Meet Our Teachers

Our dedicated teaching and learning staff reflect the international nature of our community and bring a wealth of experience from their home countries and other international schools. BSB teachers are committed to ensuring all pupils receive a premium education in Bucharest. Whether teaching algorithms or guiding students into building an electric car from scratch for five days a week, the people who ensure that the British School of Bucharest maintains an excellent learning environment work tirelessly to keep our students inspired and cared for. Get to know their stories and perspectives, what sets them apart and what makes them outstanding at their job.

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Head of Secondary School

Jason Porter

Head of Secondary

Jason Porter joined the British School of Bucharest in 2013 as Deputy Head of Secondary and is now our Head of Secondary. He graduated from Exeter University, where he read Russian and German, and later qualified as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher at the University of Nottingham. Jason joined the school following nine years as Housemaster at Chigwell School, a prestigious HMC Boarding School in the UK. Jason has obtained an MA course in Applied Educational Leadership and Management at University College London (Institute of Education).

Philosophy

I advise my students to always expose themselves to different languages because that’s how we understand and appreciate others’ cultures, values and ways of life, which enrich our lives. Language is a window into another person’s life. Children growing up surrounded by, understanding and adopting these values are more likely to become tolerant, respectful and accepting adults.

What I teach my students

To learn and develop together, personally, academically and professionally, and aspire to leave BSB a bit differently than when they started – in a good way, of course.

Something unexpected

Despite studying languages, I took A-Level physics when I was at school. This was because I wanted to learn about black holes and the Big Bang, only then to discover these topics didn’t really feature in the syllabus. But my physics teacher took a syllabus detour, and we studied them anyway!

Secondary School Leadership Team

Anthony George

Director of Academic Ops & Outreach

Anthony George studied Physics at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, before undertaking a PGCE at King’s College, London.

Ever keen to develop and learn new things, Anthony recently completed an MA in Educational Leadership from University College, London.

He taught in schools in London for a few years before moving to Hong Kong to take his first steps in his career as an international teacher.

Anthony has spent the last eighteen years teaching students in international schools in Hong Kong, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, where he was the IBDP and Curriculum Coordinator.

Darren Goode

Director of Pastoral Care & Inclusion

Darren joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 and he has the role of the Director of Secondary Pastoral Care And Inclusion. He holds a BA in Arts from Brunel University, an MA in Education from St. Mary’s University and a PGCE certification from the London Metropolitan, all obtained in the United Kingdom. He is a highly effective Senior Leader and English, Media and Drama teacher with a strong track record of over 15 years of teaching and 13 years of leading innovation and change in various leadership positions in international schools. His passion for education, innovation and change transformed into a personal blog project where he covers different topics within the field. His concern for others and love for social action motivated him to run a social programme offering education support services to disadvantaged students in London.

Philosophy

To sum up my education philosophy in three words, I’d say it’s democratic, empowering and personalised.

What I teach my students

I support my students in understanding themselves, what they excel at, and their natural personalities and tendencies. To quote the Irish writer Oscar Wilde, I encourage them to be themselves because everybody else is taken.

Something unexpected

For several years I practised a martial art which originated in Brazil. It’s called Capoeira and combines music as well as combat. I’m also a pretty good cook.

Eva Cliffe

Director of STEAM, Economics & Experiential Learning

Eva Cliffe studied Natural Sciences (Biological) at Newnham College, Cambridge, and then worked in the industry as a Development Chemist. After spending some time as a youth worker, she completed her teacher training in Stoke-on-Trent, where she worked in a local school as a Teacher of Chemistry. Moving abroad, she taught Chemistry at the prestigious Harrow International School Hong Kong for seven years, with four years as Head of Chemistry and two years as Head of Scholars, as well as being the Assistant House Mistress of a Boarding House throughout these six years.

Eva joined BSB in 2021 as the Head of Science after volunteering for a year at the international NGO Crossroads Foundation Hong Kong. She has led a range of extracurricular activities, including STEM leaders, musical theatre, and knitting. She also loves to experience new places and cultures and has travelled all around the world with school trips, from Fiji to China, India, and the Galapagos Islands.

