Secondary staff

English Maths Science ICT Humanities Physical Education Creative Arts French Arabic Special Needs and English Classroom Assistants

Sharon Ahern

Head of English

I am a Londoner, and thus far all of my 11 years of teaching have been in the UK, apart from a brief visit to the Middle East. I have taught English at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, and been Head of Media Studies at Key Stage 5.

My aim is to foster a love of English Language and Literature here at the ICS and prepare students for their public examinations. I am delighted to be here in Amman and working at the ICS, and I look forward to getting to know my students very well during the course of the year.

Carlo Murphy

(Deputy Head of Secondary / Pastoral Head of 6th Form / English Department)

I attended Templeogue College Dublin and then on to St. Patrick’s College, National University of Ireland where I read English and History. Secondary studies included French and Sociology. Post graduate study includes Higher Diploma in Education in Maynooth College with further study in curriculum and assessment at Cambridge.
I have worked in Dublin, London, New York, Boston, Kuwait, Muscat, and Amman.
At The International Community School, pastoral care is an integral part of our school philosophy and curriculum. The Pastoral Care Programme is valued and implemented in a variety of ways by all members of staff in both the Junior and Secondary schools.
The delivery of pastoral care is both reactive and proactive in order to provide support, guidance and education for students with the onus of responsibility upon each member of the school community, for the wellbeing of themselves and others.
Policies and procedures exist within the school at all levels to assist in the delivery of pastoral care to both students and staff alike.
I feel privileged to lead this care structure at ICS and to work along side a team of professionals who are working to develop a holistic approach towards educating which includes personal responsibility, leadership skills and a concern and compassion for fellow human beings.

Linda Kilani

English

I have been teaching for over 30 years in both Jordan and the UK. My main areas of teaching experience include teaching English as a second language and English courses right through to A level English. I always say that I have the best job in the world as I am an English teacher. Teaching literature, especially poetry, is my passion. I think I'd do it for free (but don't tell Mr, Price that). I have previously worked at the ICS for eleven years and am really happy to be back.

Lee Beresford

Head of Key Stage 3, Head of Mathematics

Hello, my name is Lee Beresford I have been the head of Maths since 2007. I believe that students should find Mathematics challenging, rewarding, fun and should be encouraged to study Mathematics to higher levels. I work with students from Key Stage 3 - 5.

I graduated from Exeter University in 1995 with a BSc.Ed (hons), and apart from Mathematics, I have a keen interest in Science and Psychology.

I taught in the UK for 12 years in the Primary and Secondary sectors, and held various postions as Head of Dept. alongside co-ordinator roles for Assessment, ICT, and Homework.

I am a keen traveller, and I enjoy painting, reading and writing.

Anne Youssef

I graduated from Keele University in Mathematics and Psychology then immediately plunged into volunteer teaching in West Africa with VSO. After this experience of virtually running a coeducational boarding school I was disappointed not even to have a key to a cupboard in my first teaching post in the UK!

I taught mainly adults in a college in the West Midlands in the UK for a total of 13 years and had the pleasure of teaching not only Mathematics but also, for example, Confidence Building to people of all walks of life. I took unpaid leave of absence which resulted in me changing career to the Aid world starting with 5 years in Afghanistan. I worked in a wide range of fields in training health staff and in managing many projects in a very remote region then I took up a post with Save the Children in North West Afghanistan and, with community assistance, rebuilt and re-established 20 schools. More recently I have studied courses (London, Pakistan and South Africa) and designed and delivered a variety of courses for example HIV/AIDS Support Group Leader training in South Africa, Psychosocial Training for Afghan refugee teachers in Pakistan and Life Skills for Afghan refugee trainers in refugee camps in Pakistan. I have also conducted formal TB research amongst rural women in Pakistan. Over the years I have had experience in many fields and I hope to use my experiences and skills as broadly as possible with ICS students.

Saqib Safdar

I began my teaching career five years ago as a teacher of Mathematics at Leyton Sixth Form College in London during which time I was also e-learning champion and lead teacher for functional skills. These roles served as a creative outlet and gave me the opportunity to explore various pedagogies. I am passionate about teaching and enjoy engaging students through e-learning, cross curricular projects, games and group learning activities. I read Physics at UCL and so find it interesting to see how equations work in the real world and where possible convey that understanding to my students. In my spare time I love travelling, cycling, reading mystical poetry, learning languages and meeting people. I am married with a lovely 3 year old daughter.

Michael Ratty

Head of Science

Mike qualified originally as a Biologist, specialising in marine biology, and spent some time working in the lab of an oyster hatchery. When that closed down he moved into education and qualified as a lecturer in Further Education. During thirty years in Birmingham, he taught science and ecology up to degree level, and trained laboratory assistants, museum technicians, nurses, photographers, hairdressers and cooks. After obtaining a master’s degree in Curriculum he spent some time in educational management in England (Associate Head of a Sixth Form College) and Spain (Head of Biology, Head of Secondary), before moving to Jordan.

