Kesigan Govender - Key Stage 3 Coordinator
Mr. Kesigan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Genetics from the esteemed University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa. He also has a Post graduate certification in Education through the renowned University of South Africa.
Mr. Kesigan started his career straight after university travelling the expanse of the Southern Africa teaching students and training teachers through practical application of science. His international experience began 8 years later where he ventured to Uzbekistan teaching at a Presidential School.
For the past 4 years, Mr. Kesigan has been delivering the UK National curriculum to schools in the UAE after being trained by the Cambridge British Institute which includes the IGCSE and A-Level curricula.
Mr. Kesigan is passionate about the well-being of students as well as their academic excellence. He believes that his commitment to learning and teaching is driven by a belief that every individual deserves access to quality education, which is the cornerstone of a thriving and equitable society.
Gillian Riley - Head of Key Stage 4
I am truly delighted to have been appointed as Head of Key Stage 4 for the upcoming academic year in Diyafah and I am excited to share my views and ideas with my fellow members of the Senior Leadership Team. I arrived in the UAE in 2018 and have spent the past two years in Diyafah as Head of Technology along with teaching Food Technology.
It is my goal as a teacher to empower each and every student to become well rounded individuals that are ready for life after school. I believe that inspiring creativity and innovation in students is key to assist them in finding their passions and prevail in these areas. My vision is to create a safe learning environment where students of all abilities can thrive at their own level and most importantly, enjoy themselves.
‘Education is not the filling of a pot, but the lighting of a fire.’ - W.B. Yeats
Suzan Nasser Salem Al Sakkaf - Coordinator (Sixth Form)
Suzan Al Sakkaf is a dynamic and resilient individual driven by a passion for tackling new challenges. She maintains a steadfast commitment to excellence in every pursuit, infusing a positive outlook and creative flair into her work. Suzan seamlessly blends her artistic talents with an insatiable ambition for acquiring various skills, embodying the spirit of continual learning.
In addition to her current position as the Head of the Art Department at Diyafah International School Abu Dhabi, Suzan serves as the Key Stage 5 Coordinator since December 2023. Furthermore, she has held roles as an Art Department Specialist at Reach British School in Abu Dhabi and as Head of the Art Department at Elite Private School.
In addition to these positions, Suzan currently holds the role of Director at UK University Specialist in London, England. Under her leadership for the past two years, the institution has experienced unprecedented success. Through this role, she exercises strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence, making considerable contributions to the educational landscape.
Suzan is currently enrolled at Keele University pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management. She holds a Higher National Diploma, First-Class grade in BA (Hons) in Art and Design, and a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from The University of Bolton. As a former lecturer at Bolton College in the United Kingdom and a teacher at BOLTON MUSLIM ACADEMY TRUST, she demonstrates a strong dedication to education and artistic expression.
In essence, Suzan is both a seasoned education professional and a creative force committed to nurturing learning and artistic expression. She has dedicated herself to excellence throughout her career, making her a valuable asset to the field of education.
Michele Braganza - Subject Leader (Mathematics)
Ms. Michele Braganza, the Head of Secondary Mathematics at DIS, brings over 12 years of teaching experience, with 8 of those years dedicated to Abu Dhabi. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering with Mathematics and a PGCE in Education. Raised in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., she is committed to fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for success in a math-centric world. Ms. Braganza is dedicated to employing innovative teaching methods to make mathematics accessible and enjoyable for all, unwavering in her commitment to academic excellence and passionate about shaping future mathematicians.
Ms Tiny Paul Livingston - Subject Leader (Science)
Ms. Tiny joined Diyafah International School in August 2015. Prior to joining DIS, Ms. Tiny served in schools of international reputation in the UAE, India and The Maldives.
Ms. Tiny started teaching general science in 1993. Throughout her teaching career, she has a proven track record of producing outstanding results in the IGCSE Examinations. In 2004, she won the prestigious “Teacher of the Year” award for her outstanding contributions to student outcomes in the IGCSE Exams in Maldives.
A Biologist by choice, she has a special interest in nature including plants and animals. She lays emphasis on health and hygiene, and students’ personal, social and emotional well-being. She takes special interest in fostering healthy habits including encouraging young students to having a balanced diet. She is very keen on creating awareness about the dangers of smoking, drug abuse and alcoholism.
Ms. Tiny believes that the teaching and learning of science must kindle curiosity and promote experimental and investigative skills, thus laying the foundation for future innovators.
Over the years, she has been rated as an “outstanding” teacher at several internal and external lesson observations and inspections in the different schools she has worked.
With over 26 years of experience in teaching Science, Ms. Tiny believes she can take the Science Department to greater heights at DIS for the betterment of the students.
Ms. Suganthi Mariyal John - Subject Leader (Humanities/PSHE/UAE SS B)
Ms. Suganthi John is the Head of Humanities at DIS. She is originally from India.
She has a M.A , B.ED degree in History with 21 years of teaching experience. She is delighted to work at DIS and help students develop their interpersonal skills and cultural tolerance, so they become responsible humans. Her aim is to make the students achieve their maximum potential in becoming ethical, conscientious, and knowledgeable learners. Her philosophy is that each child is unique, therefore they learn and thrive at their own pace.
Her favourite quote is “A Teacher affects eternity; He can never tell where his influence stops.”
Ms. Akila Ramachandran - Subject Leader (ICT & Business/ ERP Coordinator)
Ms. Akila is the Head of ICT & Business Studies. Besides she also coordinates the dedicated MIS school software (academic module) and TimeTabler. She has been a member of DIS family since 2015.
Ms. Akila is a motivated, student-centric, and highly organized teacher who holds a master’s degree in Computer Application with over 11+ years of teaching experience in UAE as a Secondary ICT Teacher.
She believes that inclusive education is the key to success for young students. Her philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. She works to create this atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. She believes that providing a safe environment, where students are invited to share their ideas and take risks, is essential for learning.
“At DIS, our rigorous but nurturing environment enables our pupils to become active and capable international citizens of tomorrow – education is their passport for life.”
Her favourite quote is: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. (Malcolm X)
Mohamed Hussni Moustafa Abdelaal - Head of Arabic, Islamic, and UAE SS-A
Mr. Mohamed Hussni has joined Diyafah International School as The Head of Arabic, Islamic, and UAE SS-A and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and is on his way to acquire a PhD degree in educational management and policy.
With more than 19 years of experience in the UAE schools, Mohamed Hussni's aim is to design a unique learning experience for every student at Diyafah International School and “Let their light shine”. His prime emphasis is on leading the MOE subjects’ department to the next level of excellence.
Naglaa Mohammed - Head of Arabic Department (Primary)
I am delighted to be a member of the Senior Leadership Team of Diyafah international School. I have been in teaching and educational leadership for the last twenty-four years in the UAE, with experience of Arabic, American and British curricula. I derive a great sense of personal satisfaction when I see students become fluent in reading and writing Arabic. This language is the fifth most commonly spoken language in the world.
The Primary Arabic Team, which I have the privilege of leading, is resolutely focused on developing the Arabic language in our school through improving our students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, both for native and non-native Arabic speakers.
We do this by using unique online resources and modern, student centered teaching strategies. We also participate in local and national competitions held at various times throughout the year in the UAE. I look forward to working with you, our parents, your sons and daughters and the staff of Diyafah International School to ensure language study at our school goes from strength to strength.
“Education is like a lantern which lights your way in a dark alley” - The late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan