bahasa Malaysia Teacher
Nurhidayah
MA, BA Bahasa Malaysia Teacher
Yew Wen Nie
MA, BBA, DipBus Bahasa Malaysia Teacher
Kiranjeet Kaur
Dip SE Bahasa Malaysia Integrator Teacher
Wong Yee Ping
MEd, BEd Mandarin Teacher
Brenda Chong
BCom, PGDipEd Mandarin Teacher
Sze Sze Low
BSc, DipEd Mandarin Teacher
Tim Costello
BA, PGCE, NPQH Head of Performing Arts
Margaret Boyle
BA (Hon), Cert Ed, ASC Theatre Studies and Drama Teacher
Ann Drury
BEd, DipHum, CertTchg Music Teacher
Paul Beattie
BEd Head of Health and Physical Education
Andy Smith
BSc (Hons) Director of Sports
Martin Harvey
BSc (Hons), PGCE Health and Physical Education Teacher
Greg Dzideczek
BCS ICT Technical Manager
Richard Poth
BA (Hons) ICT Integrator
Jared Wilson
BSc, HND, PGCE ICT Integrator
Suneel Madahar
BSc (Hons), PGCE ICT Integrator
Peter Rider
MA, BA, PGCE Teacher Librarian




Click on the individual photo to see the teachers in action



David Griffiths: Head of Primary

David Griffiths was appointed Head of Primary in August 2007, and spent a full year preparing for the opening of the only international school in Putrajaya in September 2008. Originally from Manchester, England, Mr Griffiths, an Economics graduate from Birmingham Polytechnic, has over 22 years of experience as an educator and holds a PGCE in Primary Education. Mr Griffiths started off as a Primary School teacher in England before moving to Modern English School in Cairo where he was in charge of Science throughout the school. In 1999, Mr Griffiths became the Head of Primary at Garden International School Kuantan (Malaysia). He then moved to Spain, where he was Head of Primary at British School of Cordoba.

When there were plans to open a new international school in Putrajaya under the management of Garden International School, Mr Griffiths, who comes with over 13 years of experience in international teaching, was the first choice. He has seen the Primary school grow from strength to strength with the development of the IPC within the school. David believes that education should involve academic, personal and international understanding in a high challenge, low stress environment.


Tina Jenner: Reception Teacher

Tina is an experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic Early Years specialist with over 22 years experience of working with young children. She is familiar with the English curriculum and International Early Years programme having taught both in the UK and Spain. As a teacher she strives to create a classroom that is a happy, warm, secure and inviting place where each individual child feels comfortable, cared for and valued; a place where their physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs are met. She is thrilled to be part of Nexus International School, to teach and nurture this most receptive and challenging age group.



Liew Sau Kuen: Reception Teaching Assistant

Liu Sau Kuen is passionate about educating young children and take professional and personal satisfaction in their learning progress. She believes that working with the young has given her the opportunity to engage their curiosity, sharing discoveries, and celebrate learners as they take formative steps in their journey. She enjoys exploring different learning methods in Nexus diverse community of learners, for she believes each child has their own unique style and ability to develop.


Monica Lee: Nursery Teacher

Monica Lee has been a teacher of Early Years for over twenty years. Most of that time has been spent at The International School of Lusaka, but she has also taught in Sweden. Whilst in Lusaka she held the post of coordinator of Early Years for a number of years with responsibility for managing one hundred and fifty students. She was heavily involved in the 'Hands across Africa' project set up by the AISA and played a leading role in introducing the PYP and successfully preparing the school for CIS /NEASC accreditation.  

Monica believes that young children learn best through play and aims to create an engaging and stimulating atmosphere within her classroom, where learners can progress at their own pace. Monica has Montessori, EYFS and PYP experience. Outside the classroom Monica is a qualified Cosmetologist and enjoys flower arranging, cooking, reading and spending time with her family.


Selvi Kunchu: Nursery Teaching Assistant

Selvi Kunchu is a passionate teacher with 13 years teaching experience. A diploma holder in Montessori and a Bachelor Degree holder of Early Childhood by University South Queensland; her 6 years of experience with Alice Smith International School, Kuala Lumpur has given her strong footing and knowledge in this industry. Apart from being well-versed with the British education system, her love and patience in working with young children brings out the best in them.



Katrina Huish: Deputy Head (EY/MP1)

Katrina is an experienced, enthusiastic and conscientious teacher who develops positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents. She is a firm believer in the education of the whole child and she creates a caring, supportive learning environment in which her children flourish. She values equally all the talents that the children bring to the classroom and adapts her teaching to reflect the different learning styles. Katrina has a wealth of experience, both in the classroom and in management; she puts maximum effort into raising both the individual achievements of her learners and the overall standards of the school. She aims to provide a truly global and integrated curriculum in an atmosphere of mutual respect.



