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Izabela Zborzynska
After graduating from the Academy of Physical Education in Poland, Izabela dedicated 6 years to teaching Physical Education at Baleares International College and coaching volleyball in Spain.
She is also a Level 2 Certified Indoor Volleyball Coach recognised by the Polish Volleyball Federation (PZPS) and a Beach Volleyball Coach recognised by the Federació Balear de Voleibol (FVBIB).
Izabela has been fortunate enough to achieve significant sporting achievements, including 3rd place in the Polish Volleyball Championships in the junior category and 3rd place in the 10k running competition in the senior category. It is only some of these personal achievements that have fuelled her motivation to inspire students to pursue their own sporting goals.
Izabela’s passion for sport, combined with her dedication to teaching and self-improvement, makes her a perfect fit for teaching PE and providing the best educational experience for students.
In her leisure time, Izabela enjoys playing beach volleyball and hiking with her family.
PE Teacher
Welcome to my profile! With a PGCEi qualification from the prestigious University of Nottingham, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of education. As the National Head Cricket Coach of Maldives, I have honed my leadership skills and fostered outstanding team performance. Additionally, my role as the FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) leader for U15 and U11 has allowed me to shape young minds and nurture their sporting potential.
As a qualified coach and experienced Physical Education teacher, I am dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among students. My passion for sports extends beyond the classroom, as I strive to instill core values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. My track record speaks for itself, with numerous success stories and accolades from students and teams under my guidance.
I believe in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages individual growth and fosters a love for sports. With my expertise, I aim to inspire and empower the next generation of athletes, both on and off the field.
Get in touch to discover how BXCL can contribute to your family and help shape the future champions of tomorrow.
Social Studies Teacher
Kim joined GEMS International School Pearl City, Penang (now XCL International School, Penang) in August 2016. Prior to joining GEMS, she was Head of Mathematics and KS4 Coordinator in another international school in Malaysia. Kim is an experienced Mathematics teacher who has taught KS2 to KS5, specialised in preparing students for the Cambridge examination. Her passion for Mathematics is something she loves to share with students, regardless of their level of ability. Kim doesn’t believe in rote learning and memorising formulas and instead, works with children on their understanding of Mathematical concepts to better appreciate the subject. When not teaching, she enjoys traveling and she has been a global volunteer, working in schools in China and Taiwan.
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Head Of Whole School Creative &
Performing Arts
Since joining BXCL in 2021, Zexian has
played a vital role in nurturing a comprehensive music program that encompasses
the entire school. Her unwavering dedication fuels her tireless efforts to
cultivate a vibrant music-making culture among the students. In addition to her
teaching responsibilities, she has taken the initiative to organise inclusive
events that encourage participation from students of all abilities, fostering a
sense of inclusivity within the school community. Before joining BXCL, she taught
piano and music theory in Singapore, positively shaping the lives of her
students through her knowledge and passion.
Teacher of Bahasa
Malar is an experienced teacher with a broad background in teaching across various age groups and learning environments. Before joining the school, she served as a tutor and coordinator at a learning centre, where she developed strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Additionally, she has worked as a college lecturer, teaching both foundation and diploma students, further enhancing her expertise in the field of education.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, jogging, reading, and journaling. She is also passionate about travelling, exploring different cultures, and understanding the diverse lifestyles of people. She believes that to truly support and understand students, it’s essential to put herself in their shoes. This approach allows her to respond to their needs more effectively and foster a nurturing educational experience.
Teacher
Sheema is a highly qualified teacher with a diverse background in healthcare and education. After working as a medical doctor and serving as a General Manager of a startup healthcare institution, she transitioned into the field of education. Committed to promoting preventive healthcare, Sheema has conducted health talks for both corporate and the public. She understands the importance of preventative measures and strives to instil this knowledge in her students. With four years of experience in the education industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world expertise to the classroom.
Before joining the school, Sheema trained healthcare counsellors on patient well-being management and did an attachment with the Penang State Health Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Unit (OSHA). Her role in OSHA involved ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for workers in private companies, emphasising the importance of workplace safety and employees’ well-being.
Sheema’s dedication, expertise, and unique blend of medical and education experience allows her to connect with her students. In addition, she had received specialised training from the British Council as an Exam Supervisor, responsible for conducting and ensuring exam compliance for all British exams.
She empowers the next generation of scientists and medical professionals with her passion for Science and Biology. Additionally, her background in healthcare counselling and commitment to workplace safety contributes to the holistic well-being of individuals, creating a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
A mandarin teacher that has been in Education for 16 years. Tracy has 12 years of experience in both primary stage and 4 years in Secondary international school. Prior to this, Tracy has gained a counselling qualification with certificate. Tracy had an experience become a supervisor and tutor in both learning centre and tuition centre too. Tracy is a caring and responsible educator, hoping to cultivate students that contribute to society.
Teacher Of Bahasa
Nor Shuhada has been an educator at BXCL since 2015, teaching Bahasa Malaysia to both primary and secondary students. In addition to her teaching role, she serves as a homeroom teacher for secondary school. Her commitment to education is reflected in her diverse responsibilities within the school.
Before joining BXCL, Nor Shuhada began her teaching career as a substitute teacher in various government schools. She gained hands-on experience teaching different subjects, including Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah, over the course of 5 years. This early exposure to a wide range of students and learning environments helped shape her teaching philosophy. Nor Shuhada holds a degree in Foreign Language from University Putra Malaysia, and she credits her time in government schools for reinforcing her belief that teaching is a fulfilling and impactful career.
In 2015, she embraced the opportunity to join BXCL and continue her passion for teaching. Nor Shuhada believes that learning is not difficult when one has a clear purpose and goal. Her dedication to helping students discover their own purpose drives her approach to education. She remains committed to making a positive impact on her students’ lives, believing that every day offers an opportunity to learn and grow.
Teacher Of Mandarin
Vadivookarassi Mammaran embarked on her educational career with a deep passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering student success. She joined XCL International School, Penang (BXCL), formerly known as GEMS International School, Pearl City, Penang, in August 2018. Her time at BXCL has been marked by her dedication to creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where each student is encouraged to thrive both academically and personally.
Vadivookarassi’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Management, which equipped her with strong organizational, leadership, and strategic thinking skills. These attributes have been crucial in her role as an educator, enabling her to manage classroom dynamics effectively and implement innovative teaching methods. Understanding the global significance of language proficiency, she pursued a Bachelor of Education (HONS) in Teaching English as a Second Language. This specialization has empowered her to develop advanced teaching strategies tailored to support students in mastering the English language.
To further enhance her versatility as an educator, Vadivookarassi earned a Certificate of International Chinese Teacher Program. This achievement underscores her commitment to multilingual education, allowing her to guide students in acquiring essential language skills for the increasingly interconnected world. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student deserves an education that is both supportive and challenging, ensuring they are prepared to succeed in a globalized society.
Teacher Of Bahasa
Nur Hasanah binti Jasmi graduated from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak with a degree in Education, specializing in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). Since 2015, she has worked as a Bahasa Malaysia teacher for both primary and secondary students, focusing on foreign learners.
In 2019, she was appointed with an additional role as an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher, a role she held until 2020, where she assisted students in improving their English communication skills. Beyond teaching, she enjoys learning new languages, including Hangul, which she has used to help Korean students improve their pronunciation of Malay phonics.
Her passion for language and education continues to shape her approach in working with students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Whole School Assistant Head ( Student Services)
EAL Teacher
Husna is a passionate educator and hold a qualification in Teaching English as a Second Language. She has had the privileged of teaching English to diverse groups of learners, ranging from young learners to adults in both local and international settings since 2011.
