Secondary Team

MR. TREVOR

Secondary Social Studies & Head of Humanities Department

I was raised in a small farming community in the middle of the USA. I graduated from Colorado State University with a BA in Diplomatic History and Political Science. I graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a Master’s degree in Military Studies and Diplomacy as well as a Graduate Degree in Secondary Education. My area of expertise is in U.S. foreign relations in the Middle East and Latin America. I have been working at EMS Al Khor since 2014 and I presently teach IGCSE and AS level Global Perspectives, Sociology, and AS Psychology. In addition, I am the debate coach for the Secondary and Preparatory teams at Qatar Debate competitions.

When I teach, I focus on developing habits that increase a student’s ability to learn in a general sense. I want students to have skills that make them unafraid of trying to learn. I want students to reach a point where they are not intimidated by a subject or by a piece of writing. Rather, I want students to freely take notice of things in the world around them, to be able to calmly consider, and if possible, to apply the skills they have learned to deeply explore the human phenomena of the world. I see this as both a vocation and as the best thing that I can offer the world. There are two reasons why I love working at the English Modern School Al Khor. First, my energetic and professional colleagues inspire me on a daily basis. Secondly, due to our small class sizes our campus has a family feel. The students are kind to one another, they are welcoming to new students, and the rapport between students and teachers is very respectful.

MR. VELLARETH

 Secondary Science & Mathematics / Head of Math & Science Department

My name is Mr. V. Abraham. I have a degree in Physics, Bachelor of Education degree and hold QTS from Birmingham University. After I graduated, I started my teaching career in Cape Town, South Africa, and taught Physics for eight years in a Secondary School. I then wanted to further enhance my teaching career and decided to move to the UK and worked as a Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 Physics teacher for ten years. For the last nine years, I have been teaching Physics in Qatar to IGCSE and A level students. During these nine years, I got the opportunity to lead the Science department and also I was Assistant Principal for a leading School in Qatar.

As a teacher, I love prompting student motivation, participation and effective listening skills through the implementation of positive reinforcement and rewards. Physics is an integral part of our life and promoting skills and technology will enhance the life of our youngsters. I am passionate about teaching and take pride in contributing to the children’s education.

I have a real passion for travelling, exploring various cultures, traditions and meeting new people. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work at a EMS. This school has a welcoming and stimulating environment and I am happy to be a part of the EMS team.

MS. TESSY

Secondary Science & Mathematics

I am Ms. Tessy Johnson. I teach Chemistry at EMS Khor. I am also the homeroom teacher for year 10 this year.

I joined EMS in 2013 when the school first started functioning.

I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from Cochin University of Science and Technology, India. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Education for teaching Physical Sciences. Before joining EMS, I worked as Senior Secondary teacher for Chemistry at Al Khor International School – Qatar, teaching high school students from grades 9 to 12. I had been the Middle school Math teacher at Middle East International School, Qatar in 2008. In addition to this, I have ten years of teaching experience in Chemistry at various public schools in India.

I believe that the most important purpose of education is to create a methodological mindset in every individual so that he/she will be able to build his/her own understanding of the society and find his/her own place in the society. Teaching and learning science should be with this ultimate objective. I encourage my pupils to inquire, think, argue and arrive at their own conclusions while studying various concepts and phenomena, with high degree of objectivity.

I enjoy working at EMS. I am passionate about teaching Chemistry and Math to an amazing and motivated student community at this school.

My name is Shazia Aslam, a Pakistani by origin and living happily with my family in this wonderful country since 2013.  I am a collaborative professional with over 9 years experience teaching Biology, Science, Global Studies, Social Studies and Character Education to KS3 & KS4 students. I have a Masters degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from a reputable university in Pakistan and PGCE in Science from UK. I have the pleasure of working with reputable schools in Qatar and Pakistan before joining the lovable EMS family in Al Khor during 2019 where I am working as a secondary science  teacher. As part of the EMS science faculty, we work together to inculcate habits in our students that help them become confident and independent learners. I also have the honor to work as ASA coordinator for EMS Al Khor since 2020.

I have special interest in the field of life sciences, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. An experienced professional eager to work with teenagers with the ability to make Biology and related science subjects interesting for adolescents through designing analogies, group activities and preparing teaching plans that facilitate classroom participation.