Daniel Knight: Year 1N Teacher

Daniel has a strong passion towards teaching and learning and believes that the best conditions for a child to learn come about when they feel secure and motivated. He endeavours to support this by providing a safe and creative learning environment which encourages child initiated learning and a society of mutual respect. Daniel has been teaching in the UK for three years and he also brings with him a host of other professional and life experience from around the world; which he uses to add relevance and depth to his teaching. Daniel has recently completed a specialist Masters of Education in Technology, Creativity and Thinking. This not only fits well with his own professional vision but also matches that of Nexus. He is a kind and caring teaching professional who really enjoys working with young people.


Clare Sweeney: Year 1E Teacher

A Primary teacher for 6 years in West Lothian and Lanarkshire in the UK with most of her experience in Early Years. Clare believes that a stimulating, challenging and caring environment enables children to learn best. She values opportunities to develop the child's own interests and believes children engage with learning when it is both thought provoking, exploratory, hands on and meaningful to the child. Clare values taking learning outside the walls of the classroom and using the outdoors as a medium for learning. Prior to joining Nexus, Clare's last role was as class teacher and she held a curriculum development post where she was charged with raising attainment and pupil engagement in numeracy and maths. She has experience in teaching pupils with a wide variety of learning needs. Clare teaches with enthusiasm, commitment and a bit of fun! Her interests are running, cooking, walking and anything eco-friendly!




Christina Velan: Year 1N Teaching Assistant

Updating soon..



Nina Stiff: Year 1E Teaching Assistant

Nina graduated with a BA & an MA in Architecture from Cambridge University in the UK. She also holds an MA in Digital Arts from University of the Arts London. Her change of career into education came as part of her long-term aspiration to give something back to the community in the best way that she can. She sees working with children as a privilege and strongly believes that excellence is a prerequisite and should not be measured just academically. In her spare time Nina enjoys digital art, computer games, reading, traveling, embroidery and dancing.



Julie Campbell: Year 2 Teacher

Julie is a dedicated, experienced primary school teacher, who has worked in a wide variety of schools across the UK. As a life-long learner, Julie also brings a creative and enthusiastic approach to child-centred learning. She endeavours to enable the children in her care to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and independent learners. Her teaching style recognises individuality and she believes that each child has a special talent. She enjoys new challenges and like the children, is always keen to'have a go'. Julie firmly believes that it's important for everyone to grow and learn, to experience new environments and methods of teaching and learning.


Sahmalah Sakthivel: Year 2 Teacher

Sahmalah did her training in New Zealand at Christchurch College of Education. On her return to Malaysia 15 years ago she joined Garden International School. During her time at GIS, Sahmalah has held responsibility roles, which included a Year Leader position and Primary Science Coordinator for five years. She has been involved in several working parties and has successfully organised several workshops for both staff and parents. Sahmalah sees herself as a facilitator who believes in Personalised Learning, providing an individual programme tailored for the specific developmental needs of each learner.

Marie Ng: Year 2N Teaching Assistant

Filled with passion for learning, exploring and teaching languages, Marie joins Nexus International School to experience teaching in an international setting. She is especially keen in the areas of art and craft, history, cultural studies as well as geography. She is confident that the ICT-rich techniques at Nexus International School will play an important role in providing learners with an enriched learning experience.

Noor Hidayah: Year 2E Teaching Assistant

Noor Hidayah has keen interest in arts, photography and outdoor activities. She believes that children should be given equal opportunity to learn in a creative, fun and conducive environment. Prior to joining Nexus International School, Noor Hidayah is responsible in teaching children with special needs at Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation - National Centre. She is currently pursuing a Diploma Course in Learning Disorders Management and Child Psychology Linguistic Council. She appreciates the value of early education for children and intends to apply her skills across the curriculum so that the children could learn to reach their full potential.


Kath McIlwhan: Year 3 Teacher

Kath is from Edinburgh in Scotland and having graduated in 1974 has a wealth of experience to offer. During her career she has taught all subjects from early years to Year 7 and led school expeditions as well as a range of curriculum-related field trips and events. She is a confident, passionate and reflective practitioner who has embraced new advances in teaching to ensure that she can provide purposeful and relevant learning for all of her students. Her enthusiasm for understanding how children learn, motivated her to engage in a four-year classroom research project, which resulted in her gaining Chartered Teacher status from the GTC Scotland in September 2009.  Her classroom is stimulating and gives all students the opportunity to become independent learners with challenges that encourages them to reach their full potential.  Prior to joining Nexus, Kath spent 8 years teaching outside Edinburgh and was part of a pilot to raise Attainment in English and Maths using ICT and Self/Peer Assessment. She then moved to Asia and has spent the last three years working in an International School in Beijing and has thoroughly enjoyed her experiences there. Travelling is a passion and she is looking forward to the warm climate of Malaysia.