 

Rob Notley

Director of Languages, Humanities, and Arts

Rob joined BSB in 2019 and served for three years as a Senior Leadership Team member. After a year back in the UK as a Vice-Principal at a large academy, he returns to BSB in 2023. Rob has a BA in Physical Education, QTS from Southampton University, and an NPQML from UCL.

He is an experienced senior leader and has worked previously in the UK as a Director of Sport and Vice-Principal. He has also aided school improvement in a consultancy role and has been a member of a school governing body. While Director of Sport, he worked with the Youth Sport Trust launching a nationwide sport education program and with the FA increasing the number of girls playing football.

During his time at BSB, he has implemented many new programs, including the BSB Prize, TEDx, the EPQ, LAMDA, and other pastoral systems that have improved the well-being of the BSB community. Alongside this, he delivers the CPML, a worldwide program with COBIS that develops Middle Leaders in international schools.

University Guidance Counsellor

Philip Walters

University Guidance Counsellor

Cambridge graduate Philip Walters joined the school in 2012 as Head of Secondary School and was the Headmaster of the British School of Bucharest until the end of the 2020-2021 Academic Year.

Starting August 2021, he is the Head of the Advisory Committee and continues to offer University guidance to BSB students in tertiary education. While at Christ’s College, Cambridge, he read Geography. Philip taught the British Curriculum for many years in a highly selective UK grammar school as Head of Department before moving into the international sphere at Harrow International School in Bangkok, Thailand. There he worked for seven years as part of the Senior Leadership Team as Head of House and Head of Sixth Form.

English Faculty

Janet Hunter

HEAD OF ENGLISH AND MEDIA

Janet Hunter joins us in 2021 as the Head of Secondary English.

She obtained her PGCE in English at the University of Nottingham in 2005 and has 16 years of teaching experience. She also has experience as Head of English and EAL, as well as Pastoral Care.

Catherine Sinclair

Teacher of English

Catherine Sinclair is joining BSB in 2021 as a teacher of English. She has a PGCE in English and Media from the University of North London.

She taught English to Secondary students in several international schools in India, UAE, Mexico and the UK.

Denise Myers

TEACHER OF ENGLISH

Denise joined BSB in 2023, in the English Department, and she brings with her a wealth of experience from the worlds of Education and the Arts. She graduated with double honours in English and Drama in 1992 and went on to Oxford University for her PGCE.

After a few years teaching English, English Literature and Drama to GCSE and Theatre Studies AS and A-Level, Denise took a sabbatical to study Documentary Photography at University of South Wales. She was awarded a First Class Honours degree in 2013, and photography is still an important part of her life through The Little Barn, a not-for-profit artists’ retreat she founded in 2018.

For the past five years, Denise has lived and worked in Switzerland, teaching the inquiry-based IB MYP English Literature program at KS3 and KS4 in an international school in the mountains. Highlights of her time there included supporting students to co-write a novel, directing an online Zoom production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ during lockdown, and starting and running an active House System.

She looks forward to combining her knowledge and experience of the British and IB systems, and to using her creativity and energy to work both inside the classroom and as part of the wider life of the School.

Lauren Anghel

TEACHER OF ENGLISH

Lauren Anghel joined the British School of Bucharest in 2022 as a teacher of English. She completed her undergraduate degree in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Westminster before completing her PGCE in English at the Institute of Education, University College London.

Celia Wrighton

TEACHER OF ENGLISH & MAT COORDINATOR

She joined the British School of Bucharest as a Teacher of English. She studied Experimental Psychology at Somerville College, Oxford, before getting her PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) in English at Kingston University, London.
Before training to teach, Celia studied acting, diction, writing and public speaking. She brings all that experience to help students develop their confidence in the three disciplines of English: reading, writing and oracy. Previously, she has worked with students who want to study at the top universities in the world.

Philosophy

Everyone is good at something, so I’m always encouraging students to never give up on themselves if they are not brilliant at every subject at school. The more they discover about their true selves and their unique talents, the happier they will be in life.

What I teach my students

If I could take the students on a field trip anywhere in the world, I would like to go with them to the Globe theatre on the river Thames in London. It is an almost perfect replica of the theatre in Shakespeare’s day.

