Joanne Hearty
Deputy Head: Co-Curricular & Organisation
Joanne has been an integral part of GEMS Wellington – Dubai Hills since 2016, bringing extensive experience, energy and a strong commitment to whole-child development to her role as Deputy Head: Co-Curricular & Organisation.
Throughout her time at WDH, Joanne has made a significant contribution to the development of the school, particularly through her leadership of Physical Education and sport. She has played a pivotal role in shaping an inclusive and ambitious sporting culture, strengthening opportunities for all pupils while developing high-quality performance pathways for pupil athletes.
Joanne is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for every pupil to discover their strengths, develop new skills and build confidence beyond the classroom. She believes that a rich and varied co-curricular experience is fundamental to a well-rounded education, providing opportunities for pupils to collaborate, compete, lead and challenge themselves while developing skills and qualities that will support them throughout their lives.
In her role as Deputy Head: Co-Curricular & Organisation, Joanne is focused on ensuring the wider pupil experience at WDH is purposeful, inclusive and enriching. Working closely with colleagues across the school, she helps create an environment in which academic learning is complemented by opportunities for pupils to explore their interests, develop their talents and thrive both personally and academically.
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Rasha Hijazi
Director of Arabic & Islamic
I am Mrs. Rasha Hijazi from Jordan, and I am honoured to be the Director of Arabic and Islamic Studies and the Head of the Faculty of Ministry of Education subjects. I have been teaching Arabic as a second language primary and secondary to non-Arab students at WEK for eight years. My educational journey began at Abu Dhabi University in 2009, where I graduated with a major in TEFOL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and a minor in business administration. In 2019, I also obtained a Higher Diploma in Education in the Arabic language and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in educational leadership. Additionally, I earned a diploma in teaching Arabic as a second language (TAFEL) in 2020-2021.
Although I was born in the UAE, I consider it my second home, having lived there all my life. I am a mother of two and have dedicated fourteen years to teaching, with seven of those years spent in leadership roles. As a department head and leader, my focus is on nurturing students to become self-reliant and joyful learners proficient in the four skills of the Arabic language.
I possess the flexibility to adapt my teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student, always staying in the present moment during lessons. I am a dedicated and adventurous educator. While it was challenging initially, hard work and perseverance have made each school year successful, ensuring our beloved students receive the highest quality of education they deserve.
My ideal classroom is one where students actively engage in discussions and collaborate to solve problems or grasp new concepts. I believe in creating a comfortable environment where students are unafraid to express themselves, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and willingly take on challenges to acquire new knowledge. My primary goal is to enhance your child's Arabic language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
I am privileged to share my passion for the Arabic language with students at WEK, where I have taught Arabic as a second language and Islamic studies for eight years, covering primary, secondary, and GCSE curricula in GEMS Wellington Academy Al-Khail.
Prior to this, I taught as a class teacher for lower primary classes, covering subjects such as English, Math, and Science, at Trophies and Journeys Dubai National School from 2010 to 2015 (American curriculum). From 2008 to 2010, I worked as a teacher for Arabic B and Islamic B subjects for non-Arab primary students at Al-Salam Private School, following the British curriculum.
During my free time, I find pleasure in various activities including photography, leisurely walks, swimming, socializing and making new acquaintances, Zumba, hiking, travelling, and embracing new adventures.
Being a part of WEK has been an extraordinary honour for me, and I have dedicated eight years to my growth and leadership within this exceptional school. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the entire leadership team, working together as one family. Words cannot adequately express my feelings as I reflect on these eight years of teaching, coordinating, and leading my team. With each passing year, my responsibilities have grown, and I have encountered numerous challenges, but the support of my team has been instrumental in overcoming them.
I believe in teaching through discovery and exploration, and I eagerly anticipate sharing my learning experiences with my students at the start of each new academic year.
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Steven Kay
Director of STEAM
Steven Kay is an experienced teacher who has been working at GEMS Wellington - Dubai Hills for several years. He is known for his passion for teaching and his ability to engage and inspire students of all ages. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Post Graduate Teaching Certificate from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Throughout his career, Steven has demonstrated a commitment to student-centered learning and has worked to develop innovative and effective teaching strategies. He is always keen to find new and exciting activities which will engage students and foster 21st century learning skills to ensure that our students have the support they need to succeed in the future.
In addition to his work in the classroom, Steven also holds the position of Wellington Director for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and believes that a secure foundation of knowledge and skills in these subjects will help ensure our students are in a prime position to excel in the future workplace, regardless of what that may look like. His dedication to our students and his passion for teaching make him a valuable member of the GEMS Wellington - Dubai Hills community.
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Stacey Bradwell
Director of Inclusion
Stacey joined the Academy as the Director of Inclusion in 2021, having worked for GEMS Education for the past 10 years both here in the UAE and in Switzerland as an Inclusion and ELL teacher and then a Head of Department.
A graduate of Sheffield Hallam University, Stacey has taught in early years and primary education working in both mainstream settings and specialist provisions. Stacey also ran a special needs nursery focused on preparing students for their entry to mainstream school, liaising with external therapists and support services. Since moving to Dubai, she has qualified as a SENCO and went on to achieve her Masters of Special Educational Needs with a focus on Speech and Language, Autism and Dyslexia.
Stacey is committed to providing a personalised learning experience for all children where everyone is valued for their strengths and supported in their challenges. This may not always be done by following one pathway and she is proud of the opportunities that the Inclusion team provide at WEK for every child to flourish. She firmly believes that all children can succeed and is looking forward to seeing what they can achieve in the future.
Outside of school, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family including her two children, Isabelle and Thomas. She can be found at the weekend enjoying the pool or beach or tucked up at home with a good book or movie.