Victoria Fisher: Year 3 Teacher

Victoria is originally from Yorkshire, England and had been teaching in the UK for eight years before she moved to Malaysia at the start of 2011. During her last post in England she was a Year 5 teacher and Literacy Leader, and so responsible for successfully raising standards in Literacy throughout the school by modeling good practice, staff training, collaborative teaching and improving learners attitudes towards Literacy.

She is a passionate, enthusiastic classroom teacher who works hard to inspire and motivate children and create an environment that promotes fun and learning whilst catering to the needs of all the learners. IShe enjoys creating lessons that are relevant and appealing to her learners and often finds that using ICT supports this brilliantly.

She has already worked at Nexus briefly as part of the EAL team before leaving to give birth to her son last October. She looks forward to returning and having the opportunity to work with the amazing Nexus learners again. Alongside keeping her 8 month old son entertained her interests include swimming, climbing, art, cooking and of course travelling.


Claire Waller: Year 4 Teacher

Claire feels that school should be an exciting place to be, a place where children love to learn, are highly motivated, happy and confident. She joins Nexus International School with over 14 years teaching experience gained in both large and small schools across the UK. Prior to joining Nexus, Claire was responsible for teaching a whole Key Stage Two class in a school recently judged by OFSTED as 'Outstanding'. In 2005 she was selected by the Local Education Authority to work as a 'Leading Teacher' specialising in science. Claire believes in using a range of teaching styles to meet the needs of all learners and has great deal of experience catering for a wide range of abilities.


Heather Dyte: Year 4 Teacher

As a classroom teacher with four years experience in the UK, Heather endeavours to create a positive, caring and open learning environment. To inspire children and motivate learning she encourages them to pursue their curiosity in the world around them and take responsibility for their own learning. Heather strongly believes that learners should be supported to reach their potential, and recognise their own strengths, whatever they may be. As an enthusiastic user of ICT, Heather likes to include it in her lessons in a creative and educational way. Heather enjoys reading, dancing and traveling, and is looking forward to exploring more of Malaysia in her spare time.


Melalyn Ng: Year 4 Teacher

Melalyn has been teaching for three years and is enthusiastic in ensuring a holistic learning experience for each individual learner. Among other things, her area of interest lies in the development of Literacy among her learners through the creative use of Arts and Literature, as well as incorporating the use of ICT to empower learners go further and enjoy meaningful learning in the classroom. Currently, she is researching the potential development and role of Children's Literature among primary school learners as part of her Masters of Education. When she is not teaching or buried under her books, Melalyn loves baking, dancing, going outdoors, experiencing new cultures and travelling.


Atiyeh Sadeghi: MP2 Teaching Assistant

Atiyeh is originally from Iran and moved to Malaysia 3 years ago. Since then she has been an active member of the Nexus community. Her ambition to become a teaching assistant drove her to pursue a diploma in Learning Disorder Management and child psychology.  She has spent most of her time doing various studies and actively attending a variety of training courses and seminars related to teaching and working with children in different schools in practical observations to understand the best ways to support learners. In addition she is currently pursuing a Mass Communication degree, which has given her excellent people skills.  She has worked with children for the last 10 years in various roles including swimming instruction and special needs support.  She is also a qualified dive master and has dived in many parts of the world.  Atiyeh has a wealth of life experience including bringing up her 8 year old daughter. She believes that these experiences give her the opportunity to inspire and motivate young children to achieve their goals.  She is a creative, hardworking, and inspiring person who enjoys helping children to make the most of their talents.


Robin Holmes: Year 5 Teacher

A primary teacher with fifteen years experience, Rob's career began in London, England. He moved out of the 'Big smoke' to Bristol and then on to Abu Dhabi for his first international appointment.  From there it was on to China and ultimately Nexus.

His background is in outdoor education, which is closely tied into his love for the natural world.  He strongly believes in creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can develop their potential for excellence.  He strives to provide learners with stimulating, challenging and innovative experiences that promote learning through imaginative and exciting activities.  Rob encourages learners to question everything while developing their understanding and respect for the world around them.  Out of school, Rob enjoys being outside, especially if it involves a night under the stars.


Adrianna Astle: Year 5E Teacher

Adrianna is originally from New Zealand and brings with her 11 years teaching experience. She joins Nexus International School from Cairo, Egypt where she has been teaching for the last three years. She was previously based in England teaching in Secondary and Primary Schools for eight years. Adrianna is keen to inject fun and enjoyment in her teaching experiences. She loves to form international links all over the world with teachers and students, and incorporate these links into classroom activities. She is very excited about the ICT opportunities that are available in Nexus, as well as trying some new hobbies such as scuba diving, squash and rock-climbing.


