Laurie Blessed - Pre-Nursery

Linda Hurl - Reception

My name is Linda Hurl and I am married with two grown up children.  I qualified as an NNEB in Cardiff in 1978 and then I graduated from de Montford university with a B.Ed Hons degree in Primary Education with a Humanities specialism. After this, while working as a primary teacher I completed my diploma of Professional studies and my City and Guilds in both Embroidery and Patchwork and Quilting. I have taught in a variety of schools both in England and in Spain. I have been working with children for over 30 years  from Nursery to Year 6 but I prefer Foundation Stage. In the UK, I trained teachers in DT and also taught adults both Childcare and Needlework. I ran a ‘link’ group for teenagers for the British Red Cross Society teaching First Aid, Health and Hygiene, and basic nursing skills to 11 to 16 year olds. This is my 10^th year teaching in abroad. I have explored many parts of Spain, I have learnt Spanish and gained a good working knowledge of teaching in an overseas school. I have just started working at King´s College  Murcia  and I’m really enjoying it. I live here with my husband and our Yorkshire Terrier called Bobbie. I love Spain, I first started coming here when I was seven years and I hope to live here for many years. When I’m not working I like to spend time with family and friends, I like to travel, to sew and to swim.

Lindsay Nevin - Pre-Nursery

I was born and raised in Northern Ireland. I have had a keen interest and determination to work with children from a young age. I attended the Causeway Institute of Further and Higher Education where I studied and qualified in Early Years care and education. I began my career working in a private day care nursery. I worked there for almost five years.  My roles and responsibilities in the nursery included the position of supervisor of a busy pre-school class (ages 3 and 4), running activities for an equally busy after-school club, managing staff in, both, pre-school and after-school units, administration duties, handling fees and acting as deputy manager to cover a period of maternity leave. I enjoyed my work thoroughly and was disappointed when it terminated. However, I then took on work of privately childminding for a few families in my local area. I did though find this work to be quite different from what I had previously been accustomed to, as it entailed working with children with behaviour problems. The job was very challenging and demanding both mentally and physically, yet I gained a vast amount of job satisfaction. This work enabled me to attend courses specializing in behaviour management and in doing so, helped me to advise parents to work together, devise strategies and undertake forms of discipline suitable for their households.

I became the class teacher of Pre-Nursery Yellow at King’s College in March 2010. The rewards of teaching English as a second language to children of this age group are plentiful. It has amazed me at how quickly the children gain an understanding and begin communicating in English. I thoroughly enjoy my work at King’s College.

On a personal note: in my free time my hobbies include shopping, cooking, socialising with friends and family, horse riding and attending the gym.

Louise Rumistrzewicz - Year 3

Hi, my name is Louise and I am the class teacher for Year 3 Red class.  I graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Music.  Because of this, everyone naturally assumed I would become a music teacher.  Just to prove them wrong, I spent the next few years working in London in the classical music industry!  I worked for a recording company, a production company and an advertising agency before marrying my husband, Stefan, and deciding to go on an adventure to Kenya.  We worked at a school called St. Andrew’s, Turi and I was initially employed there as a music teacher, although subsequently taught a variety of different subjects and year groups.  I came back to England convinced that teaching was the career for me and then went on to gain my PGCE from the University of Hertfordshire.  Until recently, I worked in an outstanding primary school in Dunstable, Bedfordshire and am now very much enjoying the new challenges (and lovely weather) that are to be found in Kings College, Murcia.

Maravillas Pedroño - Spanish

I am a Primary Education Teacher and I gained my degree at the University of Almería.  I have taken part in many courses and seminars on education, specialising in multicultural schools and anti-bullying. I also gained a grant to do some courses related to education both in Ireland and Canada.  Before working here, I worked as a monitor in several schools and associations related to children´s education.  I am currently working as a KS1 Spanish Language and Social Science teacher at King’s College Murcia.  Among others, my hobbies are writing and listening to music.