Something unexpected

I can sing. I trained in Acting and Musical Theatre at Mountview in London, one of the best musical theatre schools in the UK. I was an actor for five years, a jazz singer, and then a musical comedian. I’ve also performed all over the UK and co-wrote an original musical, which I took to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Mathematics Faculty

Alex Coope

Head of Maths

Alex Coope joined the British School of Bucharest in 2013 and is Head of Maths. Alex studied Maths at Leeds Carnegie before completing a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) at Sheffield University.

Following graduation, Alex’s first teaching post was with a large comprehensive secondary school in the UK, teaching Maths, Physical Education and ICT. After four years there, he moved to Alexandria, Egypt, where he was the Head of Mathematics and ICT for eight years. Alex later worked in Kuwait for three years before moving to Romania to join our school.

Jacques Faulkner

TEACHER OF MATHS

Jaques Faulkner joined BSB in 2021. He has taught Secondary Maths and ESL at multiple academic levels, from Primary to Year 13.

His international experience includes leading teaching positions in various schools in Thailand, Spain and the UK.

Steve Franklin

TEACHER OF MATHS

Steve joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023. He is an experienced Mathematics Teacher who studied a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Cardiff and then completed a PGCE in Mathematics at Southampton University. After this, he worked in a UK school for three years, gaining invaluable skills and training.

Since departing the UK, Steve has taught across the globe, including two international schools in Thailand, an international school in Vietnam, The International School of Milan, and assuming the role of Head Trainer for Year 9 Mathematics in the UAE.

Steve has many hobbies and interests that he would like to share with the students, these include a fondness for board games, juggling, and a range of sports such as football, cricket, and badminton.

Ben Shuttleworth

TEACHER OF MATHS

Ben Shuttleworth rejoined the British School of Bucharest in 2020.

He graduated from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, with a first-class Master’s in Mathematics, followed by a PGCE from the University of Warwick. His first teaching post lasted five years at Hereford Sixth Form College, UK, where he spent five years specialising in the teaching of A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Ben then taught here at the British School of Bucharest for five years before taking a year’s sabbatical to teach in Vietnam. In 2020 he returned to the British School of Bucharest to teach both Mathematics and Computer Science.

Natalia Buckley

TEACHER OF MATHS & HEAD OF YEAR 7

Natalia Buckley joined the Mathematics Faculty in 2022.

She graduated from Lancaster University after studying Mathematics and obtained her PGCE from Leeds University.

Natalia was the mathematics subject leader at two primary schools before gaining international experience teaching the IGCSE and IB curriculum at an international secondary school in Hanoi. During her career, she has taught Mathematics at multiple academic levels from Year 2 to Year 12.

Science Faculty

Chris Baker

HEAD OF SCIENCE

Chris studied Environmental Biology at the University of Lancaster, before completing a PGCE and M.A. in Science Education at the Institute of Education (University of London).

He started his science teaching career in East London before working internationally for eight years, including as Head of Year at the British International School Shanghai, and three happy years as Head of Science at BSB between 2016 and 2019.

Upon his return to the UK, he assumed the role of STEM Coordinator, during which he successfully attained an NPQML in Remote Learning.

After four years, being fond of Romania and BSB, Chris rejoined the British School of Bucharest in 2023 as Head of Science. His main teaching interests lie in outdoor education, assessment for learning, and learning through practical experience.

Naomi Bousie

Teacher of Science and Psychology

Naomi Bousie has worked as a Science teacher at the British School of Bucharest since 2015.

She studied Biology and completed her PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) at the University of Wales, Swansea. She taught Science in the British school system for a few years before moving to Mwanza, Tanzania, to teach Biology and Psychology in an international school.

Chloe Millward

Teacher of Science & Head of Key stage 5

Miss Chloe Millward joined the British School of Bucharest in 2021, and she has been teaching our Secondary students Physics and Science, alongside being the Head of Key Stage 5. She studied Physics at the University of Durham. Afterwards, she worked as an After Treatment Integration Engineer for Cummins Emissions Solutions before returning to the University of Durham to complete her teaching PGCE in Physics and Mathematics. She worked in Middlesbrough, then moved to Lusaka International Community School in Zambia, where she taught IGCSE and A-Level Physics. She was promoted to Pastoral Leader, Years 9 and 10 and successfully ran the Student Council during her time there. She recently completed her MA in Education from the University of Durham.