Outside school he takes photographs, travels, climbs mountains, and dives.

Andrew Challinor

Science

I grew up in York, England, but have spent most of my life in Adelaide, South Australia, where I studied Physics & Mathematics at Flinders University (Adelaide). I have been teaching these subjects at the senior level since 1996.

I enjoy travel, hiking and camping, photography and computers.

Home for me - when I am not here in Jordan – is now in Manila, Philippines.

Ashley Best

Science

I have been teaching Science for many years in the UK mainly at the Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School and at Welbeck College. In 2003 I moved to Sharjah and taught in Wesgreen International School where I was Head of Science and became Deputy Head in the Boys’ School. After three years I moved down the road to Wellington International School in Dubai. Having thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Middle East I am really pleased to be able to join the ICS, here in Amman. My main interests outside the classroom include sailing, windsurfing and skiing. Reading and listening to music are other interests which require a little less activity.

Cath Law

Science, Head of Key Stage 4

I am delighted to be teaching science at ICS. I have a particular interest in individuals fulfilling their true potential and to this end I am the Key Stage 4 co-ordinator, a role that I take whole heartedly. I have a degree in Biology and an MA in Health and Beauty. I have been teaching for many years in the UK, Indonesia as well as in Zambia which is now my home. I have held many positions of varying degrees of responsibility within the UK as well as abroad and have followed different syllabi including GCSE, International Baccalaureate, IGCSE and A Level.

Dina Shomali

Science Laboratory Technician

Hi, my name is Dina Shomali. I studied Nutrition and Food Technology at the University of Jordan and have been working as a Science Lab Technician since I graduated in 1995. I’m honoured to be a part of the ICS team and be the Lab Technician in the Science Department.

I’m married and have two daughters (Elaine and Katia). My hobbies are: swimming, travelling, hiking and camping. I also enjoy cooking.

Robert O’Neill

ICT Teacher

Hello, my name is Robert O’Neill.

I come from Inverness in Scotland. Most of my teaching has been outside of Scotland in London, Istanbul, Switzerland and now in Jordan. I am very happy to be part of the staff at ICS and hope to enjoy success as a teacher here.

Ayman Fahmawi

Network Administrator

This is my sixth year at the ICS and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far. I am currently in the final year of completing my BSc in Computer Information Systems at Al-Zaytoonah University, Amman. It has been hard work studying and working full-time but fruitful nevertheless.

I enjoy working with the pupils at the ICS. It is very satisfying to see pupils understand and develop their ICT skills and I am glad I can be a part of their learning process.

Ahmad Abu Sharifeh

ICT Teaching Assistant / Support Analyst

Hi! At the ICS I currently provide technical support, networking and sometimes teaching. I studied Software engineering and have worked in many IT companies on many projects. I joined the ICS in 2008 and it’s still a new experience. I wish to continue my studies and hopefully gain a Masters degree very soon.

David Price

Secondary Headmaster

David joined the ICS in 2004 as Head of Geography and Music teacher in the Secondary School. In September 2007, he was appointed Acting Head of Secondary and subsequently Head of Secondary. David was educated at Durham University and taught for 25 years in the south of England where he rose to the position of Deputy Head of one of the largest comprehensive schools in England. After that he went to Sharjah in the UAE as Deputy in a large international school. David is a keen musician who plays the violin and sings. He is also an avid traveller who has visited over 75 countries.

Alan Williams

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

As the newly appointed Special Educational Needs Coordinator (Secondary Dept.) I very much wish to integrate pupils of all abilities into the ICS. I have been involved in the teaching and management of children with SEN since 1986. Having originally trained in the Humanities (Geography and History), I later undertook further training in the specialised area of SEN education. In addition to teaching in mainstream schools in the UK, I have gained invaluable experience of teaching in independent schools in Holland, Czech Republic and Qatar in the Middle East. Throughout my time in the teaching profession I have placed importance on working closely with parents and colleagues in order to overcome the problems faced by students.

Warrick Ingham

Business Studies and Economics

Before coming to Jordan last year, I worked in Kuwait for ten years in both education and industry where I was the Marketing Manager for a large Multinational dairy company. Therefore I’m no stranger to the Middle East and I have been on business and leisure trips to most countries in the region. I have a MSC in Business Management and a F.A. football coaching qualification. I participate in a lot of sporting activities here in Jordan and I am also a keen walker and a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. I am delighted to be working and living in this fascinating country.

Heather Cartmell

History Teacher

I studied History and Sociology at The University of Manchester. Previous to working at the ICS I taught in a comprehensive school in the North of England. I enjoy traveling and hope to explore this beautiful country over the coming year.