Sandip Jagdev: Year 5 Teacher

Sandip graduated at Kingston University in England and has been teaching for 16 years. She has worked in England, Turkey and most recently in The Netherlands. She enjoys the challenges of teaching and believes that every learner has the potential to achieve great things. Sandip is a very enthusiastic classroom teacher, and has also been a special needs coordinator and a drama specialist. Sandip loves to use drama in her lessons and can see the benefits of drama in all other areas of the curriculum.

She has been responsible for producing many school plays over the years. Sandip very much enjoys working in mixed Primary/ Secondary school environments and actively encourages older learners to help out in her classroom.  She is very outgoing and loves to arrange events and excursions for her colleagues. She is looking forward to exploring all that Malaysia and its surroundings have to offer!


Symond Russell: Deputy Head (MP2/3), Year 5 Teacher

Born in Ipswich, England, Symond has previously taught in Bristol, Cambodia and Kuantan, Malaysia. He is a strong believer in the use of ICT to extend and engage learners and is investigating how learners use Web 2.0 tools to learn collaboratively for his Masters of Education. Through real-life tasks, emphasis on personal development and thinking skills, Symond prepares his learners for their journey of life-long learning. A firm believer in a holistic education, he himself is a keen tennis player and scuba diver, and also loves travelling, food and listening to music.


Heather Brown: Year 6E Teacher

Heather, a Canadian citizen, has a great love for teaching and learning she aims to share with students. While teaching in China, she was part of a team encouraging inquiry learning, development of global citizens and life-long learners. With a strong background in computer science, IT is often incorporated into lessons as a tool to aid learning and as a means for students to share their work. Heather was drawn to Nexus International School by its promise to foster the talents and gifts of its learners. She intends to uphold this promise and help her students reach their potential.


Jennifer Northam: Year 6X Teacher

Jennifer has been teaching in and around Bristol for four years, from Reception to Year 6. She firmly believes that children should be offered a creative and meaningful topic based education, through which they can apply their skills across the curriculum. She also believes in encouraging independent learners through facilitating challenging, enjoyable and rewarding tasks. Jennifer describes herself as a positive, creative and dedicated person who loves to travel.


Scott Astle: MP3 Teaching Assistant

Born in Ipswich, Suffolk, Scott was a successful restaurant manager in Tunbridge Wells in a previous life.  He decided to travel abroad with his wife Adrianna, and they sampled the delights of Europe before deciding to move to Cairo, Egypt for three years.  There, Scott changed careers and became a teaching assistant for Year 6 in an international school following the IPC curriculum.  His keen interest is in Numeracy, where he enjoys challenging the learners to push themselves.
 
Last year Scott worked as a supply teacher at Nexus in Secondary and Primary, as well as supporting new Library initiatives and volunteering to assist with the Basketball CCA.  He is also an active member and vocal supporter of the Staff Football team.   This year he looks forward to new challenges such as supporting the learners in Milepost 3, extending his Macbook skills, and gaining his driver's licence.


Paul Beattie: Head of Health and Physical Education

Paul is a passionate sportsman and has taught PE in Venezuela and Scotland. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with an Honors degree.  Paul believes that PE should be accessible and fun for all children across the school regardless of their ability. Students should feel secure and happy in PE, so that they can fulfill their own potential. He has a vast experience of entering school sports teams into competitions and has achieved great success with his learners in football, basketball and swimming. Paul thinks it is a great honour and opportunity for learners to volunteer to represent their school. He believes that all learners should be physically active in their daily lives and learn to be aware of what aspects make them become healthy responsible world citizens. Paul has a keen interest in politics, traveling and he is looking forward to exploring Malaysia and becoming a part of the Nexus community.


Andy Smith: Director of Sports

Andy has 9 years of teaching experience working in English secondary schools, in a career that has encompassed a diverse range of rewarding roles. He completed a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science in 2003 and has worked predominantly in and around Yorkshire, UK. Since qualifying to teach, Andy has furthered his own professional development by becoming an Exam board Practical PE Moderator, an experience which he feels has given him a valuable insight into the examination process and one that has helped his students achieve exam success. He believes strongly in equality of opportunity for all and that by creating a healthy competitive culture in a safe and inspiring environment, students will thrive.  Away from school, Andy enjoys travelling with his family, going to the gym and is a keen golfer. He also, despite supporting Aston Villa FC remains an avid football fan. 


Martin Harvey: Primary PE Teacher

Originally from the North West of England, Martin has been a classroom teacher with particular responsibility for PE. He is recognised as one of the 'lead' Primary Physical Education practitioners in the area in which he works and he is regularly asked to advise other teachers, coordinators and schools on how to deliver high quality PE throughout their learning environments from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Year 6. Martin also created a rigorous assessment process for High Schools, so transition from KS2 to KS3 could be made easier for both children and the PE department.
Martin believes that sporting activities should be fit for all abilities and every child can be challenged through progressive, enjoyable, competitive PE and Sport. As a primary classroom teacher he has developed an extensive knowledge of pedagogy within the classroom and has managed to transfer these attributes into PE lessons in order to deliver outstanding Physical Education provision for children of all ages.