Prior in joining BXCL International School, she has vast experience in GEMS International School for three years in supporting ESL students. Her endless patience towards education has developed her into an energetic and enthusiastic EAL teacher in school. She believes holistic education places an emphasis on a whole growth of a student in the aspect of democratic learning, emotional health, and social etiquette. She is also dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that empower students to build self-confidence and achieve their language proficiency goals.
English Teacher
Foundation Stage 1 Teacher
Susila fondly known as Ms Susie is currently the longest serving teaching staff in the history of the BXCL International School. She joined Little Gems in September 2014 as a Teaching Assistant while the school was under construction. Since the school started from scratch with a small number of staff, she had stepped in again in many roles to make things work at that time and worked long hours assisting at some of the roadshows in malls for the marketing of the school.
Prior to joining BXCL, Susie worked as a mathematics teacher in both public and private schools. She also has a wide range of teaching experience in early years in several schools in Perak.
She believes her teaching passion and the nurturing character is one of the reasons why she is still being a teacher. Her objective is to help students acquire knowledge, impart creative skills and problem-solving skills in students which will lead to a successful life.
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Foundation Stage 2 Teacher
Emi is an Early Years and Key Stage 1 teacher with many years of dedicated teaching experience. Emi is passionate about fostering academic and sport development.
With pure science education background, Emi utilizes interactive and hands-on teaching methods to cater diverse learning style. She is actively involved in supporting sport fixtures for students within the community. Emi has a passion and interest in how the brain affect student’s behaviour and learning so she will continue to learn more in her Master in Cognitive Neuroscience to further her knowledge in this area.
Teaching Assistant
Ms Hemma completed a Bachelor of Education with a major in Language and Literature from Tun Abdul Razak University. This will be her sixth year at XCL International School, following two years at Enhance Education Sdn Bhd.
She adores working with our younger pupils!! She is honoured to accept the challenge of assisting each child’s intellectual, social, language, and motor development.
She manages a small group of private classes in her spare time. She is passionate about bouquets. She also enjoys cooking, spend time at the beach, and spending time with her family.
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
School Counsellor
Ms. Huey Ting is a registered and licensed Counsellor and certified mental health first aider in Malaysia. She holds a master’s degree in counselling, specialising in grief psychology and crisis intervention; and a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Hons) in Psychology. She also contributed her time as a volunteer counsellor at various NGO settings in Penang. She has years of experience in helping people and has served clients from all age groups, including school children, university students, working adults and older people.
Ms. Huey Ting believes in a client-centred approach that focuses on the student’s unique needs and goals. Children and teenagers have their ways of expressing their emotions and it is important that they can find the most suitable and appropriate coping strategies to promote their positive mental health and well-being across their lifespan.
At BXCL, all students will have access to free counselling services. Ms. Huey Ting provides a safe and comfortable environment to accompany and support students in dealing with the issues affecting their life or studies.
Parent can email to Ms. Huey Ting at [email protected] to understand the service.
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Registrar
Sara is one of the first employee who joined GEMS Education in January 2015, where the school was still under construction. Prior to joining the education line, Sara has been in the customer service industry for 9 years, with a premier UK based bank and 2 multinational companies, serving Australia and New Zealand clients.
While in this school, the school has adapted various student systems to ensure that we have a smooth and systematic database of our students and families. At present, we are using the Engage system as our main system for the school, for everyone.
Sara is responsible for a smooth enrolment of all new students, by arranging assessments/interviews and to ensure that all new students would get a place and thrive in this school with success. She is also responsible in getting students visas for all non-dependant foreign students.
During the pandemic, she started working out and staying fit has become her major goal in life.
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English Teacher
Olivia is a Teacher of English in the secondary school. She was born in Hong Kong and educated in the UK for 14 years. Prior to moving to Malaysia in 2018, she took up teaching roles in UK and Hong Kong. She finds immense fulfilment when witnessing students’ intellectual and personal development. Deeply grateful for the education she received as a student, Olivia views her profession as an opportunity to give back and make a positive impact. Olivia is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of her students, guiding them towards success.
Beyond the classroom, she finds solace in the exploration of various cafes, searching for the perfect blend of coffee. Indulging in delightful desserts serves as her sweet escape, allowing her to recharge and embrace life’s simple pleasures.
Finance Manager
Celina is an experienced accountant with over 10 years of professional experience joined GEMS International School Pearl City, Penang (now XCL International School, Penang) as a Finance Manager in June 2015.
Prior to joining XCL, she works in Malaysia Bursa Security listed companies and audit firm. She is responsible for school’s financial & accounting management, Corporate financial regulation & best practice.
Teacher
Shabena is currently in her 14th year of teaching. She is from London and has experience teaching in the UK, Malaysia as well as UAE. Shabena graduated with a BSc in Psychology and went on to completing her PGCE from the Institute of Education.
Shabena is known for her warm and engaging teaching style, and her ability to connect with students on a personal level, adding humour and fun to make learning more enjoyable. She believes in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes. One of her passion is to help students develop a lifelong love of learning. Shabena enjoys going to the gym, swimming and travelling.
Rhys Thomas joined the school five years ago as Vice Principal and fulfils various roles in the school including Head of Campus, Head of Secondary and Designated Safeguarding Lead.
With over 15 years in education, and 11 in Educational Leadership, Rhys is highly experienced in school development and strategic planning.
Before arriving in Penang, Rhys worked as the Head of Secondary at Haileybury Almaty in Kazakhstan, following the beginning of his career in the state sector in England.
In the classroom, like many leaders Rhys has taught a wide range of subjects, most prominently, Economics and Computer Science.
Rhys holds a Batchelors degree (BA Hons) from the University of the West of England, a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).
Assistant Head Of Pastoral/Director Of Creative Arts
A teacher of both Drama and Music, Pamela has been in Education for 17 years. Pamela has relocated to Malaysia from neighbouring Singapore where she spent the last seven years working as Head of Performing Arts in an international school. Prior to this Pamela was based in her home country of Scotland in the remote Shetland Islands. During this time she was a representative for the Highlands and Islands region, undertaking development work for Education Scotland, in both Moderation, and Health & Wellbeing. Pamela has a passion for nurturing the unique individual talents in the children she teaches, and strongly believes in the holistic nature of Creative
Head Of Secondary
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Head Of Sixth Form
David’s scientific career started at university where he, after completing his M.Sc., did research on gene regulation. He then went on to teach Chemistry, Biology and General Science for 6 years in public schools in Sweden, with a high percentage of his students continuing to study science at university.
David was one of the founding teachers of a sister campus to the well known High School Affiliated to the Renmin University of China in Beijing (RDFZ). There he was Head of Science for four years leading a very successful Science faculty. After two years working in Switzerland David joined BXCL International School in 2020.
In his role as Head of Sixth Form he enjoys guiding and supporting students as they progress into adulthood. David’s passion for all the sciences has inspired many students to follow careers in engineering and medicine. In his free time David enjoys hiking in the rainforest and scuba diving on the fantastic coral reefs around Malaysia.
Lacie has been teaching in the education field since 2013. She is a joyful and passionate teacher toward children’s learning, their holistic development and character building. And she strongly believes that children should thrive better at their own pace while they have a secure, safe, and supportive environment for them to explore. Most of the time, she likes to read self-help, child development, and parenting books to get more knowledge and better skills in order to scaffold the children in their learning as well as to build them with the positive self-image with their self-control, resilience, and confidence.