Vikki Broome-Miller

History Teacher

Hello, my name is Vikki and I have been at the ICS since Sept 2008. I am a qualified HLTA from Manchester, England and have worked in both Primary and Secondary schools as a cross curricular Teaching Assistant, HLTA, beginners Spanish teacher and an assistant SENCO.

Currently I split my week between teaching History to lower Key Stage 3 and being a Teaching Assistant. I really enjoy working at the ICS and living in Jordan. When I am not in school I like to read, travel and relax with my family.

Ruth Tanjeer

Humanities Dept – Citizenship

This is my fourth year at the ICS. I graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BA degree in Food and Accommodation Studies. I returned to Leeds and completed a PGCE in Home Economics and combined Science. I worked in the National Health Service in Education and Training for all levels of NHS staff. In my role as Assistant Director Organisational Development I had the lead responsibility for Equality and Diversity within the organisation. I enjoy working at the ICS and am currently teaching Citizenship (KS3 & 4), Science (KS3) and Textiles (KS3).

Mohammed Awwad

Head of PE

I have a PA in Physical Education and an MA in Physical Training. I have been teaching in Amman, Jordan since 1996. I have worked as a Physical Education teacher, team-teacher and coached teams and individuals. I have worked in the Foundation Years, Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4. I have taught Physical Education, Gymnastics, Swimming, Athletics, Basketball and Handball. Of all the things I teach, I would say that swimming and running are my greatest loves, and that Little League and Summer camp are my favourite ways of having fun with kids! In my spare time I love to eat sushi with friends and watch comedies.

Wa'el Yousef

PE Teacher

Since graduating from the University of Jordan where I studied Physical Education I have been a very busy man!

My qualifications include; training as a lifeguard and many teaching and coaching courses in various sports, the last of which I attended in England. I am also trained in administering CPR. Currently I teach PE and coach gymnastics, swimming and football which I enjoy very much.

Despite all this work I still manage to enjoy spending time with my friends, outdoor activities and lifting weights (just look at my muscles!).

Yasser Libzo

PE Teacher

I Joined the ICS in 2004 as a Sports Centre Asst.manager, I have a BA Degree in Physical education, from Jordan university, and I am now a PE teacher ,clubs coordinator & helping in school uniform.

My favourite sport is boxing; also I have a good experience in body building and fitness training, my hobbies are computer issues. I'm married and have two lovely boys.

Lamees Al-Saqqa

PE Teacher

Hello, my name is lamees m. AL-Saqqa. I’m a Leo, 26 years old. Since my graduation from Hashemite University in 2004, I’ve been teaching physical Education in leading private schools in Jordan. I teach all sports activities majoring in football and swimming. In September 2009, I joined ICS as PE Teacher for all classes. I love my work and sports are my passion. I enjoy socializing with sports community i.e. Team Members, coaches, Leagues, etc… I love to participate and organize any sports or out door activities. I’m a football player and swimmer, but football is my game.

Edwina Issa

Head of Activities, Head of Drama

I attended the University of Durham and later the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. I first came to the ICS in 1983 from the UK where I taught and advised on drama. I held a whole range of posts at the ICS before leaving in the mid nineties. Since then I have lectured globally on drama in education, trained teachers, written and edited educational publications and opened a theatre and a magazine! I have been lucky enough to work with most age ranges in all types of educational institutions but one of the happiest has always been the ICS! Therefore, I was happy to come back. Other than teaching Drama throughout the Secondary School I also run the Activity Programme for the whole school and co-ordinate our British Ballet Organization dance examinations.

Sarah Jichi

Music Teacher

Hi, I am Sarah and I was born in Ireland. I come from a long line of Music Teachers and I have been teaching since 1991. For the past fourteen years I have lived and worked in Africa and I consider it very much my home. Over the course of my time at the British International School, Lagos, I worked as Head of Lower School, Head of Music and as Co-teacher-in-charge of School Productions. I enjoy working with children of all ages, but since joining the ICS in September 2007, I have found a real love for teaching children in KS1 & 2! Their enthusiasm for life makes coming to work everyday such fun!

Sandy Kakish

Food Technology teacher

Hi, I joined the ICS as a Food Technology teacher in Sept. 2003. I spent most of my childhood in America and came to Jordan in 1991 where I then joined the ICS as a student. I have a B.A. in Nutrition & Food Technology form the Jordan University of Science & Technology and an M.S. in Nutrition & Food Science from the University of Jordan. I teach both primary and secondary.

Lama Majaj

Head of Art

I have worked at the ICS for several years and it has been great to see the Art department grow in this time.
I studied Fine Arts and Graphic Design in the US. I love teaching and promoting the student’s appreciation of the Arts.