Martin feels it is very important to create a positive environment where children feel comfortable and safe in sharing their thoughts and ideas in a developed way. He also subscribes to the idea that children are aware of taking risks and exploration through sharing and testing their ideas and suggestions are all vehicles of learning. He has accomplished a measured amount of sporting success, which allowed him to travel to other parts of the world as an ambassador for both Rugby League and Great Britain. As a student Martin played rugby league for England and Great Britain. These experiences strengthened his ideology for the importance of extra-curricular activities. Now that he's older, or would like to say experienced, his leisure time is spent playing cricket.

Elizabeth Neil: Head of EAL

Before coming to Nexus International School, Lizzy taught in schools and universities throughout Japan, England, Australia, Cambodia and Malaysia and these experiences around the world have given her a love for languages. She leads EAL at Nexus International School and is working towards building a school culture where EAL is embedded in every aspect of teaching and learning. Lizzy has enjoyed using opportunities to teach with ICT in an EAL capacity.  An active person, her passions include scubadiving, cooking, reading and spending time with her family.


Christopher Bailey: EAL Teacher

Chris has been teaching EAL since 1999 and has lived and worked in Hungary, the UK, Thailand and now in Malaysia. He has a wide range of teaching experience including 5 years with the British Council where he co-ordinated young learner courses as well as working extensively with teenagers. He believes very much in a learner centred environment that fosters independence, developing trust and mutual respect, therefore allowing learners to express themselves fully. He strongly feels all learners should be treated equally and be given the same opportunities to flourish. He also has a special interest in integrating ICT into learning. Chris is also an artist and a martial artist when he can spare the time away from his busy family and work life. Chris is very much enjoying life in Malaysia and experiencing the sights, smells and sounds that it has to offer.


Glenda Gordon: EAL Teacher

Glenda hails from from Perth, Australia. She has been a generalist primary school teacher and a specialist teacher of English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Spanish and German at both primary and high school levels. In 2005 she decided to teach overseas and spent two years in Hong Kong and then two years in Singapore. She adores travelling and is looking forward to a wonderful working experience at Nexus International School, Putrajaya.


Ann Lee: EAL Teacher

Prior to teaching in Nexus International School, Ann Lee has been teaching in Montessori schools in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur for five years. She has a Diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Education and Learning Disorders Management and Child Psychology diploma. She has numerous experiences teaching in nurseries and kindergartens with children ranging from two to six years old. She is a dedicated and energetic assistant teacher in Years 1 and 2 before joining the EAL department this academic year. She always believes that each child is unique and has a distinct set of abilities and talents. Therefore, it is essential to provide them equal opportunities and access to education to achieve their full academic potential.



Sandra Heilberg: EAL Teacher

Sandra has been teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages since 2003. In the UK she worked in schools, colleges and community settings, teaching learners from seventeen to seventy, from all around the world.

Sandra is passionate about language and the power of words and has spent her working life sharing that enthusiasm.  She has worked as an arts administrator, a library assistant and was an associate director of an independent bookselling chain for 20 years, before opening her own bookshop. Her experiences have developed her communication skills in business settings and never dampened her love of reading and writing.


Angela Mutinda: Head of Learning Support

Angela brings both enthusiasm and passion to the teaching team and learners of Nexus International School. She has over 14 years of teaching experience across the globe, including countries such as Kenya, China and the UK. Her commitment to learners is reflected in her teaching philosophy; if a child cannot learn from the way he is taught, then he should be taught in a way that he can learn. Angela believes in equipping her learners with the necessary tools and strategies to give them the opportunity to learn the best they can and face challenges whether in academic, social or behavioural with the support, praise and encouragement provided by their immediate environment. Angela is a keen traveller and runner, and she is greatly inspired by her family, friends and colleagues.


Michele MaryAnn Peter : Learning Support

Prior to teaching at Nexus, Michele has been teaching children on the spectrum for many years. She completed her diploma and advanced diploma in Learning Disorder Management and Child Psychology. At present, she is pursuing her Masters in Special Needs Education at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Michele is a firm believer of embracing the diverse needs of our learners and challenging their minds to promote independence and resilience among learners in a global community. She believes in discovering and cultivating the manifold talents present within learners. Michele was drawn to Nexus because of the belief in experiential learning which in her opinion is a great tool in discovering the talents of our learners.