Philosophy

Every student should be allowed to flourish, and education is the key to that. Education is more than academics and the retrieval of content; it is the ability to problem-solve, critically analyse situations, and enable a person to become the best version of themselves. This can only be possible if students feel supported and cared for within the
school environment. Students should feel supported even when they fail; fostering this resilience can prepare them to take on the modern world. Teachers can have such a profound impact on their students, and I hope my impact on the students at BSB is meaningful.

What I teach my students

I prepare my students for A-Level by exposing them to examination-style questions throughout the Academic Year to help them understand the style and terminology and apply their knowledge at the examination. Besides discussing concepts, I also incorporate practical and hands-on teaching. We also spend a lot of time in class reviewing questions and modelling the mathematical approach to problems, enhancing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

As Head of Key Stage 5, I ensure that all students are supported throughout the year. This last term, we focussed on creating realistic revision timetables that can be followed. Some students make these on paper, and others do this on apps on their phones or using online calendars. The key to making a realistic revision timetable is scheduling time for things other than academics. Going to the movies, reading a book, or seeing friends can significantly improve memory and productivity during scheduled revision sessions. We also have offered study skills and exam stress workshops to prepare groups of students further. I often have one-to-one sessions with students, mentoring and coaching them to ensure they feel prepared for the exams and offer an individualised support plan for each student.

Patrick Sutton-Coulson

Teacher of Science

Patrick Sutton-Coulson joined the British School of Bucharest in 2020 as a Secondary Science Teacher.

He studied Biology and Psychology at Aston University, with a particular interest in microbiology. Patrick worked as a science technician at two schools in London before completing his PGCE and taught at Waldegrave School in Richmond for six years. He enjoys teaching science and the variety of extra-curricular activities that teaching allows for. At all schools Patrick has worked in, he has helped run science clubs, CREST award clubs and taken part in school choirs and drama productions.

Dr Wallace Macindoe Macgregor

Teacher of Science

Wallace brings to BSB eight years of teaching experience at international schools in Ukraine, Egypt, Spain and Russia.

Before starting a career in teaching and obtaining his PGCE from Canterbury Christ Church University, Wallace spent several years in academia and the pharmaceutical industry as a chemist in both research and development fields. As a PhD holder, he has published several articles for chemistry peer-reviewed journals and holds an MBA from Durham University. Beyond the execution of his lessons, it is not surprising that he emphasises how student learning takes on broader significance in the real world, outside the classroom.
During his free time, Wallace enjoys trying and sampling new recipes, learning foreign languages and keeping fit.

Paul Jardine

Teacher of Science

Paul joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023, in the Science Department, as a teacher of Physics.

After studying at St Andrews University, he gained a PGCE to teach in Malawi with VSO. Since then, his experience has included many years in the state sector in Scotland, followed by a spell in an international school in the Netherlands.

He is an avid cyclist and continues to explore Europe on two wheels.

Phil Doganay

Laboratory Technician

Phil Doganay graduated from Istanbul University with a degree in Geology Engineering.

Since then he has lived and worked in Turkey, England, Saudi Arabia and Romania. Before working as a lab technician at the British School, Phil was a member of staff at an international school in Istanbul.

Humanities Faculty

Melissa Davis

HEAD OF HUMANITIES

Melissa, the Head of Humanities, joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023 and has a degree in History with Sociology.

After 10 years of experience in a global company, she completed her History PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) at the University of East Anglia. She has since taught at high-quality schools in Essex and Suffolk, in England. In 2011, Melissa gained her MA (Master of Arts Degree) in Education. She took a brief break from teaching between 2016 and 2018 to work for a charity training graduates to become outstanding teachers before returning to the classroom.

​Scott Allsop

Teacher of Humanities & House Coordinator

Scott Allsop joined the British School of Bucharest in 2014. He is a teacher of Humanities and a House Coordinator.