Looking forward to a wonderful time with all my students, their parents and a passionate team of educators at EMS.

MS. SUSAN

Secondary Mathematics

My name is Mrs. Susan Abraham and I am currently teaching mathematics for Year 9, IGCSE and AS. I have been living in Qatar for about 10 years. I have worked in two different schools in Qatar, and in one of those schools, I held the position of head of Mathematics. This will be my fourth year teaching at EMS and I look forward to getting to know my students while providing a great learning culture in all myclasses.

I currently hold a master’s degree in Mathematics as well as Bachelor of Education. Throughout my 20 years of experience, I have traveled from South Africa to England and now to Qatar determined to provide a unique and quality approach to teaching. 

Every classroom has its own unique community. My role as the teacher will be to assist each child in developing their own potential and learning styles. I will present a curriculum that will incorporate each different learning style, as well as make the content relevant to the students’ lives. I will incorporate hands-on learning, cooperative learning, projects, themes, and individual work that engage and activate students’ learning. I am very delighted to be able to work alongside an incredibly dedicated team of staff and students.

MS. SHEILA

Secondary Science & Mathematics

I am Ms. Sheila Ochoco. I finished my undergraduate and graduate degree in Science  Education with a major in biology at De La Salle University-Manila, Philippines. Prior to EMS, I taught  in international schools in Indonesia and the Philippines. I have also authored a biology textbook and modules as well as elementary science workbooks. Though my undergraduate degree gave me  an opportunity to pursue medical school or become a full-time biologist, I opted to teach. Those ‘aha moments’ and various interactions in the class are priceless and more  than enough reasons to stay in this wonderful field for more than 15 years already. Every time I teach, I always try to imbibe the mission to teach minds, touch hearts, and transform lives.  

At EMS, you will feel that you are part of a community. Moreover, I am in awe as to how  students strive to be adaptive and flexible now that they are learning in an extraordinary way.  They always give their best in any kind of task handed to them and participate well in class.

MR. WILLIAM

Art and Drama and IGCSE Drama

My name is William Nassif and I am from Lebanon with a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts, a Teaching Micro Credential Certificate from Buffalo State, New York University and a Multidisciplinary Master’s degree with an Education Focus with the latter as well. I am the Drama and Art teacher for this academic school year.

I worked in Lebanon for 8 years before coming to Doha as a director, assistant director and stage manager for kid’s plays. Students were, and will always be a big part of my life. For me, it is not just about teaching; it’s a life dedication for our loved ones.

I’ve been teaching Drama and Art in Doha since 2010 and started with EMS since 2015. I find myself very lucky working with the EMS Al-Khor family, as the school shows much interest in teaching our students The Arts. These are essential for building character.

When teaching, I have high hopes and expectations for my student’s work. I know that many students are not into Drama and Arts, but I believe that each one of them has an inner artist that needs to express his mind on stage and in art work. Accordingly, my job is to make sure that all my students will reach a point where they can say to themselves, I am proud of what I have accomplished.

MR. MUNEER

ICT Coordinator & Secondary ICT

My name is Muneer Affourdeen. This is my seventh year in Qatar and fourth year with EMS, Khor family. I have joined EMS, Khor as ICT coordinator and I will be teaching Information and Communications Technology to upper middle and high school students. 

I was born and brought up in Colombo which is the capital of Sri Lanka. I received my undergraduate degrees in both Multimedia and Computer System Development from Edexcel, United Kingdom. I pursued a degree BSc (Hons) in Information Technology and Business Information Systems at Middlesex University, United Kingdom. I am currently reading a master’s degree in Information Technology from Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. I have also worked as a Lecturer in Computing for six years in Sri Lanka before moving to Qatar. 

Teaching has always been a passion for me. I have been incredibly impressed to witness the curiosity of our students during their  ICT lessons. My main goal is to prepare the learners  to be successful. 

I look forward to continuing to have a positive impact on the children’s growth with an amazing team of EMS, Khor educators.

MR. FIRAS

Physical Education

My name is Firas Besbes  and this is my second year as a Primary and Secondary PE Teacher, at The English Modern School in Khor, Qatar.