Diplomada en Magisterio de Educación Primaria por la Universidad de Almería.  He recibido diferentes cursos y seminarios relacionados con la educación y especialmente enfocados a escuelas multiculturales y violencia escolar (bullying).       Del mismo modo he realizado dos cursos a través del Ministerio de Educación enfocados para maestros en Irlanda y Canadá.  Varios años dedicados a la educación de niños y niñas, para escuelas y asociaciones.  Entre mis principales aficiones está escribir y escuchar música.  Actualmente en King’s college trabajo como maestra de español a través de las asignaturas de Lengua Castellana y Conocimiento del medio en la etapa de educación primaria.

María Balsalobre - Spanish

Maria is the Spanish teacher of King’s College for Early Years and Primary levels. She earned her degree in Filología Hispánica (Spanish Studies) at the University of Murcia in 2002. During her degree she was awarded a UE Erasmus scholarship to further her literature studies in Italy. A year later, she earned a UE Dante Alighieri scholarship and started her PhD studies on literature, for which she travelled back to Italy, also visited England and the United States. In Italy, she also had the chance to collaborate with the Italian journalist Uberto Feddi, with whom she collaborated for several articles for the prestigious newspaper “Corriere della Sera”. In England she studied at Cambridge University and, in the United States, she took postgraduate courses at the Union College and the Summit School of New Jersey. In the States too, she worked as a columnist for the magazine “Siempre Mujer” of New York. As a Spanish teacher, she has worked for Spanish as well as for International schools such as Colegio Samaniego (Alcantarilla, Murcia) Instituto Hispánico (Murcia) University of Florence (Italy) and Summit School (New Jersey). She began to work at King’s College, Murcia in 2009.

Maria Garcia- Spanish

I studied the 5 year ‘Filologia Inglesa’ at the University of Murcia followed by my CAP. I worked at various primary and secondary schools in Murcia as well as in a language academy, teaching English. During this time I also completed my proficiency in English certificate.  I then decided to move to England and acquired my Q.T.S., working in various primary and secondary schools in different roles, in and around London, teaching a variety of subjects including KS1 and KS2, KS3, GCSE Spanish, French, English and EAL. I also worked in a specialist school for autistic children. I then settled into Geoffrey Chaucer Technology College (G.T.C.) in Southwark working as a secondary SEN teacher. I went on to complete my Masters in Education, specializing in literacy difficulties, inclusive practices and SENCO along with an EAL certificate. During my time in G.T.C., I took on the role of SENCO managing SEN, an alternative curriculum and around 20 teaching assistants. The school was in special measures when I took on the role and I was able to successfully lead the department from ‘Failing’ to ‘good with outstanding features’ over a 6 month period.  After over 7 years working as a teacher in the UK, I have now returned to Spain to take on the challenging and exciting role of teaching in the Spanish department in Kings College.

Nicholas Green- Art and Design and Geography

After my degree in Graphic & Visual Communication Design from Middlesex University, I worked within the television industry for SkySports creating designs for live television. I then decided to train to become a teacher, which was a vocation I had always wanted to try. I gained my PGCE at De Montfort University in Leicester before working in a Catholic Comprehensive School in Watford, Hertfordshire. After my first year I became head of department for Art, Design and Technology and in the next 9 years transformed my subject. I have organised trips to New York and Barcelona, worked on the school newspaper, in house designs, and concerts and became deputy Head of Year. I have also taught English, Media Studies and ICT as well as being a teaching mentor for GTTP students and helping with school football, cricket and rugby teams. Both my wife (Aislinn) and I have always wanted to teach abroad and Spain was the ideal place because of the wonderful culture and our family ties in Murcia.

Penny Toomey - Year 3

I completed my training as a primary teacher at the highly regarded University of Brighton, East Sussex, England. I am trained to teach both key stage one and two, although the bulk of my experience is with key stage two. I have worked in both large city schools and small village schools in the Sussex area. I have a passion for teaching and strive to make learning fun for the children in my care. It is my belief that children learn to the best of their ability if they are fully engaged and enjoy what they are doing. I am conscious that children find learning some concepts difficult in school and am keen to help them recognise their strengths as well as identify and work to improve their weaknesses.  It is important to model to the children that I am a learner too and that to make mistakes is an essential part of learning. I am aware that people have different learning styles and incorporate visual, auditory and kinaesthetic activities throughout my teaching.