Doris Haddad

Head of French

My name is Doris Haddad I worked at the Rosary College for 2 years and at the Baptist School in Amman for 14 years. I was head of the French Department and teacher of the French language with a focus on DELF, IGCSE and Tawjihi students of the ‘Hotelllerie’ section. Over the years I have taken all the training courses offered by the French embassy and the French Center. I took several training courses in writing skills and editing news in France and I also have a certificate in teaching methods from Samford University. I have also forged very strong links with the French Cultural Centre in Amman which I have found to be an asset to my teaching.
I joined the ICS in 2005 and I’m very glad to be a member of their staff.

Virginia Ingarfield

French Teacher

Hello, I’m Ginny and I have taught at the ICS since 2002. I was born in England to French/English parents and was raised in West Africa and France. I completed my French Baccalaureate (Economics section) and went on to gain a BA (Hons) in French and International politics in 1994 and an MBA (Marketing) in 1996. I worked as a translator and marketing research consultant in central London before training as a teacher of French (TFFL) in 1999. I then traveled to Jordan, first working at the New English school, where I was Head of French for 2½ years and forged links with Le Centre Culturel Français for the DELF Scolaire qualifications. I gained my PGCE from the University of Sunderland in 2007-08. Now part of Doris Haddad’s team with Sophie, I currently teach 7 to 16-year-olds. My son, Harry, joined the Reception Class at the ICS this year.

Sophie Mojon-Dabayebeh

French Teacher

I have been teaching French as a foreign language for almost 16 years, in the US and in Jordan. I’m a French native and after a sabbatical year spent abroad with my family, I am back at the ICS where I had taught previously for a year and a half.
During my teaching career I have prepared students for both the G.C.S.E and I.G.C.S.E. exams. Here at the ICS I teach both primary and secondary students.

Ra'ed Ramahi

Head of Arabic

My name is Ra’ed Ramahi and I am the head of the Arabic Department

I joined the ICS in the year 2000 as a Head of Arabic and Arabic Teacher to all the Key Stages. I very much enjoy working here for many reasons. First of all, I like to work in a culturally diverse environment, secondly, I love teaching Arabic especially to non-Arabic speakers, and finally because I like challenges and creativity. My audio CDs "Listen and Speak Colloquial Arabic" with booklets are designed to orient and teach colloquial Arabic for beginners and foreigners.

Mohammed Tammouni

Arabic

My name is Mohammed Tammouni. I joined the ICS in September 2008. I am an Arabic teacher, and I am married and have a baby daughter (Yasmeen). I have an M.A. degree in Curriculum and Teaching (Arabic) from the University of Jordan. I have been teaching the Arabic language at intermediate level in different schools inside and outside Jordan for six years. Every year I say the words, "let’s work hand in hand to make this year better than the last."

Abeer Jayussi

Arabic Teacher

I joined the ICS as an Arabic Teacher in 2000. I teach all levels starting at Reception up to Year 11, using both the Jordanian and the Lebanese curriculum. Before joining the ICS, I worked as an Arabic Teacher in different International Schools and private institutes in Dubai.

Abeer Halasa

Arabic Teacher

This is my sixth year teaching in the ICS. I am a teacher of Arabic as a second language and I teach children of all age group and levels.

Before joining the ICS, I worked at the Montessori School and I have also worked for UNICEF I am dedicated to creating a stimulating and enriching learning environment for the students.

Alan Williams

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

Jacky Smith

English as an Additional Language

I am one of the EAL teachers at the ICS in the Secondary school. I have lived in Germany, Belgium and Cyprus and arrived with my family in Jordan in February 2008. I gained my CELTA in Bournemouth, UK in 2005, and taught adults freelance, before joining the school in Sep 2008. I have enjoyed my first year in a school setting, so much so that I have stayed for another one! I am married with one child, Ellie, who is a pupil at the ICS in the Primary school. I also teach adults (parents) who wish to improve their English conversation or grammar. Don’t let your children have all the fun.

Jane Peregrine

English as an Additional Language

Hi, my name is Jane Peregrine McEneany and I have been working in the Middle East for 23 years and teaching EAL for 10. I enjoy the challenge of improving people’s language skills. My interests are music, drama, cooking and cats.

Vikki Broome-Miller

Classroom Assistant - Secondary

Hello, my name is Vikki and I have been at the ICS since Sept 2008. I am a qualified HLTA from Manchester, England and have worked in both Primary and Secondary schools as a cross curricular Teaching Assistant, HLTA, beginner’s Spanish teacher and an assistant SENCO. Currently I split my week between teaching History to lower Key Stage 3 and being a Teaching Assistant. I really enjoy working at the ICS and living in Jordan. When I am not in school I like to read, travel and relax with my family.

Fatima Alnasser

Classroom Assistant - Secondary

Hi my name is Fatima Alnasser. I am a teaching assistant in the secondary. I have BA in nutrition and food science. I joined the ICS in Sept 2006. I have three daughters Natasha, Leen and Sedra