Scott is a Cambridge graduate, studying History at Emmanuel College before returning to the University of Cambridge to complete his PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). He taught for several years at a comprehensive secondary school in the UK before embarking on teaching in an international environment with a move to the Modern English School, Cairo. There, he held the position of Head of Humanities and was the whole-school Online Learning Coordinator. Scott is the author of a leading history learning website and also hosts a popular daily history podcast.

​Alice Allsop

TEACHER OF HUMANITIES & EXAMS OFFICER

Alice joined the Humanities Faculty of the British School of Bucharest in 2016. She studied Geography at the University of Cambridge and had a career in higher education and disability studies before becoming an international teacher. Alice spent six years teaching in Cairo, Egypt, where she was the Coordinator of the International Baccalaureate ‘Core’ and an examiner for the IB.

Alice initiated Make A Difference (MAD) at BSB and was the Charities Coordinator. She has been the Exams Officer at BSB since 2021 and is an examiner for Cambridge International. She is committed to supporting students throughout the exams experience and is passionate about student opportunities beyond the curriculum.

 

 

 

Roisin Mulchrone

TEACHER OF HUMANITIES & HEAD OF YEAR 9

Roisin Mulchrone joined the British School of Bucharest in 2020 as a Secondary Psychology Teacher.

She studied Psychology at St. Mary’s University of Twickenham and has taught for six years in the UK and three years in Vietnam. She has been a Psychology A Level teacher throughout this time while also teaching various Humanities subjects to Key Stage 3. After her PGCE, she completed a research Masters in ‘Education and Leadership’.

Irada Chadwick

TEACHER OF HUMANITIES

Irada joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023. She completed her studies in Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. With a PGCE from the University of Sussex, she honed her teaching skills. Her international exposure at Harrow International School Bangkok strengthened her commitment to global education.

Irada dedicated herself to teaching underprivileged students through local charities in Thailand and believes in fostering critical thinking and active citizenship.

Computer Science, Business and Economics Faculty

Stephen Young

Head of CS, Economics and Business & EdTech

Stephen Young works in our Computing department, teaching Computer Science at KS3, KS4 and KS5. He joined the school in August 2020.

He received his BSc honours degree in Information Systems as well as his PGCE at Edge Hill University in Lancashire, graduating in 2001. Stephen has taught in colleges and schools in the UK, Poland, Bermuda and Spain. Before going to University, Steve worked for both the government and the private sector in computing.

During his time as a teacher, Stephen has taught Information Technology, Computer Science and also Design & Technology. He has taught a broad range of topics, software and programming languages over the years. He was also involved in an international astronomy project, has assisted with school science fairs and run an investment club. He is also very passionate about bringing technology into other subject areas and developing cross-curricular activities linked to computing.

Other than his passion for computing, Stephen enjoys going for walks and loves to travel, and he is an avid supporter of Liverpool Football Club.

Gerard O’Hara

Teacher of Business & Economics

Gerard O’Hara was appointed to the British School of Bucharest in August 2017 as an Economics and Business Studies teacher.

Gerard has extensive experience within the British school system, working in a variety of positions as Class Teacher, Deputy Head of Year, Principal Examiner, Head of the Business and Geography Department, and Assistant Head Teacher. Before joining our school, he held the position of Deputy Head of Curriculum at the Cairo English School for three years.

Trevor Knight

Teacher of Business & Economics

Trevor Knight has been a qualified high school teacher since 2006. Trevor graduated from Southern Cross University (Queensland, Australia) with a post-graduate degree in secondary education in Human Society and its Environment.

Trevor’s first posting was in Hanoi (Vietnam), then he went back to Australia teaching in the public system for a couple of year and then moved to Bucharest, then Cluj, Buenos Aires, Lima, Milan and finally back in Bucharest.

Trevor is passionate about education and he expresses this passion in all his lessons, engaging the students with real life experiences and their links to the unit topic of the day.
Prior to being an educator, Trevor’s experiences have been working for the Australian Government as a statistician and prior to that working for a brewery in Lima, Peru in the finance and logistics sections.

Outside of School, Trevor is a qualified gym trainer, group fitness instructor and a musician. He is passionate about football and road cycling too.