Rachel joined us from Scotland in 2021 as our FS2 class teacher. Rachel graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a BA (Hons) Business with Marketing degree and has experience working in marketing. In 2017 she completed a PGDE in Primary Education at the University of Strathclyde.
Rachel has 6 years of experience in teaching a range of stages throughout the primary school with the majority of this experience being in Early Years.
Rachel believes that creating a stimulating, positive and nurturing learning environment where each child feels happy, safe and valued will allow students to thrive and succeed in their own learning journey.
Lower Primary Phase Leader
Hannah has been working as a Year 2 teacher at XCL International School since 2021. During this time, she has gained the position of Lower Phase Leader for FS and Key Stage 1.
Before moving to Penang, Hannah was an FS2 teacher based in a multi-cultural school in London, United Kingdom. She has been working in Education for 7 years, predominantly with the younger children across FS1 to Year 2.
Hannah holds a Psychology BSc degree from the University of Sussex and gained a PGCE with QTS from UCL Institute of Education. Hannah is passionate about providing learning experiences which go beyond academic success to educate the whole child.
Middle Primary Phase Leader
Grant is an experienced educator with over 17 years of dedicated teaching experience in Australia, China, and Malaysia. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, he initially embarked on a career in human resources with the Australian government before transitioning to education and obtaining a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Sydney.
Grant places a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards while fostering positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents to create a supportive learning community. His commitment to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments reflects his belief in making education an enjoyable journey, fostering the holistic development of each child. This philosophy is based on cultivating character, creativity, and resilience, preparing students not only academically but also for the challenges of the world beyond the classroom.
As part of his dedication to nurturing the whole child, Grant has taken the initiative to lead diverse afterschool activities including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, coding, ukulele, and art. These activities provide students with a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning.
Currently residing in Penang with his wife Renee and their three children, all of whom attend BXCL International School, Grant embodies his commitment to education within both his professional and personal life.
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Homeroom Teacher - Year 6
With a rich and varied background in education, Antony Grigson brings a wealth of experience to our school. Holding a Diploma in Business, a Diploma of Teaching, and a Bachelor of Education, Antony began his teaching career in New Zealand. From there, he embarked on an international journey that has seen him teach in exciting locations such as Kazakhstan, Thailand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.
Throughout his career, Antony has worked in seven different schools, taking on a wide range of roles and responsibilities. These have included classroom teaching across Year 2 to Year 9, serving as a PYP curriculum leader, language arts coordinator, humanities and science coordinator, coaching softball, and rugby teams, facilitating global concert festivals, introducing virtues and peer mediation programs, and has led multiple committees dedicated to improving students’ learning in schools.
Antony has taken his background in theatre to direct many school shows including, The Pirates of Penzance, Aladdin, and Much Ado About Nothing as well as written screenplays and directed films for students interested in film acting. Antony co-founded Elementary School Television in Singapore, and this continues to be a success in New Zealand.
Outside the classroom, Antony is a supporter of the mighty All Blacks rugby team, hiking, and exploring the world with his son.
Antony is committed to fostering a vibrant and engaging learning environment for all his students.
Head Of Primary Mathematics & Upper Primary Phase Leader, Homeroom Teacher - Year 5
Robert joined XCL International School, Penang in 2021 as a Year 5 Classroom Teacher. Prior to this he was Physical Education Lead and Year 2 Classroom Teacher at Mossbourne Riverside Academy in London.
A keen teacher of Mathematics, Robert has gained the position of Head of Primary Mathematics at XCL International School, Penang and promotes ‘teaching for mastery’ across the Primary School.
Robert gained his PGCE at the Institute of Education, embarking on a new career in teaching following many years in other fields of work entirely.
Head of Inclusion
With over a decade of leadership roles in secondary education, Yik has primarily worked within the IB programme, serving as the global head of the creative arts department community service and personal projects coordinator. Yik is committed to fostering active, critical learning, using interdisciplinary and concept-based approaches to help students connect ideas and tackle real-world challenges. Her current research focuses on personalizing education for students with special learning needs, reflects her strong commitment to inclusive education.
Teacher
Alice has been a class teacher in primary education for 7 years. Alice has relocated to Malaysia from Manchester, England, where she spent the last 9 years teaching and studying. In her previous school, Alice was made Whole School Catch-Up Coordinator- responsible for driving progress across the school post-pandemic.
Putting her undergraduate degree to good use, Alice has also coordinated events in collaboration with the University of Manchester to deliver Latin and Classics to primary children. Alice has a holistic approach to education- she believes a happy, nurtured, and fun learning environment is the best for every child to thrive and meet with success.
Chris is currently in his second year here at BXCL, having moved to Penang from his native Scotland in November 2021.
As a teacher of six years' experience, Chris enjoys challenging all students to fulfill their potential and especially enjoys teaching both Maths and PE. He holds an undergraduate degree in Sports Studies (BA Hons) from the University of Stirling and completed his PGDE at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, in 2016.
Outside of the classroom, Chris' passion and talents lie in football. He is a UEFA-qualified coach and analyst with experience in Scotland, The USA and a number of other countries working for clubs Celtic FC, and Stirling Albion amongst others. Chris will be undertaking a Masters course through UCFB University, England, from September of this year.
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KS3 Phase Leader
Ooi Seok Theng, known by her preferred moniker Yvonne, is a dedicated educator whose journey embodies a commitment to fostering young minds. Her affiliation with GEMS International School Pearl City, Penang (now XCL International School, Penang) began in July 2018, solidifying her integral role within the institution’s educational framework.
Prior to her tenure at GEMS, Yvonne’s pedagogical passion manifested in her instruction of Mathematics and Science across local schools and learning centres. Her influence expanded beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her authorship of two Mathematics books for Pelangi Publication, showcasing her dedication to educational progress.
Yvonne’s dynamic career trajectory encompasses not only teaching but also administrative prowess. With experience as a Coordinator in a learning institution, she acquired valuable administrative management skills. A holder of a Bachelor of Science (HONS) in Chemistry from University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Yvonne’s academic foundation underscores her proficiency in the sciences. Complementing her qualifications, she attained a PGDT from Open University Malaysia.
Yvonne’s approachable demeanour, coupled with her multifaceted expertise, positions her as an inspirational figure to colleagues and students alike. Beyond the classroom, her indelible impact resonates through her commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and fostering a vibrant learning community.
Ks4 Phase Leader
Head Of English
Charles used his English Literature degree from Cambridge University in England to start teaching English in private schools in 1988, still aged 20. While teaching, he obtained a Teachers’ Diploma in Speech and Drama, LLCM (TD), trained as a Speech and Drama examiner, and qualified as a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve section of the Combined Cadet Force. Charles taught and examined English, Speech, Media Studies, Theatre Studies, Classical Civilisation, History and Religious Studies in both Secondary and Primary schools, before gaining Qualified Teacher Status in the English government school system in 2002. Charles later earned the National Professional Qualification for school leadership, NPQH, in 2009, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education in 2020.
From 2010 to 2022 Charles was a School Principal but he never left the classroom, and from 2017 to 2022 Charles taught English First Language, English Second Language, History, and Sejarah Malaysia in a school near Kuala Lumpur, before coming to Penang in August 2022. Charles is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and was also for some years a Member of the Royal Institution, an organisation which promotes public understanding of Science.