Ellice Balfour Robertson : Learning Support

Elly is a dedicated teacher with a child-centred approach to Learning. She has over 12 years experience teaching students who have additional support needs and a strong knowledge base of post-graduate studies in specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD. Her experience, knowledge and belief in inclusive education enables her to support learners, teachers and parents to work together to achieve optimal educational outcomes. Elly believes that effective assessment of learning difficulties and the identification and implementation of appropriate learning strategies for each student are key to successful support within a caring and nurturing environment.

Elly grew up in Zimbabwe, returning to live and work in Scotland a number of years ago. She is a keen gardener, an aspiring painter and a persevering poet.



Malou Bromley: Guidance Counselor

Malou has worked for almost twenty years as a Guidance Counselor and a Teacher in New Zealand and the Philippines. She has MA Ed, specialising in Guidance and Counseling. She is passionate in working with youths and adults from multi-cultural background. She believes that every student can develop life skills and achieve academic successes in a safe, inspiring, caring and challenging learning environment. She also believes that students have the capability to be self-directed, set goals for themselves and be intrinsically motivated to take the responsibilities of their own learning.  Malou has also worked as a professional Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Facilitator and Mediator in New Zealand community sector. In her professional practice, she truly upholds the values of respect and collaborative teamwork effort in order to be effective.  She is now looking forward to share her wisdom and skills as a personal and academic Guidance Counsellor at Nexus International School, Malaysia. In her spare time she likes swimming, skiing, hiking, doing art work, eating out, and travelling.



Martyn Nayman: Head of Languages other than English (LOTE)

Martyn has been teaching in and around London for 10 years and has previously lived and worked in Holland, Germany and France. He has also travelled extensively throughout Asia, Europe, North and South America, East Africa, NZ and Australia. He uses this wealth of cultural diversity in his language teaching and aims for every single student to enjoy learning languages. He is passionate about his subject and is thrilled to be teaching in the progressive international environment which Nexus offers. He is a firm believer that teaching does not finish when the class ends and thoroughly enjoys participating in cross-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Martyn is passionate about languages, football, Scuba diving, travelling and motorcycles and is looking forward to experiencing all that Malaysia has to offer.

Leilah Zahedi: KS 3 Coordinator/French and Spanish Teacher

Leilah has been teaching for eleven years at Secondary schools in London, UK and two years in Venezuela. In her previous post she was the French Coordinator, the Head of the Learning Support Unit, the School Counselor and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Leilah is passionate about teaching Modern Foreign languages. She believes that learning another language opens the door to other cultures, helping us understand and appreciate people from different countries. Leilah feels that learning another language leaves students with more flexibility in thinking and a better ear for listening. Leilah believes in creating a safe environment in which students are given the necessary tools to flourish academically. Leilah has taught English as a Foreign Language in France, Belgium and Italy before studying for her PGCE. She has also had six years of counselling experience in schools and pupil referral units. She enjoys running, swimming, reading and watching European films in her free time. Leilah loves foreign travel and is looking forward to becoming an integral part of the Modern Foreign Languages Department at Nexus.


Elena Gallego: French and Spanish Teacher

Elena is from Leon, a small city in the north of Spain.  She holds a degree in Art History, an MA in Spanish and Latin American Studies and a Postgraduate in Education (French and Spanish). She has 5 years' experience teaching, both in the UK and internationally. As a teacher, she believes in a dynamic style of education involving a combination of ICT, multimedia, drama, music, and games.  For Elena, teaching languages is about developing learner's own style, getting to know other cultures and becoming world-wide citizens.  She aims to provide the tools to allow students to enjoy learning languages, become independent thinkers and long-life learners. She also hopes to use extra-curricular opportunities and activities to enrich the students' learning experience. When she is not working, Elena enjoys exploring new countries, reading, playing the guitar and cycling. She is looking forward to the cultural and traveling opportunities that working at Nexus International School and living in Malaysia will offer.

Wong Yee Ping: Mandarin Teacher

Yee Ping joins Nexus International School as she believes in striving for excellence in the pursuit of knowledge and youth development of all nationalities. The multi-national and multi-cultural community at Nexus International School serves as an ideal platform for her to share her interactive approaches to learning Mandarin with the international learners. She enjoys working with children and growing with them. She believes the best reward is to be able to help learners achieve their fullest potential within and outside the classroom.


Brenda Chong: Mandarin Teacher

Brenda joins Nexus International School with over 11 years of experience in teaching Chinese language in Singapore and Malaysia. She enjoys teaching in a multicultural and international environment as she believes it helps young children grow up to be true global citizens of the future. The ICT tools used in the daily learning at Nexus International School has helped tremendously in Brenda's teaching. She is keen to experiment with and implement new ICT teaching tools into her daily lessons to make learning more fun.