Starting 2022, he joined the BSB Computer Science, Business and Economics Faculty, as Business and Economics Teacher.

MFL Faculty

Elisabeth Citron

Head of MFL

Elisabeth Citron is a French and Italian graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge.

Having joined the British School of Bucharest in 2012 as a Modern Languages teacher, she is now the Head of the MFL Faculty. Following graduation and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), Elisabeth spent many years teaching French and German in a highly selective grammar school in London, where she was also Coordinator for Key Stage 3 and Language Exchanges. Elisabeth moved abroad with her family in 2006 to work at Harrow International School in Bangkok, Thailand, where she spent seven years teaching both French and English as a second language.

Kim McCallum

Teacher of MFL

Kim McCallum joined the British School of Bucharest in 2019.

He studied Spanish and French at London South Bank University and gained his PGCE certificate in 1997. He started his teaching career at the Repton School, Derbyshire, where he introduced Spanish to the school’s curriculum and was the French and Spanish teacher for 20 years.

Ben Roach

TEACHER OF MFL

Ben joined BSB in 2023. He graduated from the University of Cardiff with a degree in French in 2001. He spent a couple of years in the travel industry, exploring France by bike and learning to ski, before completing a secondary Modern Foreign Languages PGCE at Birmingham University in 2003.

Ben has taught for 20 years in the UK school system, as well as British International schools in Cyprus, the Philippines and Romania. He has spent the majority of his career as Head of Modern Foreign Language departments, leading on curriculum development, teaching and learning and staff training. Ben has taught French to students from Year 4 to Year 13 and has extensive experience of the GCSE, A-level and IB courses.

Ben enjoys playing an active role in school life by running residential trips, coaching sports teams and playing the saxophone in school bands and orchestras.

Dorothea Draser

Teacher of MFL & KS3 MFL Coordinator

Dorothea Draser joined BSB in 2006 as a teacher of German and Spanish.

She graduated from Heidelberg University (Germany) with an MA in German, English and Spanish languages and literature. She studied abroad at Universidad de Chile (Chile) and University of Augsburg (Germany), as well as in Babes Bolyai University (Cluj-Napoca, Romania). She gained her PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Sunderland University. She believes in lifelong learning and has expanded her knowledge of languages by learning French, Greek and some Mandarin Chinese as a hobby. She led the school’s MFL department for several years before going on maternity leave.

Paloma Vivar Duran

Teacher of MFL

Paloma Vivar holds an MBA in Business Administration from the University of La Salle in Barcelona and a Master in Advanced Teaching Skills from the Universidad Camilo José Cela in Madrid.

She is a certified DELE examiner by the Cervantes Institute and Executive Coach, specialising in teenagers and families.

For the past 19 years, she has dedicated her professional career to private companies in management positions within the financial and management control departments. For more than five years, she has been teaching Economics and Spanish, as well as emotional management and guidance of students through coaching through various programs.

Carina Schaber

TEACHER OF MFL

Carina Schaber has joined BSB in 2023 as a Teacher of German and Spanish.

She graduated from the University of Vienna with a Master of Philosophy in English and Spanish for Secondary Education. After having spent time in Spain and England during her studies, she decided to go abroad again and obtained a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) in Modern Foreign Languages at the University of Brighton.

She spent the last three years teaching Spanish and German at Bedford School, an independent boys’ boarding and day school in the UK.

Yangyang Liu

TEACHER OF MFL

​Sarah Porter

Head of Secondary EAL, Teacher of MFL

Sarah Porter joined the British School of Bucharest in 2013 as an EAL and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teacher.

She holds a BA in Modern Languages and an MA in Russian. Sarah previously taught French to Years 3 to 5 at a Preparatory School in North London.

Creative Arts Faculty

Mark Williams

Head of Creative Arts

Mark Williams joined the British School of Bucharest in 2006 and is now Head of the Creative Faculty.

Mark graduated with a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Exeter School of Art and Design, followed by an MA from Chelsea School of Art and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Brighton University. He previously worked as an exhibitions coordinator and curator, before becoming a freelance illustrator. Now a teacher and inspiration for his pupils, Mark continues to create art. His work has been published in many magazines and books. He is represented by Olivia Connelly in England and exhibits work at various venues and galleries, in both London and Bucharest.