Head Of Bahasa
Miss Reenuga, also known as Miss Reenu, holds a Bachelor of Education in Language and Literature and a Master of Education in English Language Teaching (ELT). She has experience teaching secondary-level English and Malay at both public and private high schools. As a dedicated educator, Miss Reenu emphasises quality instruction to help students reach their highest academic potential. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring topics related to the law of attraction and manifestation through podcasts and reading. She is also passionate about volunteering at animal shelters, reflecting her commitment to compassion and community involvement. Passionate about her role as a teacher, she strives to guide her students towards success while fostering a respectful and supportive learning environment. She firmly believes in treating every child with respect and care.
Head Of WS Mandarin
Chong is the Head of Mandarin and an experienced educator with a deep passion for promoting Chinese culture. With over 9 years in the field of education, Chong has taught at early childhood, primary, and secondary levels, specializing in Mandarin language, Chinese debate, and Chinese drama.
Chong is a proud Malaysian who has benefited from over 15 years of local Chinese education, Chong thrives in a multilingual environment, which has shaped her into a versatile and multilingual teacher. She holds a Master of Education, an HSK6 certificate, and is currently pursuing the advanced HSK7-9 certification.
Chong’s teaching portfolio includes IGCSE Chinese as a First Language, Second Language, and Foreign Language (Mandarin Chinese) at KS4, as well as the HSK syllabus at KS3 and the Singapore MCeducation syllabus across primary levels. Her approach to education is holistic, integrating the richness of Chinese culture—art, history, calligraphy, drama, and music—into her teaching.
A strong advocate for the power of language in societal development, Chong is dedicated to nurturing her students’ communication skills. Her broad experience across different educational stages allows her to craft lessons that cater to the diverse needs of her learners, ensuring that each student can succeed.
Head Of Science
Mikaela was born and raised in the Swedish-speaking part of Finland. She did her university studies in Sweden and after completing her PhD on plant-herbivore interactions and climate change, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher for four years, studying plant chemical defense mechanisms. Her teaching career started at RDFZ Chaoyang Branch School in Beijing, China and continued at College du Leman outside Geneva, Switzerland before she is got the opportunity to make a life-long dream come true by moving to Malaysia in 2020.
Mikaela’s passion is sharing her knowledge about the world with her students, allowing them to explore new ideas and recognize the beauty in diversity. Mikaela believes in challenging her students to go outside their comfort zones, to find the courage to go beyond the known and grow confident in their own abilities.
In her free time, Mikaela enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures and foods. She is a hiker, a scuba diver and a nature photographer, and the rainforests and coral reefs of Malaysia are wonderful destinations to explore.
Head Of Humanities / School Careers Guidance Counsellor
Originally starting out as an teacher of English, Kevin now teaches IGCSE and A-Level Economics and Business at BXCL International School. Kevin has been in the field of Education for over 10 years now, with experience of teaching International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International Examinations syllabus, and keenly understands the challenges that modern students face in a changing and developing world, with an ever-evolving Economic environment.
Kevin is a qualified careers guidance counsellor, who has a passion for helping students finding their interests and pathways in further education and careers. Outside of school, Kevin’s hobbies and interests include Football and Video Gaming.
Prior to joining BXCL, Evangeline has worked in national and private schools, teaching Maths and Science. Her curiosity in learning has led her to pursue Masters in Education. Evangeline believes that learning truly takes place when students are able to apply the skills and knowledge in real-life. In her free time, Evangeline enjoys cycling and exploring new trails to keep fit. She is also a qualified teacher for classical ballet.
Head of Whole School EAL
Magdalane is an experienced educator with a BA in Teaching English as a Second Language and a PGCE. With six years of experience in the education field, she currently serves as the Whole School Head of English Language Learning (ELL), specialising in teaching English as a Second and Additional Language.
Before joining our institution in Penang, Magdalane taught in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur. She also held positions as a headteacher in an English Language centre and as a professional development trainer, where she facilitated the growth of teaching staff.
In her role as Head of ELL, Magdalane actively contributes to the development of a comprehensive ELL curriculum for lower and upper secondary levels. She has also contributed significantly in designing the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, tailored to meet the needs of English Language Learners. Magdalane also oversees the progress of English Language Learning (ELL) learners in primary school, who receive various forms of support from our ELL Assistants.
Magdalane’s personal experience as a learner in English-medium schools in Brunei has instilled in her a deep understanding of the importance of building confidence, passion for learning, grit, and resilience among ELL students. Her own journey serves as inspiration to help others develop these qualities in their English language mastery.
HR Manager
Izyan Ronedin joined XCL International School, Penang (BXCL) as a Human Resources Manager in June 2022.
Prior to joining BXCL, she had nine years of Human Resources experience in multi-national companies in Singapore – General Electric (Oil & Gas) and General Electric (Aviation) Singapore. As a Human Resources Lead for the HR Shared Services Team in GE Aviation Singapore, she was responsible for overseeing overall HR Operations, identified opportunities to enhance HR operational efficiency, recommended process improvements, and ensured HR compliance with local employment laws.
With the good relationship she had established with employees, she was later promoted to Employee HR Manager, serving as the main and only contact for employees in addressing concerns or providing guidance/advise on all HR-related matters. She had consistently honed on her people skills to foster positive employee relations and promote a harmonious work environment.
Izyan holds a Diploma in Banking and Finance, and a Degree in Business Management (major: Human Resources) from RMIT University, awarded by Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). She was a Student Representative during her final year in SIM, where she was the voice for her peers, conveying feedback/concerns to the School, advocating positive change.
She has been active in running – she had represented her primary and secondary school in 100m & 200m sprints in national competitions, and recently completed a half marathon at the Penang Bridge International Marathon in December 2022!
Senior Finance Executive
E Wen joined XCL International School, Penang in 2015 as a Finance Executive. She is among the initial staff who were here when the school had just begun its operation and was formerly known as GEMS EDUCATION. Her current position at the school is now Senior Finance Executive.
She is a member of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
Nur Shazana Jainudeen
Key Stage 4 Leader,
Teacher Of English
Nur Shazana, an experienced English teacher, has built a diverse career in international education. She joined BXCL International School in August 2023 and currently serves as the KS4 Phase Leader, having held previous positions at prestigious schools like Life Scholars International and Beaconhouse Sri Murni throughout 2023. From 2021 to 2022, she was the KS3 and 4 Coordinator at Victoria International School, and prior to that, she taught at the International Modern Arabic School, where she focused on KS2 students from 2019 to 2020.
Her leadership skills were further honed as the Head Teacher at Excel Edu International School from 2017 to 2019, with early roles at Sri KDU Primary School and CES Education Group adding to her breadth of experience. She holds a Master of Education majoring in Educational Leadership and Management from UNITAR International University and a Bachelor of English (Hons.) majoring in TESOL from the University Tun Abdul Razak. Additionally, she has earned certifications such as Google Certified Educator and Cambridge Assessment for Learning. Known for her commitment to student-centred learning, she has participated in various professional development programs, including digital storytelling and brain gym techniques.
Head of Mathematics
Louise van der Linde is a distinguished educator with a diverse and accomplished career spanning over 21 years. Originating from South Africa, Louise embarked on her educational journey there before relocating to the UK, where she furthered her expertise with a Master’s in Education.
Louise’s extensive experience includes working in both the private and state sectors, where Louise have consistently achieved excellent results. Louise has held significant roles such as Head of Mathematics in the UK and is currently leading as Head of Mathematics at XCL International School. Additionally, she served as Head of Year 10 and Residential Tutor at a thriving boarding school in the UK, where Louise contributed to a holistic and supportive learning environment.