Sze Sze Low: Mandarin Teacher

Sze has a Bachelor's degree in Science and worked in Industry before deciding on a career in teaching and in 2003 she retrained and gained her Diploma in Education majoring in Chinese Language Teaching. Since then she has taught Chinese in Malaysia with the last 2 years being spent in an International School. Sze Sze brings a wealth of experience to Nexus and is a firm believer that all Learners should enjoy every Chinese lesson. In order to accomplish this she varies her teaching styles and utilises a range of ICT and ensures her classroom is always supportive and conducive for learning. She is looking forward to teaching in the multi-cultural environment which Nexus offers.

Ranofla Dianti: Bahasa Malaysia Teacher

Dianti graduated from Akademi Seni Kebangsaan (ASWARA) for Creative Writing Diploma, University Putra Malaysia for B.A in Malay Linguistics and University Kebangsaan Malaysia for M.A in Malay Literature. She has been actively writing in local newspapers and magazines about the Malay theatre and film industry for the past 13 years. Armed with her friendly personality, she is looking forward to explore new and interactive ways to learn Bahasa Malaysia at Nexus International School.


Nurhidayah: Bahasa Malaysia Teacher

Nurhidayah graduated from University Malaya with a Masters degree in Malay Studies. Her goal is to make learning Bahasa Malaysia a more enriching experience by combining her language skills with the ICT resources available at Nexus International School, Putrajaya. She enjoys working with children and is constantly thinking of new and exciting ways to make classroom learning a more enjoyable experience.


Yew Wen Nie: Bahasa Malaysia Teacher

Hailing from lecturing in varsities and teaching in secondary school, Wen Nie decided to join the Nexus International School for the love in working with young learners. Her enthusiasm in seeing them grow and learn through the education process drives her to continue her PGD in Education. She believes that each learner is unique for they own distinctive capabilities. She graduated from UPM with Master in Corporate Communication after her degree in Marketing. She has faith that education is her arena where she could fully utilize her 6Ps in her career - passion, positive-thinking, patience, peaceable, perseverance and perceptive.


Kiranjeet Kaur: Bahasa Malaysia Integrator Teacher

Kiran is a very patient, creative, hardworking and caring teacher. She likes to create a relaxed learning environment where every learner can fulfil their potential. She enjoys working alongside children, especially those with additional needs because she understands that everyone learns in different ways and it is the teacher's challenge to find the method that works best for every child. She spends her free time dancing and listening to songs, especially bhangra. She loves working at Nexus as it gives her a platform to develop her own abilities as an educator.


Tim Costello: Head of Performing Arts

Tim Costello joined the Nexus team in August 2012 as Head of Performing Arts. He was previously Head of Music in the Middle East, and before that he worked on the Senior Management Team, at Ringmer Community College in East Sussex. Tim is a Trumpet player and Music honours graduate from Dartington College of Arts. After a year traveling around the world he then went on to study for his PGCE at Sussex University.  Tim is passionate about lifelong learning and he recently furthered his own learning at the National College of School Leadership in the UK, and in 2009 completed his NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). During his 14 years at Ringmer Community College Tim was nominated for the Teaching Awards by a few of his pupils; he was awarded 'Secondary Teacher of the Year for the South East of England' in 2007. Since winning his award Tim has been working as a Teaching Awards Judge. He is passionate about empowering learners to work independently, collaboratively and using many styles of learning as possible. Outside the classroom Tim is also a Yacht Mater and Advanced Diver and loves spending time on or in the water he also aims to introduce these skills to the learners at Nexus.


Margaret Boyle: Theatre Studies and Drama Teacher

Margaret Boyle (AKA) Maggie is a graduate of LIPA (Liverpool institute for Performing Arts) where she was awarded a Combined  BA (hon) in Performing Arts with Community Arts. Furthermore she graduated from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and was duly awarded a Post Grad Cert Ed. In her quest to develop further, Maggie undertook Post Grad study in Multi-Media technology at Liverpool University before going on to study at an advanced level with the Arts Council of England. Maggie was awarded the status of Advanced Skills Practitioner in 2007. As an advocate for lifelong learning, Maggie continues to value her own learning and is currently working towards a MA in Screenwriting at LJMU.

Maggie brings to NISP a wealth of experience as both performance practitioner and educator.  With nearly 10 years year's experience of Programme Leadership, Maggie's previous posts have included Year Head of a large Performing Arts Department in Merseyside, situated in the UK's North of England. Additional to Maggie's Programme Leadership role she facilitated guidance and counselling in relation to the personal and academic development of the 6th Form students in her charge- preparing learners for UCAS (University and Colleges Applications Systems) as an adviser for Higher Education Programmes within the Arts.

Maggie also brings 9 years experience as a Higher Education Lecturer, teaching Theatre and Performance and has been working for the last 7 years as Module Leader and Associate Lecturer for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) UK. Maggie is keen to play an active role in the development of the new 6th Form at Nexus International School. Maggie's educational philosophy is about enabling learners to be knowledgeable and effective communicators; be free thinkers, inquirers and risk-takers in learning; be principled and open-minded in spirit; be healthy and happy in life; be reflective, caring and balanced in their outlook; in short, to develop and fulfil their unique potential.