Rachel Harrison - Maths, Key Stage 4 Coordinator

At school, I always loved the ‘sciences’ particularly maths and physics.  I enjoyed the challenge of solving a quadratic equation that had been stumping me for hours, or the wonder of just how the universe began!  I went on to gain an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, from the University of Leeds.  After that, I spent a few years gaining life experience, travelling, and working in various jobs, including my first step on the teaching ladder as a teacher of English as a foreign language. I then obtained my PGCE at the University of Cambridge.  It was at this time that I realised how right teaching as a career was for me, as I loved every moment of it!  My first teaching job was in Oundle, Northamptonshire at a Middle school.  I have particularly fond memories of this school, as I actually went there as a pupil myself!  I spent several years in Northamptonshire, also working in Thrapston, at another middle school. During my time in the UK I became an adult instructor in the Army Cadet Force, and spent many weekends covered in mud crawling through fields, in the rain, with thirty odd teenagers in tow (and loving every minute of it!).

Then finally I am here in Spain, spending my fourth year teaching maths and year ten form tutor, here at King’s College.   I have loved seeing the school grow and change over the time that I have been here.  We have some wonderful staff and pupils here and I can’t grumble at the wonderful Spanish weather!

Rachel Summers -  Reception

My name is Rachael Summers and I am the Reception Yellow teacher and form tutor. I have been teaching for 5 years in Spain after graduating from Canterbury Christ Church University with a BA(Hons) in Primary Education and Qualified Teacher Status.

My teaching career began at Mar Azul international school where I worked for 2 years. I then joined Castelar College and taught there for three years. I am qualified to teach children from three to eleven years old and have had experience in teaching each of these age groups during both my training and experience as a teacher.

My passion for teaching grew from a very young age, and now that I am a teacher, I know it is definitely the right career path for me! I am very much looking forward to my time at King’s College!

Rhiannon Williams - English and Drama

After studying English and European Studies for my degree, I completed my PGCE at Bristol University. I started at a mixed comprehensive school in Newport, South Wales in the year 2000 and taught English there for 6 years. I was promoted to Whole School Literacy Co-ordinator which involved working with departmental teams to develop a whole school approach to issues such as reading and spelling. During this time I also marked English GCSE Exam Papers for 5 consecutive years, which gave me an excellent grounding for both teaching and marking GSCE Language and Literature. I then decided to follow my dream of teaching abroad, and moved to Spain. I worked at Mar Azul International School initially, then in January 2010 I started teaching English and Drama at King’s College, Murcia. I love teaching in Spain and my husband and I are both very happy and settled here. My hobbies include reading, keeping fit and cycling.

Sally Bengtsson- Induction English

My name is Sally Bengtsson and I´m working as the Induction English teacher for primary pupils.  After gaining a TEFL qualification I worked in Madrid and Tenerife for two years, teaching in language academies.  I then decided to study Spanish at University and after graduating in 1992, spent seven years in Mexico, teaching English at a bilingual primary school and then at well known university in Queretaro, Mexico.  After that I spent two years back in the UK, preparing teenagers and young adults for Cambridge English exams.  My family and I moved to Spain ten years ago, where I have taught English and Spanish and also worked for two English language newspaper as a part-time journalist.

I have just started to do a Masters in Education, through the Open University, which I am finding interesting and challenging.  The short time I have spent at King’s College Murcia has been very enjoyable so far.  The children and staff are all friendly and have made me feel very welcome.