In addition to her teaching roles, Louise has extensive experience as an examiner for both Edexcel and AQA, further showcasing her deep understanding of educational standards and assessments.
With a profound passion for teaching, Louise is dedicated to fostering student success and growth, continually striving to inspire and elevate the educational experience.
EAL Assistant
Prior to joining BCXL International School Penang Srinivasn was an internship teacher in SMK Alam Megah Shah Alam for 6 months. He holds a bachelor’s degree in teaching English as Second Language. Specialised and a devoted EAL support. He works with students who do not have English as a first or second language. Srinivasn provides in-class support to students who have identified language acquisition needs. He is a dedicated EAL support who focused on providing an innovative, fun and inspiring learning. He tracks record of encouraging students to master English while also nurturing their love of the language. He is a person who committed to finding new methods to get better results and improve the students. He masters at developing and promoting interactive learning within group environment and individual. Experienced working with children and adults from different cultural backgrounds to teach language skills. He is a positive educator who deals the students professionally and consistently dedicating extra time for one-on-one instruction to teach difficult lessons.
EAL Assistant
Nur Diyana joined XCL International School as an ELL Support Assistant in August 2022. Diyana is the first person to hold this new role of ELL support session which catered to exam classes.
Diyana holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied English Language Studies and prior to joining XCL, Diyana has taught English in two public secondary schools in Malaysia, majorly focused on two different national exams (SPM and MUET respectively).
Diyana is also an experienced translator. She has involved in a few subtitling and official documents translation projects before venturing into the education line.
Teaching Assistant - EAL
Teaching Assistant
Sweta Chandrasakeran joined GEMS International School Pearl City, Penang (now XCL International School, Penang) in August 2023.Prior to joining XCL, she was a kindergarten teacher at Dragonfly Kindergarten Alma from Dec 2022 to July 2023.
Sweta holds a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education from Quest International University Perak from the year 2018 – 2022.
Key Stage 5 Leader
Prior to joining BXCL, Evangeline has worked in national and private schools, teaching Maths and Science. Her curiosity in learning has led her to pursue Masters in Education. Evangeline believes that learning truly takes place when students are able to apply the skills and knowledge in real-life.
In her free time, Evangeline enjoys cycling and exploring new trails to keep fit. She is also a qualified teacher for classical ballet.
Mathematics Teacher
Maths teacher who has taught in the UK, Australia and Malaysia over the past 19 years.
Science Teacher
Ian has been in education for over 25 years, beginning his career in teaching in the UK Primary sector where he taught for 16 years, 8 years as a Headteacher in three Primary schools prior to moving internationally. Ian completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2007 and is currently undertaking his MBA through Heriot-Watt University. His first degree was a four-year Bachelor of Education with Mathematics from Liverpool Hope University College.
Ian joins XCL International School, Penang (BXCL) having spent the last four years working in China as a school leader in two of the Nord Anglia bilingual schools. Ian was the International Head of Primary in the largest of the Nord Anglia bilingual schools, NACIS, in Shanghai where alongside his co-Headteacher he led 1300 students aged 6-11 before moving to Nord Anglia Nantong as the Acting International Principal.
Prior to moving to China, Ian was at one of the Middle East’s leading international schools in Jordan, the International Community School (ICS), where alongside his role as Primary Headteacher he was also the line manager for their world class inclusion and counselling teams. Ian was also the whole school designated safeguarding lead and worked with the department for education in Jordan in developing policies and procedures which were designed to ensure the safety of all students accessing education in and across Jordan.
ICS was three nominated three times for International School of the Year during the time Ian was a member of the school leadership team, winning in 2018 in the area of Inclusion, nominated twice for its work on safeguarding.
Ian’s first international headship was in Kenya where he led a growing Pre-Prep and Prep school in Nairobi.
Ian has led schools through inspections under the Ofsted framework in the UK in addition to British School Overseas (BSO) inspections during his time internationally. During his leadership in Jordan, Ian was the chair of the steering committee which guided ICS through CIS (Council of International Schools) accreditation. He has also completed the training to be part of the COBIS (Council of British International Schools) Patrons Peer Accreditation teams.
As an educator and school leader, Ian believes very much in a child-centred approach to learning. He puts his students first considering their academic needs are met but ensuring that as a school the teachers also understand that to attain and make progress they need to cater effectively for the child’s emotional and physical needs.
Joshua Sussex
Deputy Head of Secondary
With over a decade of experience in teaching and educational leadership, Joshua Sussex is very much looking forward to exploring the ways in which he can contribute to enhancing the learning environment here at XCL Penang.
Joshua’s career spans prestigious international schools, including Malvern College and Wycombe Abbey, as well as a notable state school in London (UK). Recognized during a UK OFSTED inspection for delivering ‘outstanding lessons,’ Joshua ensured that all the students he taught achieved a 100% pass rate and above, at both GCSE and A-Level.
During his time at Wycombe Abbey International School, Joshua played a pivotal role in leading the school’s first COBIS Patrons accreditation and spearheaded the successful implementation of a Positive Behavior Scheme (PBS), which transformed student learning through tangible data, earning him a formal commendation. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), he developed safeguarding strategies and policies that fostered a safe and supportive learning environment, again earning commendation from COBIS.
Joshua has held various roles that have well-prepared him for the Deputy Head of Secondary position, including successful tenures as Head of Year, Head of Department, and Assistant Head of Secondary in diverse international contexts such as China, Egypt, and Vietnam.
Joshua combines these leadership experiences with strong academic credentials, including a BA (Hons) and PGCE with QTS, along with a master’s degree (MA) in International Education with Distinction from leading UK institutions. Recently, he completed the UK DfE-approved National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and became a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT). As a lifelong learner, Joshua is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) at the University of Bath (UK), focusing his research on international education, leadership, and policy.
Inclusion Assistant
Chai Ling is a versatile and passionate educator with a strong foundation in Telecommunication Engineering from UniMAP. Her professional journey began as a Product Engineer at Agilent Technologies, where she spent four years developing her technical expertise. However, her true calling led her to the field of education, where she has made a significant impact.
Before joining Straits International School as a STEM teacher nearly three years ago, Chai Ling gained valuable experience working at a Waldorf holistic preschool and as a tuition teacher. These roles allowed her to explore alternative educational approaches and develop a nurturing, student-centered teaching style.
In 2022, she further solidified her teaching credentials by obtaining a Cambridge Teaching Certificate, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from Open University Malaysia (OUM) in 2023. Her commitment to education is evident in her continuous pursuit of professional development and her dedication to staying current with the latest educational practices.
Chai Ling also has a deep interest in yoga and psychology, which led her to study Satir Transformation Therapy for two years. She enjoys reading psychology magazines like *Psychology Today* and has learned about mindfulness, which she incorporates into her personal and professional life.
Her diverse experiences across engineering, early childhood education, holistic approaches, and secondary education, combined with her strong academic background, make Chai Ling a well-rounded and dedicated educator. She is committed to fostering a holistic and engaging learning environment, inspiring students to reach their full potential.
Nur Diyana Md Ismadi
EAL Assistant
Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in Applied English Language Studies, Nur Diyana began her role as an English Language Learning (ELL) Support Assistant at XCL International School Penang in August 2022. She has since been providing specialized ELL support for the Key Stage 4 students.
Before joining XCL, Diyana has taught English at two public secondary schools in Malaysia, where she focused on preparing students for the SPM and MUET national exams.
Diyana is also an experienced translator, having worked extensively with subtitling and various types of official content prior to transitioning into education.