In her spare time Maggie enjoys keeping the beat in a Samba Reggae band. Her latest creative pursuit is in learning to play the ukulele. She is currently writing for film and TV.

Ann Drury: Music Teacher

For the past six years Ann has been a whole school Music teacher in Thailand.  Prior to that, she taught Music in Bucharest, Romania and at state schools in the U.K. and Australia (where she was born and went to University).  She is seen by parents and children alike as someone who is an effective communicator who brings passion and enthusiasm to the classroom, and someone who nurtures a respectful, caring and non-threatening learning environment.  A keen traveller to many Asian countries, and a strong interest in their musical and cultural heritage, Ann is looking forward to the new challenges that await her in Malaysia.


Greg Dzideczek: ICT Technical Manager

Greg graduated from Griffith University in Brisbane with a degree in Computer Science. Before starting at Nexus, Greg taught in Primary and Secondary schools in South Korea over a four-year period. Shortly afterwards he moved to Malaysia where he began working at Nexus International School as the ICT manager. This year he will be moving over from the technical side of ICT to a teaching and implementation role, an area that he is passionate about. Greg's ICT knowledge, passion to facilitate learning and eagerness to identify how technology can be better used to enhance learning for both teachers and learners allows him to provide Nexus International School with another important resource in this ICT rich environment.

Richard Poth: ICT Integrator

Richard has been working as a teacher in the primary sector for 6 years. Before making the move into teaching, Richard worked in IT and communications. He has also worked in summer camps in the USA and as a professional entertainer in the UK and Spain. He graduated with a performing arts degree in 1999 and from a young age has had a passion with performing and directing in theatre and film. His experience in IT landed him the role as ICT subject leader in his NQT year of teaching. Since then he has shown inspiration and enthusiasm with his previous school in developing a solid infrastructure where children and staff can learn comfortably with ICT. As a legacy to his previous school he integrated Apple Macs as part of a creative project for cross curricula activities. Richard has a real passion for ICT in the classroom as a tool and enjoys encouraging and working with staff and students in integrating ICT across the curriculum. He has a particular interest in using video and sound to encourage learners to be creative with their learning. 


Jared Wilson: ICT Integrator

Jared has been a teaching ICT for 9 years, 6 of those where spent as the Head of ICT at a large secondary school in Nottingham. Jared has also contributed to an ICT Key Stage 3 textbook and has been involved with a UK exam board, writing and reviewing examination papers and working up to the role of Chief Examiner. He believes learning should be fun and that students should be taught in a positive and open atmosphere where they are free to experiment and develop new skills. Jared also enjoys using new ICT tools and believes that discovering new technologies is one of the greatest benefits of being an ICT teacher. He feels that all learners should be fully engaged with the use of ICT and encourages new ways to use digital tools to enhance learning and is excited about sharing his ICT values and contributing to Nexus International School. The desire to live and work in Malaysia has been a long standing goal for Jared and his family, having visited the country on numerous occasions over the past few years.

Suneel Madahar: ICT Integrator

Suneel qualified with a degree in Pharmacology from King's College London before becoming a very enthusiastic Biology and Science teacher in England. Moving first to Istanbul, Turkey and then to the east of The Netherlands, he taught Biology to IB Diploma level, as well as TOK and guitar. A move to the west of The Netherlands, 10 years ago, brought with it a chance to teach ICT and he has not looked back since. As well as being a classroom teacher, Suneel has been Head of ICT and a department Head. Suneel believes that combining learning with computers can have amazing effects on learning in the classroom, and brings this philosophy to Nexus International School, with it's wonderful resources. Suneel works hard to ensure that every student gets the most out of their time in school, both in and out of the classroom, using whatever tools in ICT he can find. Suneel has been an Apple Distinguished Educator for the past 4 years, and has a wealth of experience running ICT systems in school. Suneel has a passion for playing and recording the guitar, as well as 3D animation and programming.

Peter Rider: Teacher Librarian

Peter is originally from the Newcastle area of the UK and has a BA/MA in English Literature and experience as a teacher/librarian in Indonesia, England, Switzerland, Thailand and Germany. He has just set-up a new PYP/DP library in an international school in Frankfurt and is really looking forward to the challenge of working at Nexus and living in Asia again. Peter enjoys travelling and meeting new people and has a keen interest in tennis, golf, cricket and hiking. He also plays the guitar (very badly indeed) and has a liking for heavy rock music and live music (all types). Being an English Teacher, he has a passion for all things literary with a particular interest in world literatures and creative writing. Peter has experience of working across all three IBO programmes and is very enthusiastic about the Diploma programme.

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