David Burke

TEACHER OF DT

David received a Bachelor of Science in Product Design and Technology from the University of Limerick in 2009 and completed his PGDE (Postgraduate Diploma in Education) in Secondary School Teaching from Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh in 2016.

David has worked in Scotland teaching DT (Design and Technology) on the remote island of Shetland. He has also worked at the Prague British International School. He joined BSB in 2023 coming from the British International School Hanoi where he taught STEAM and Design and Technology for three years.

David is a keen collaborator, having previously worked with other departments within the school to promote DT as a subject and a creative career choice. He hopes to be able to share his passion and enthusiasm for DT, as well as his joy of extracurricular activities such as hiking and cycling, with the students here at BSB.

Siobhan Williams

Teacher of Art and DT & Head of KS 4

Siobhan Williams studied Graphic Design at the University of Teesside before gaining a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Design & Technology from the University of Sunderland.

She worked in the UK teaching Art, Design & Technology for four years while also studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Siobhan’s first international teaching position was at Haileybury Almaty School in Kazakhstan, where she spent five years teaching Art.

Michael Nixon

DT Technician

Michael joined BSB in 2023 as DT Technician. He has transitioned into education 15 years ago after earning his PGCE in education. He is also a registered UK paramedic with 30 years of NHS prehospital emergency care experience.

In the past, he worked as a Learning and Development manager in the largest UK Ambulance Trust, leading regional teams of clinical educators and overseeing the coordination of clinical and non-clinical education delivery to thousands of emergency medicine professionals. Additionally, Michael led the response coordination and upskilling of dispatching teams during the pandemic outbreak in the Southwest of the UK.

Beyond work, Michael is a certified gym instructor, personal trainer, and accomplished ultrarunner, conquering races like the Marathon des Sables and Ultra Race Romania.

Performing Arts Faculty

Lynne Sharp

Head of Performing Arts, Teacher of Music

Lynne Sharp has been teaching music for ten years and holds a Music degree from City University in London and a PGCE in Music at the Institute of Education.

Before joining the British School of Bucharest, she was head of the Music Department for seven years for the Ark Academy in Wembley. During her time at Ark, the students she worked with played at prestigious London venues such as the Barbican and Wembley Arena.

Lynne has extensive experience in various instruments and performed several major festival processions around Northeast England. She has also been part of a concert band in London for ten years.

Liana Stanusi

Teacher of Drama

Liana joined BSB in 2023 as the Drama teacher for Key Stage 3 and IGCSE. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from University College Utrecht, with a major in Media & Performance Studies and Literature, as well as a Master’s degree in Theatre Studies from the University of Amsterdam.

Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in theatre across various countries, taking on roles as an actress, director, producer, researcher, and teacher. Additionally, she has undergone several years of training in bel canto singing. In 2020, Liana furthered her expertise by completing a Foundation Course in Art and Drama Therapy in Barcelona, Spain.

Liana is currently a member of two improvisational theatre groups. Beyond her dedication to the Performing Arts, she is also deeply passionate about creative writing, travel, and exploring different cultures.

As an educator, Liana is known for her unwavering dedication, positivity, and leading by example. She is highly enthusiastic about the work she will be doing with her students at BSB.

P.E. Faculty

Natalie Marnoch

HEAD OF P.E.

Natalie joined BSB in 2023. She originally hails from Scotland, but grew up as an international student herself, having had the opportunity to live in many countries, predominantly the USA. She places a high value on the unique learning experiences that international schools can offer and will certainly bring these experiences with her to her new role at BSB.

After completing her Sports Science and PGCE degrees at Exeter University, Natalie taught in the West Midlands, England, before embarking on her international teaching career in Houston, Texas. During this time, she has not only been teaching P.E. and Sports Science for the last 7 years, but has also led many student experiences, including a yearly international exhibition to Tanzania.

Natalie is extremely passionate about Physical Education, not only its implementation into a curriculum context, but also the opportunities and attributes students can acquire to help them succeed beyond their school years. Whether developing high-performance athletes, guiding students participating in leadership programs, or instilling a love of health and fitness, she is dedicated.