Samantha Ward-Campbell - Year 1

Hi. My name is Sam Ward-Campbell, although the children just call me Mrs. Campbell. I grew up in the West Midlands (UK) and then moved further north to attend the University of Liverpool. I graduated with a degree in Music and then put my career on hold in order to travel to Africa and Asia. On my return, I moved to Yorkshire to study for my PGCE and married my husband, David. I taught for a number of years at a small village primary school, enjoying the delights (and challenges!) of Years 5 and 6. My combined love of teaching, music and travel then led me to Thailand, where I enjoyed three years as Head of Music in a large international school in the heart of Bangkok. After the birth of our son, we decided to live a little nearer to our families and moved to Prague, where I taught Years 2 and 3 and gained very valuable experience as Key Stage 1 Leader. We chose to move to Spain to enjoy the friendly, more relaxed way of life, a warmer climate and the chance to finally learn a useful second language. I have always enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship with the children I have taught and endeavour to instil in them a sense of passion, determination and pride. The children at King’s College are bursting with enthusiasm and I look forward to helping them develop over the years to come.

Sandra Warren- Year 5

My name is Sandra Warren and I am the teacher for Year 5.  After leaving Art College and subsequently working as a graphic designer, I decided to retrain as a teacher and obtained a place at Plater College, Oxford where after 2 years of study I obtained the Oxford University Diploma in Social Administration.  This diploma covered psychology, social psychology, sociology, politics and social administration.  After this, I was accepted at Warwick University where I studied for four years and obtained a B.A. Hons with QTS (Qualified Teachers Status).  I also obtained the Catholic Teaching Certificate which allowed me to teach in Catholic Schools. Since graduating from University, I have worked in Primary Schools throughout Solihull, West Midlands where I was responsible for Art and Design, Religious Education and Special Educational Needs.  During my career, I have taught children in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3.  My interests include, painting, reading and travelling.  Some of the most interesting countries I have visited include China, Australia and Israel.  However, I have also enjoyed travelling across the USA and intend to visit more places in the future.  I have been employed at Kings College since 2007 and have loved seeing the school grow and develop.  The children are very well behaved and are always a pleasure to teach.

Sherie Fellows - Music and Drama

I completed my degree in Classical music and performing at the University of Huddersfield and since then have taught singing for almost 20 years. From 1995 until 2003 I was a GCSE and key stage 1 and 2 teacher of Classroom music at Huddersfield Grammar School. I then taught for some time in a School in Bradford conducting the Bradford Singers’ choir and teaching singing. In 2004 I returned to Huddersfield Grammar School as Head of Music, Teaching Key stages 3 and 4. I have conducted successful choirs who have competed in BBC choir of the year and been on International tours of Europe. I have also worked as a freelance singer and performer singing at the National Mozart Competition and the Vocal awards in Frome.Many of my singing pupils have achieved success on television and in the Music industry.

I organized  a music competition in the UK attracting over 900 performers which ran annually.

I believe that music is for everyone regardless of age and experience. I hope to enhance the musical experience of the pupils here at Kings College and encourage pupils to get involved in choirs and extra curricular activities.

Tandi Rheeder- Year 1 Yellow

I am Tandi Emerson. I was born and raised in Durban in sunny South Africa. From a very young age I knew that I wanted to teach, inspired by some of the excellent teachers I was lucky enough to be taught by.  I gained a Bachelor of Education Degree, specializing in children aged 3-8 years of age. I started teaching in 1999 and have taught both in England and internationally. I have taught in Dubai and Vietnam. I have taught a wide range of age groups, from Nursery to Year 6 but I particularly enjoy teaching Key Stage One, as I find it challenging and rewarding.  My husband and I intend to live and work in Spain indefinitely. Since joining the King’s College Team I have enjoyed my time here very much and look forward to a rewarding relationship with the school, the children and, of course, the parents. I like to spend my free time cycling, swimming, socializing and enjoying the Spanish way of life.

 

School Nurse

Ann Sinclair

My name is Ann Sinclair, I am the School Nurse.  My role is to work in partership with the school to create and promote an enviroment of healthy living and wellbeing, also reponding to the needs of individual children. The current emphasis on health promotion in schools and the community means my role focuses on healthy eating, physical activity, emotional health and wellbeing and pastoral care. This is achieved in collaboration with teachers and parents within the school.

