Maeve Donaghy
Maeve Donaghy
Year 1 Teacher
Maeve Donaghy

Maeve Donaghy

Year 1 Teacher

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Language and Linguistics. Classification: First class Honours. University of Ulster
PGCE Primary with QTS. Liverpool Hope University

3 years' experience

I have taught in Qatar for two years, teaching Year 4 and Year 1 as well as being an EAL teacher. Prior to this, I taught in the UK, where I experienced teaching a range of all primary school year groups.

Tara Mc Kinley
Tara McKay
Year 1 Teacher
Tara Mc Kinley

Tara McKay

Year 1 Teacher

Qualifications

BEd Primary Science
Bachelor of Education (Hons), Queens University, Belfast

4 years' experience

I studied at St. Mary's University College, Belfast, for 4 years and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in 2018. I worked in a school in Northern Ireland for 4 years and in the Republic of Ireland for over 1 year. I decided to move to Doha to broaden my knowledge and understanding of teaching and to gain experience of teaching in another country.

Harvey Sheperdson New
Harvey Shepherdson
Year 2 Teacher and Head of Year
Harvey Sheperdson New

Harvey Shepherdson

Year 2 Teacher and Head of Year

Qualifications:

BA (Hons) in Theatre Practice from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
Primary PGCE, St Mary's University

3 years' teaching experience

Originally from the North East of England, I studied and lived in London for seven years. Formerly, I was a Production Manager for several, large-scale international festivals and theatre productions. Alongside academic subjects, I have an enormous desire to introduce children to the arts.

Jenifer Watson
Jenifer Watson
Year 2 Teacher
Jenifer Watson

Jenifer Watson

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Psychology and Sports Studies at The University of Stirling
Post Graduate Diploma (Primary Education) at The University of Dundee

10 Years’ Experience

From the beginnings of teacher training in Scotland to bustling Beijing for 2 years and then onto magical Malaysia, teaching has provided me with some amazing opportunities to enhance my professional practice by sharing my knowledge and collaborating with some of the best teachers around the world. My passions include advocating student voice, growth mindset and imbedding environmental awareness into the curriculum.

Luke Coveney
Luke Coveney
Year 2 Teacher
Luke Coveney

Luke Coveney

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Journalism - University of Lincoln
PGCE Primary Education University of East London

7 years' experience

I am from Essex in the UK but have been living in Qatar for 6 years now. I have taught in 2 schools in Qatar so far working in Years 1, 2 and 3 during my time here.

Joseph Jones
Joe Jones
Year 2 Teacher
Joseph Jones

Joe Jones

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

Ba-Ed Primary Education (3-11) with QTS at University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids

I studied Primary Education with QTS at University of Wales before relocating to Doha in 2019. Since then, I have taught in Key Stage 1 and 2 within British curriculum schools in Qatar. I am really looking forward to using my experience to create positive relationships with the USI community and provide the best possible education for my pupils.

Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson
Year 2 Teacher
Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (HONS) Primary Education degree with QTS from Northumbria University
Level 3 in Childcare
BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts

5 years' teaching experience

I was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK and have lived in Qatar for 3.5 years. I have worked with children for 15 years, starting my career as a children's party organiser, before becoming a nursery nurse then a class teacher. I am so excited to begin working with such an amazing team at USI and helping each child progress and flourish.

Heena Majevadia
Heena Majevadia
Year 2 Teacher
Heena Majevadia

Heena Majevadia

Year 2 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Hons Primary Education with QTS from Middlesex University

8 years' experience

With eight years of experience as a qualified teacher working in the UK, I continue to be passionate about sharing my knowledge and skills to develop the minds of the next generation. I always strive to do the best for my students and pride myself in creating an environment that has a love of learning. I am thoroughly excited to continue my teaching journey with USI and develop myself professionally and personally in Qatar.

Emma O Brien
Emma O'Brien
Year 3 Teacher and Head of Year
Emma O Brien

Emma O'Brien

Year 3 Teacher and Head of Year

Qualifications

BA Hons Education Studies and Post Graduate PGCE Primary from The Manchester Metropolitan University

4 years' experience

Originally from Ireland, I have studied and lived in Manchester during the first few years of my teaching career. I have experience in EYFS, KS1 and LKS2 and also have an Early Years specialism.

Kevin Ratcliffe
Kevin Ratcliffe
Year 3 Teacher
Kevin Ratcliffe

Kevin Ratcliffe

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

Law Degree
Post-graduate Diploma in Law
PGCE Primary with QTS

10 Years' Experience in Teaching

I am from the North-West of England and have 10 years experience of teaching in the UK, South East Asia and the Middle East. I am excited to be part of a new, modern school which is based in a remarkable part of Qatar. A school that possesses excellent resources to engage the children in a holistic, fun and meaningful learning experience.

Johanna Wright
Johanna Wright
Year 3 Teacher
Johanna Wright

Johanna Wright

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

BEd Primary Degree, from Stranmillis University College, Queen's University Belfast

4 years' experience

I'm from a village called Gracehill in Northern Ireland, and I spent my teacher training in rural, inner city and private schools as well as a bilingual school. I have lived and taught in Qatar for the last 4 years since qualifying. My philosophy for education is: a child who feels happy, safe and valued is a child most able to reach their full potential.