Teacher of Design Technology
Dr. Noor Qadri is originally from Indus Valley, but currently maintains residence in Essex, England. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering, a Ph.D. in Systems and Control Engineering and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary – Design and Technology. He has been working in Malaysia since 2022.
He has taught Secondary Design and Technology, Science and mathematics subjects for 25 years in England and China before coming to Malaysia. He prefers to teach all age groups (Year 7-13) and likes to extend his help to students with special needs in particular. He believes and applies the policy of EVERY CHILD MATTERS in his classroom.
Dr Noor Qadri has extensive experience in international education, having taught and held leadership roles across several prestigious institutions worldwide. His teaching journey started from John Kelly Boys Tech College in London, UK, De La Salle School in Basildon, Essex, UK and The Deanes School in Essex, UK.
In the China, he contributed significantly at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai, Shanghai United International School, Shanghai, Beijing BISS International School, Beijing, Vanke School Pudong, Shanghai and Leman International School Chengdu.
Dr Noor Qadri worked at Prince of Wales Island International School in Penang, Malaysia before moving to BXCL Penang. His diverse background brings a wealth of global insight and best practices to the classroom.
Noor likes cooking Indian curries, cycling around the city, visiting archeological sites, horse riding and making wooden toys. In his free time, he occasionally goes to play Billiards and Bowling.
Deputy Head of Primary
Lucy Brown joined XCL International School in 2023 and has been working in international schools in Malaysia for 10 years. She began her journey at Garden International School in Kuala Lumper before spending 5 years in Kuantan, Pahang.
In her previous school, Lucy played a key role in the implementation of the International Primary Curriculum and created detailed curriculum mapping documentation for the whole primary school. She holds a BSc. (Hons) in Environmental Science from the University of Plymouth, UK as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education from the University of Sunderland, UK.
Lucy believes that communication and collaboration are vital in all aspects of the school community and made a significant contribution to building relationships with parents in prior roles. Her Year 6 classroom is often noisy as students work together and learn from each other developing the skills they need to thrive in the real world.
Kenton McElhone
HOMEROOM TEACHER - YEAR 2
Kenton, widely known as Mr. Mac, joined XCL International School in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience from his teaching career, which began in 2017. Raised in Hong Kong within the international schooling system, Kenton speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish, and is currently learning Malay. His teaching journey has taken him from Hong Kong to England and now to Malaysia, where he has worked with the Hong Kong National Curriculum, the English National Curriculum, and the International Baccalaureate (Primary Years Programme).
Kenton’s educational background includes a PGCE from the University of Sunderland and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). He also holds a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) from Trinity College London, which has been instrumental in his work with ESL and EAL learners. In addition, Kenton earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Hotel Management from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, reflecting his previous career in the hospitality industry, including experience in Michelin-starred kitchens.
In the classroom, Kenton is dedicated to creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that supports every student’s needs while encouraging independent inquiry and growth. Outside of teaching, he is passionate about sports, including running, jumping rope, and hiking. He also enjoys spending time in the kitchen, creating and editing videos, and exploring new culinary experiences.
HOMEROOM TEACHER - YEAR 3/4
Jasmine Chak is an experienced educator, entering her 10th year of teaching, with a diverse background that spans both the UK and Hong Kong. She spent the first seven years of her career in Hong Kong, where she honed her skills and passion for teaching, before expanding her experience with two years in the UK.
Jasmine holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary English Language Education from Education University of Hong Kong and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management from The University of Nottingham. Her academic background and professional experiences have shaped her into a passionate and innovative teacher.
As the former Head of English in Hong Kong, Jasmine has been instrumental in curriculum development, with a particular focus on fostering intrinsic motivation in students to learn the English language. She is adept at integrating inquiry-based learning and task-based teaching approaches, utilising project-based activities to enhance students’ creativity and critical thinking skills.
Jasmine’s commitment to education is evident in her ability to create engaging and dynamic learning environments that inspire students to explore, question, and grow. Her dedication to developing effective curricula and her passion for fostering a love for learning make her a valuable asset to BXCL International School.
Emma Jayne Long
EYFS Teacher
Emma Long joined BXCL in August 2024, after teaching in the UK for 3 years.
Prior to joining the school, Emma spent a year teaching in Foundation Stage 2 in a school in Nottingham, UK. Emma also spent a year teaching in Year one where she introduced continuous provision into Year one. Emma has previous experience in working in schools with a high proportion of children with English as an additional language.
During her PGCE, Emma chose to specialize in the age range 3-7. Emma has a deep passion for shaping young minds. Emma believes that working with children in their early years offers a profound opportunity to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and development.
Emma holds an Undergraduate degree in Criminology from the University of Lincoln, and has a PGCE with QTS from the University of Hull.
Dr. Yang Yisheng (Ethan)
Teacher Of Science
Dr Yisheng (Ethan) Yang joins us at BXCL Internation School, Penang in the 2024-5 academic year as a Biology and Chemistry Teacher. Prior to joining the school, he was a teacher of General Sciences, Chemistry and Biology at Avondale College, New Zealand.
Ethan started his teaching journey at tertiary level, assisting with the instruction of undergraduate students in Health Science and Biomedical Science courses at the University of Otago. He later transitioned to secondary teaching through the Ako Mātātupu Teach First New Zealand programme.
Ethan blends his teaching experiences and a history of scientific research in both academic and commercial sectors to create a teaching experience of high academic rigor. He particularly enjoys engaging students with hands on, practical elements of Chemistry and Biology, to strengthen their understanding and elicit their curiosity.
Ethan holds a Master of Teaching and Educational Leadership from Unitec, delivered by Ako Mātātupu Teach First NZ. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy (molecular genetics specialisation) and Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Otago.
Andrew David Fryett
Head Of English
With over 20 years’ experience in the
international education sector, I am very happy to be embarking on a new
chapter here at BXCL. In addition to languages, my professional and personal
interests span a wide range of subjects, including law, philosophy, civic
engagement, and media. I am looking forward to working with all of you as we
strive to create an ideal environment for our learners!
Ng Joo Kim
Teacher Of Mathematics
Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching, Kim joined XCL International School, Penang, formerly known as GEMS International School Pearl City, Penang, in August 2016. Prior to joining XCL, she was the Head of Mathematics and KS4 Coordinator in another international school in Malaysia. Kim is an experienced Mathematics teacher who has taught KS2 to KS5, specialised in preparing students for the Cambridge examination. Her passion for Mathematics is something she loves to share with students, regardless of their level of ability. Kim doesn’t believe in rote learning and memorising formulas and instead, works with children on their understanding of Mathematical concepts to better appreciate the subject. When not teaching, she enjoys traveling and she has been a global volunteer, working in schools in China and Taiwan.
Geetha Kanesan
Teaching Assistant - EYFS
Geetha Kanesan is joined BXCL International School in August 2024.Prior to joining BXCL International School, she was an Assistant Principal at Bright Kids Kulim Avenue, Hi Tech Kulim, Kedah .She completed a Bachelor of Education with Majoring in Mathematics from University Tun Abdul Razak. She is an enthusiastic preschool teacher that fun, foster, facilitate the intellectual and social development of young children. She spent several years teaching primary-level Tamil medium and preschool English & Malay at both public and private schools. She loves and happy with younger pupils. She manages a small group of private classes in her spare time.