In her spare time, Natalie enjoys watching or playing sports, particularly football. At the peak of her athletics career, she competed at state championships in the USA, and more recently, she has been involved in Netball, with her team competing in the US Open Netball Championships.

She also has a passion for traveling and is very much looking forward to exploring Eastern Europe.

David Achim

TEACHER OF P.E. & HEAD OF YEAR 8

David Achim joined the British School of Bucharest as the new Primary School Physical Education teacher and a Year 7 Tutor.

He received his undergraduate degree and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Loughborough University and is completing, through online courses, his Masters in Education at the same institution. David was born in England to a British mum and Romanian dad. He speaks both English and Romanian fluently and lived the majority of his life in Bucharest whilst studying at an international school. His multi-cultural heritage is a welcome addition to the British School of Bucharest.

Chris Fernandes

TEACHER OF P.E. & HEAD OF DANUBE HOUSE

In 2018 Chris Fernandes received his Sports Science undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s University, this led him to undertaking work as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school in Covent Garden, followed by being an SEN TLA in a secondary school in Hayes and ended by working as a Year 3 1:1 Teaching Assistant in Feltham.

After gaining experience of working in different schools Chris joined the Hillingdon SCITT 2020-21 cohort for his teacher training alongside undertaking the PGCEcert at Brunel University. Starting 2022, he joined the BSB Physical Education Faculty.

Outside of School Chris is a Football Referee, a Level 1 Football Coach and a Level 1 Swimming Teaching Assistant. When he is not refereeing, Chris spends his time watching his local team (Hayes and Yeading United) and he enjoys swimming as it is a good relaxation tool.

Stelian Stancu

Football Coach

Stelian Stancu joined the BSB team in September 2017 and is one of the coaches who experienced football at the highest professional level as a player.

He took his first steps on the road at the Football School in Pitesti and then to include in his CV the most important clubs in terms of tradition and performance. In turn, he played for Astra, Sportul Studentesc, Poli Timisoara, FC Brasov and FC Steaua Bucuresti. He reached the peak of his career at Steaua, where he had the honour to meet in the supreme competition, the UEFA Champions League, the strongest football team at that time, Real Madrid.

The passion for Football, the seriousness and the desire to return to the sport what it offered him, determined him to continue on the coaching path, dedicating himself to initiating and perfecting the little sports-children, hoping that one day they will have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps or even to surpass their teacher.

EAL (English as an Additional Language)

​Sarah Porter

Head of Secondary EAL, Teacher of MFL

Sarah Porter joined the British School of Bucharest in 2013 as an EAL and Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teacher.

She holds a BA in Modern Languages and an MA in Russian. Sarah previously taught French to Years 3 to 5 at a Preparatory School in North London.

Douglas Williams

Teacher of EAL and ESL & D of E IA Coordinator

Douglas Williams joined the British School of Bucharest in 2018 as a part-time EAL teacher, having previously taught at the American International School of Bucharest.

Prior to that, Douglas taught EAL at the British School of Kuala Lumpur for five years and in China and London before then. Douglas, who is also an experienced journalist, is founder and co-owner of OZB Media platform, an English language media platform for the international community in Romania.

Simona Scragg

Teacher of ESL

Simona Scragg covers Secondary English classes and teaches Secondary EAL at the British School of Bucharest.

She has taught the British Curriculum for many years. Simona was the lead teacher of the EAL department at a school in The Netherlands and taught SEN and Secondary English at a school in Qatar. She also has experience teaching in Foundation, KS1 and lower KS2.
Simona graduated in English and Arabic from the Universitatea Dimitrie Cantemir here in Bucharest in 2008. She is a polyglot that can speak five different languages, including Spanish and Arabic.

CCAs & Trips

Andreea Banciu

Trips &Transport Coordinator

Andreea Banciu first joined BSB in October 2007 and worked as a Teaching Assistant for 10 years in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

She took a hiatus from working at BSB in 2018 to manage some personal projects and also worked as a private English Tutor during this period before coming back this year as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant in Key Stage 1.