Katy Jones
Katy Jones
Year 3 Teacher
Katy Jones

Katy Jones

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

BA (Hons) Classical Studies (2.1)
QTS / NPQML

9 years' experience

I moved to Qatar as a newly qualified teacher 9 years ago, and worked in the same British international school for 9 years. During my time in my previous school, I worked in Year 1 for 3 years, then Year 2 for 3 years and finally Year 3 for 3 years. I was the Key Stage 1 Literacy Coordinator for 6 years.

Kathryn Mc Fadden
Kathryn McFadden
Year 3 Teacher
Kathryn Mc Fadden

Kathryn McFadden

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications

BA Honors Degree in Early Childhood Studies
PGCE in Primary with QTS
NQT certificate
Higher National Diploma in Health and Social Care

3 years' teaching experience

I am a teacher from Northern Ireland, UK and I have lived in Qatar for the past 3 years. I have worked with children for 8 years, starting as an SEN Teaching Assistant in a primary school in my home country, before becoming a Class Teacher in Qatar. I am so excited to start my new journey at USI.

Katherine Broun
Katherine Broun
Year 3 Teacher
Katherine Broun

Katherine Broun

Year 3 Teacher

Qualifications: 

BSc Honours Psychology with Criminology (Nottingham-Trent University, UK)
PGCE Primary and QTS (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK)

5 years' experience

I am originally from England and worked as a charity caseworker in Manchester after graduation. In 2011, I began my journey in education when I moved to the Gulf. Before qualifying as a classroom teacher, I was a Special Educational Needs teaching assistant and later, a Kindermusik Educator.

Colleen Mc Veigh
Colleen McVeigh
Year 4 Teacher and Head of Year
Colleen Mc Veigh

Colleen McVeigh

Year 4 Teacher and Head of Year

Qualifications

Undergraduate Degree in Liberal Arts with Physical Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Primary, Physical Education Specialist

4 years' experience

I am from Ireland, and obtained my first degree in Liberal Arts with Physical Education at Queen’s University, Belfast. I then furthered my education and completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education at Edge Hill, Liverpool. On completion of my degrees, I was delighted to accept my first teaching post in Doha, Qatar. I have taught within both Key Stages and have gained valuable experience. It has been exciting to be one of the founding members of USI, and part of a culturally diverse community that is passionate about helping each child progress in all areas of their development.

Eleanor Duffy
Eleanor Duffy
Year 4 Teacher & Head of Key Stage 2
Eleanor Duffy

Eleanor Duffy

Year 4 Teacher & Head of Key Stage 2

Qualifications

Degree in Germanic Languages from Trinity College in Dublin and can speak five different languages. 
H. Dip in Primary Education and an M.Ed in Leading, Learning and Teaching.
I have also recently completed my NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership).

15 years' experience

I am from a small seaside town on the outskirts of Dublin in Ireland. I taught for nine years at the Primary school I attended myself before venturing to Doha with my husband. I have taught in British International schools here for over 6 years. I love working with the amazing team at USI. It is such a privilege to be part of the founding team and I really enjoy being part of a very special community.

Emily Wilson
Emily Wilson
Year 4 Teacher
Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson

Year 4 Teacher

Qualifications

  • BEd Top Up Route with QTS - Newman University in Birmingham. Modules included; School Experience, The Independent Researcher ( where I completed a dissertation on Mindfulness), Leading Learning in an Area of Specialism, Creative Curriculum Approaches, Language Learning and the Wider Community, Creative Mathematics and Primary Physical Processes.
  • Higher Diploma of Education - Strathclyde University in Glasgow. Modules included; School Experience, Language, Mathematics, Teaching and Learning, Expressive Arts, Professional Development Planning, Religious and Moral Education and Technology.

13 years' experience

My work experience includes a decade within an educational setting; fulfilling roles that range from teaching and learning support assistant to full time teacher and ultimately middle leader. The age groups I have taught vary from KS1 to upper KS2 and to have the opportunity to teach Year 4 is an exciting new beginning and a prospect that enthuses me.

Caroline Sheehy
Caroline Sheehy
Year 4 Teacher
Caroline Sheehy

Caroline Sheehy

Year 4 Teacher

Qualifications:

Business with Education from Ulster University in Northern Ireland.
PGCE at Liverpool Hope University, UK

Number of years teaching experience - 4 years

I have been living and teaching in Doha for 4 years. Before moving to Qatar, I completed my undergraduate degree at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. Following that, I completed a PGCE in primary education at Liverpool Hope University. I moved to Qatar 5 years ago and completed my NQT in an international school.

I have a true passion for travelling and love to explore different parts of the world. Before I trained as a teacher, I lived and worked in the USA and I have travelled to over 30 countries. I love to stay fit and healthy, and my hobbies include swimming, Irish dancing and muay Thai boxing.

I love my job as a teacher because every day is different, and I like to make learning fun and exciting.