Muhammad Hudzaifah Hamdan
Multimedia/Graphic Designer
Muhammad Hudzaifah Bin Hamdan, known to many as Hud, is a passionate designer with a Diploma in Interior Design from UiTM Sri Iskandar. His love for design began early in his career as a 3D designer in an interior-based company, where he built a strong foundation in the field. With a deep passion for creativity and innovation, Hud transitioned to graphic design over the past two years, sharpening his skills and exploring new techniques. His most recent role was with Nicole Collection Sdn. Bhd. in Kuala Lumpur. Outside of work, Hud is constantly expanding his creative horizons, exploring AI generative tools, and indulging in his favorite pastime—playing games.
Nurshazwani Abdul Halim
Laboratory Assistant
BSc. (Hons.) Chemistry (Forensic analysis), Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam, Malaysia Diploma in Science , University Technology Mara, Malaysia
Nurshazwani joined XCL International school, Penang in September 2020 as lab assistant. She holds a BSc (Hons) Chemistry (Forensic analysis) from University Technology Mara, Shah Alam.
In this role, she has been instrumental in supporting experiments by preparing samples and chemicals, maintaining equipment and ensuring the science lab environment adheres to safety standards.
Her attention to detail and strong organizational skills has contributed to the smooth operation of the lab and ensuring that experiments are conducted efficiently and accurately.
Her duties reflect a passion for the science field, and she is eager to continue making a positive impact in her professional and personal endeavors.
Nur Salina Binti Nazli
Receptionist & Admin Assistant
SPM, SMK Methodist
On 19th December 2022, Nur Salina Nazli officially began her role as a Receptionist Cum Admin Assistant at BXCL.
The part of her role she enjoy the most is interacting with EYFS students, especially when seeing their different personalities as she send them to their classrooms in the morning when they arrive late.
Even when there’s work stress, she always greet parents’ inquiries with a big smile.
Previously, Salina worked as a Documentation and Customer Service Officer at a logistics company in Penang Island for 4 years.
During that time, she handled import and export shipments, as well as other documentation related to logistics.
Jaya Jothi Arjuna Perumal
Teacher Of Humanities
Jaya Jothi is an accomplished educator with a Master in Education and nearly four years of experience teaching Geography, History, and Global Perspectives across all levels. In addition to being a dedicated teacher, Jaya is also a certified IGCSE Geography marker, bringing a wealth of expertise in preparing students for international examinations. This experience gives her a unique perspective on the skills and knowledge required for success in global curricula, and she applies this insight in the classroom to enhance student learning outcomes.
As a teacher, Jaya fosters an environment that encourages critical thinking, curiosity, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Her approach to teaching integrates project-based learning, case studies, and real-world applications, ensuring that students not only engage with the material but also understand its relevance to the broader world. Whether guiding Year 7 students through foundational concepts like longitude and latitude or helping older students analyze complex global issues, Jaya ensures that her lessons are tailored to meet the needs and capabilities of her students.
With her certification in an IGCSE Geography Syllabus, Jaya is well-versed in the academic expectations of international exams, and this expertise, combined with her academic background, strengthens her teaching practice. Her ability to merge practical classroom strategies with her formal education in teaching enables her to continually refine her methods, ensuring that students excel academically and grow into informed global citizens.
Teacher
Sophie has been a primary school teacher for the past 5 years in the UK. She has relocated to Malaysia from Milton Keynes where she has enjoyed teaching a wide range of children, with a variety of learning styles. Sophie studied Primary Education at the University of Brighton where she was awarded qualified teacher status (QTS) and gained lots of experience working in different settings and with lots of year groups.
In her previous school, Sophie led and designed the curriculum for Design and Technology (D.T) throughout the school and was leader of the Arts council, made up of children representing all areas of the Arts. Sophie is very passionate about creating a safe and nurturing learning environment with high expectations; a place where every child can thrive, no matter their background. She also strongly believes in fostering positive relationships with everyone in the school community to support the holistic development of all children.
Year 1 Teacher
Emily is a dedicated teacher, bringing a wealth of experience that spans over 10 years in education in the United Kingdom and international teaching. Emily has achieved a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Chester, as well as a Primary and Early Years PGCE from Bath Spa University.
Throughout her career, Emily has been fortunate to work with a wide range of young learners, including those with English as an additional language. Her inclusive approach and ability to create an environment where all students feel valued has earned her a reputation as a compassionate and effective educator. Emily has previously held the position of Early Years Lead, guiding and nurturing more than 130 children each year through their crucial developmental stages.
Emily believes that every child should have the chance to thrive and achieve success in school and throughout life. She focuses her teaching on addressing each child’s unique strengths and needs, ensuring that they receive the guidance and support necessary to reach their full potential.
Personal Assistant To Principal
In August 2018, Sumatah began working for GEMS Education as a Personal Assistant to the Principal (currently known as XCL International School, Penang.
She worked as the Examination Officer at the British Council in Penang before joining GEMS. For nearly 5 years, she managed and handled IELTS, CIE exams, and other UK relating exams in BC.
Prior to working for British Council, she served as the secretary to the Financial Controller at Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang. She coordinates major bidding projects and manages all financial-related matters for the finance team.
Sumatah earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Science Malaysia and Bach (Hons) Tourism Management (BTM) from the University of Utara Malaysia. Sumatah likes to travel to new places in her free time to learn about their cultures and beliefs.
Librarian
Farah is an experienced librarian with over 10 years of professional experience in the field. She began her career at Garden International School in KL (2011) and joined XCL International School in 2015. Farah has since been responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of both libraries, including cataloging, acquisitions, and collection development.
Throughout her tenure, Farah has demonstrated a commitment to providing excellent service to the school community and promoting literacy and reading amongst the students as well as running an after-school library CCA. She is passionate about connecting people with the information and resources they need to succeed and has been instrumental in engaging library users and providing support to students and staff alike.
ICT Manager
ICT Executive
Admission and Marketing Manager
Senior Enrolment Executive
Assistant Manager - Enrolment
Senior Executive - Admissions
Pei Shan holds a Degree in Communication from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and brings over a decade of experience in marketing and design to her role at XCL International School. Before joining XCL, she served as a Senior Sales and Marketing Executive at Fairview International School and has also gained experience in business development and F&B management.
At XCL International School, Pei Shan is responsible for managing enquiries, providing enrolment consultations to new families, and ensuring a smooth transition into the school community. She also handles the school’s social media presence, content creation, video editing, and digital marketing efforts.
Outside of her professional life, Pei Shan is an avid journaler and calligraphy enthusiast.
Procurement Executive
Database Administrator
Shazlin joined as an Assistance Admin Officer back in August 2014. Shazlin was one of the pioneer staff with almost eight years of experience working alongside the admin and academic team of GEMS Education (now XCL International School, Penang). Prior to working here, she spent almost four years in private Banking sector as a Senior Executive in Reporting Department, who contribute to completion reports for Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) in Kuala Lumpur.
Shazlin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management with Honours, from the University Utara Malaysia (UUM). Currently, Shazlin is responsible for Data and Reporting Customization, Subjects and Group/Class Set, Timetable, Assessment, Reports and Performance Tracking, Parent Evening and Activities Module.
Operations Manager
Ravita joined GEMS Education as Operations Manager back in 2014. She is the pioneer staff who was employed to oversee the construction of the main school building. With experience in project management, she managed the temporary site office and school as well as main school building with help from a fellow colleague who was sent from the corporate office. Before the site office was ready, she and her other colleague was working from Mc Donald’s, National Libraries as well as Palmington’s Sales Gallery.
During that time, she was working with team members from Dubai HQ, Singapore as well as from KL corporate office. She also had to play a part to assist in roadshows and would have to take turn with the small number of staff just the 4 of them and work long hours in the mall on recruitment before the full team was employed. She had stepped in again in many roles in 2014 to do whatever it take to make things work at that time. It was said to be a tough, challenging but an interesting journey.