 

Librarian

Asli Silk

Asli grew up and was educated in Istanbul, before going to University in Ankara, where she studied at Bilkent University, obtaining a BA in English Literature.  She did her teaching certificate at Marmara University in Istanbul before teaching English as a second language and Turkish at the British International School in Istanbul.  Since marrying and moving to the UK Asli has taught and helped out in a whole host of schools and nurseries, including the Leys School and Queen´s College Nursery in Cambridge, Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh and at Cocoon Nursery in Dubai.  She has taught right the way from Early Years to Secondary.  She has done a lot of work in libraries, including as an assistant in both the Leys School and Merchiston Castle School and, more recently, in helping set up the new Library at Repton School in Dubai.  She is tremendously excited about leading the development of our three libraries at the school.  Asli is married to the Head and has two daughters at the school- Ayla and Yasmin.

Teaching Assistants

Amanda Willett

My name is Amanda Willett, I am originally from Portishead  near Bristol.

I studied in Bristol College, qualifying in 1997 with the N.N.E.B. Diploma in Childcare. Since qualifying I have worked continually within the field of childcare, working  with children aged 8 months to 15 years. Working in a variety of nurseries, private family homes, as a children´s holiday representative, in special needs and in state schools.

I arrived here in Spain in March 2004, and began working for a bi-lingual school, in both their nursery and pre-nursery.  After 4 years there, I moved on then to begin working at King´s College, Murcia, where I have worked within the Early Years Department as a teaching assistant, helping deliver the curriculum in order to gain the best results from our pupils.

During my free time I enjoy long walks with my dog on the beach, watersports and reading.

Gill Heywood

My name is Gill Heywood and I work as a Teaching Assistant in the Pre-Nursery Class. I have worked at the school since it first opened in 2007.  After having my own three children, I became a registered childminder for five years. I then went on to become a foster carer for the next ten years, caring for 34 pre-adoption babies and toddlers up to the age of two. I then went to work on the children’s ward of our local hospital as an Auxiliary Nurse where I enjoyed eight happy years. I gained many certificates, including Paediatric Life Support, Coping with Bereavement, Moving and handling etc, I also gained an NVQ level 2 in Direct Care. This was followed with a transfer to the Maternity Unit for two years, working with mothers and their newborn babies, helping with feeding and bathing, giving general help and advice.  I joined my last post before leaving for Spain, which was for Surestart as a Portage Worker. This role was aimed at disadvantaged children who were failing to reach their milestones. I would visit the children in their own homes and through structured play I could assess their learning and then set achievable targets. I attended a three day course to gain the qualification of a Portage Worker.  I have lived in Spain for over five years; I enjoy walking my three dogs, reading, keeping fit, and listening to music.

Michelle Scott- Pre-Nursery TA

Hi, my name is Michelle Scott and I work as a Teaching Assistant in Early Years. When I left school I studied at Gateshead College where I gained an N.N.E.B. Diploma. Since then I have worked 5 years in an infant school in Reception to Year 2, and then 8 years working with KS2 children. In 2000 I gained the Higher Level Teaching Assistants Diploma. After many happy years in England we decided to follow our dream and move to Spain. I arrived here in Sunny Spain just over 2 years ago from “not so sunny” Newcastle, with my husband and teenage daughter in tow.   (My daughter started King’s College 2 years ago and is settled and doing really well; I am very proud of her). Not long after arriving in Spain, I opened a Tea Room, which was a great success, but, sadly I missed hustle and bustle of school life and wished to return back to the classroom. Luckily, thanks to King´s College, I have been given the chance to be back where I belong, and I really look forward to my time here!!

Susan Leigh

Tom Goodall

Administrative Staff

Carlos Campos- Head of Finance and Administration (Spanish)

Arianna Suarez Lopez -  Administration

Maria Eugenia Mazzariol - Administration