With vast experience in International School for the last 20 years, she had taken up a few roles in her past employment which enabled her to gain wider experience which she brings along with her. Ravita oversees Operations in the school and manages Catering Department, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, Cleaning & Security as well as liaising with the official ministries department on matters pertaining to school.
School Nurse
School Nurse
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Teaching Assistant
Mariana Clament joined GEMS International School, (now XCL International School, Penang) as a Teaching Assistant for Primary Year 2 in April 2022.
Prior to joining GEMS, she was an ESL teacher at Regent International School, Kedah. She taught Year 9 and Year 11 students. She believes in a student-centered learning environment therefore students were always encouraged to ask questions and think outside of the box. During the course of her teaching career at Regent, she discovered that her Year 9 students enjoyed dressing up and role-playing so she incorporated that to her lessons to foster an engaging and fun atmosphere in the classroom.
Mariana holds a Bachelors degree in English (TESOL) from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak. She enjoys listening to music, going for long drives and café hopping. She is currently working as a Teaching Assistant for the ELL Department at XCL International School, Penang.
Mr Partington has 20 years’ experience as a teacher and school leader, joining GEMS International School Tropicana Metropark, soon to be Sri KDU International School Subang Jaya, in February 2019 as Principal. He was later promoted to the role of Executive Principal for the Sri KDU group and then to his current role of CEO for XCL Malaysia.
Dr Hor is a parent of a Year 12 student. He has an interest in education beyond the school in his role as Principal Consultant and Managing Partner with Dream Cather who provide Technical Training to the Electrical and Electronic industry. Dr Hor has been an active member of the Parent Support Group.
Science Teacher
Naeem is a highly experienced Physics teacher from Birmingham, UK, with 13 years of teaching under his belt. He graduated from the University of Manchester with a BSc and MSc in Physics, followed by a short career in business management. He then turned his attention to teaching by initially completing his PGDE at the University of Birmingham in 2011 and has teaching experiences in the UK, UAE as well as Malaysia.
Naeem is known for his passion for Physics and his ability to engage his students in the subject matter, making it both interesting and accessible. He is deeply committed to his students’ success and works tirelessly to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their studies. In his free time, Naeem enjoys playing snooker and chess and loves to travel.
Computer Science Teacher
Joseph Opio joined BXCL International School as a computer science teacher in August 2022.
His most recent role was as the Head of Secondary at Cubahiro International School in Bujumbura, Burundi. From February 2021 to July 2022, he provided strong leadership and guidance to the secondary school department, ensuring a conducive learning environment and academic excellence.
Before joining Cubahiro International School, Joseph served as an ICT/Computer Science Teacher at GEMS Cambridge International School Kampala in Kampala, Uganda. From August 2019 to December 2020.
Joseph also gained valuable experience as an ICT Teacher at Gitega International Academy in Burundi. During his tenure from August 2017 to July 2019, he facilitated engaging and interactive ICT lessons, fostering technological literacy among students.
Prior to that, Joseph worked as a Systems Admin/ICT Teacher at Horizon International School Uganda in Jinja, Uganda. From August 2014 to August 2017, he demonstrated his technical expertise and managed the school’s ICT infrastructure efficiently.
Joseph’s teaching journey began in government schools in Uganda, where he served as a Teacher and Head of the ICT department from September 2011 to July 2014. He made a positive impact on students’ education, combining his passion for teaching with his proficiency in information and communication technology.
To support his career in education, Joseph pursued a Bachelor of Science Education at Busitema University in Uganda, from 2008 to 2011.
Senior Parent Engagement Executive
Joyce is passionate about building strong, long-lasting relationships with parents and collaborating with them to solve problems and drive growth.
She has 17 years of educating, started as a teacher in an international school to a principal of 30 students in her day care centre.
She is also a mother of three, age 9,11 and 13.
Mandarin Teacher
Tan Tze Ling, also known as Iris, earned her bachelor’s degree in Primary Education from Wawasan Open University. She’s brought her passion and knowledge into her teaching since the beginning, creating exciting and engaging classrooms for her students.
This year, Iris embarked on a new adventure at XCL International School, switching from primary education. Her interest in Chinese history and culture adds depth to her teaching, allowing her to share lessons from the past, both successes and mistakes.
Iris’s dedication to her students shines through as she combines her dynamic teaching style with insights from history. With her, learning becomes more than just facts—it’s a journey of discovery and growth that extends beyond the classroom.
Teacher Of Music
Deborah has been teaching music in Penang for 7 years. Prior to joining BXCl, she was based on the island, teaching secondary choir, pre-school music and private lessons in various settings. She has also been consistently invited to be part of the judging panel for school-wide singing competitions in some of the local schools on the island. Deborah strives to inspire her students and brings out the best in them. She strives to instil in them an interest for the arts and is willing to help them succeed. She is also passionate about choral music. Thus, she continues to perform with The Messengers Choir – a group that performs at events such as The Georgetown Festival and German Unity Day. Other than that, she also actively serves in her church choir.
Teacher Of Mandarin
Yi Zhen joined XCL International School, Penang in August 2023 as a Mandarin teacher.
Prior to joining XCL International School, she was a Mandarin, Art and pre-school main teacher at Noble Concept Preschool, Penang. She led the mandarin team and pre-school team in the start-up years with responsibility for all level mandarin subjects and preschooldevelopment timeline.
Before joining the concept preschool, she was a right- brain instructor in The Shichida Methods. Her responsibility is to pull out innate ability in students and enhance students’ photographic memory using flash cards and play-based method.
Yi Zhen has 8 years of teaching experience, and she holds a Bachelor Degree in Bio-industry.
DT Teacher
Gareth started his teaching career in the UK at Reed’s School, Cobham, Surrey, where he taught design technology. He held the title of Head of Summer Sports and his role included Assistant House Master.
Gareth has recently been teaching as Head of Department DT at Ecole Mondiale World School in Mumbai. He has been teaching design technology and visual arts in international schools for the past twenty-five years. These schools include: The British School Tashkent, Berlin Brandenburg International School, Haileybury Astana, Haileybury Almaty, Southbank International School and The British School of Boston. He was instrumental in the implementation of design technology as a core subject in each school mentioned above.
Gareth gained his Bachelor of Education at Greenwich University, London. This academic achievement was followed by the completion of his Master of Arts, Design Studies at Central St. Martins, London.
Teacher
Charlie joined XCL International School, Penang in 2023 as a Year 5 Classroom Teacher. Prior to joining, Charlie spent four years teaching at Oryx International School in Doha, Qatar.
Charlie has been working in Education since 2014, initially employed as a Teaching Assistant before gaining his PGCE at the University of Chichester, UK and is now in his 7th year of teaching. Having spent over five years teaching in Qatar, Charlie has also taught in Sydney, Australia and in Portsmouth, UK.
With a BA in History, gained at the University of Winchester, UK Charlie has a passion for humanities and thoroughly enjoys teaching Topic lessons. Charlie maintains the belief that learning should be purposeful, accessible and above all fun! Charlie strives to achieve this through incorporating local and international events along with child hobbies and interests in his teaching.
Outside of teaching, Charlie is a keen traveller and has visited over 30 countries worldwide. Charlie also enjoys following several sports including Football and Rugby Union; trying local foods and spending time with his young family.
Mathematics Teacher
Duncan Grice joined XCL International School, Penang (BXCL), formerly known as GEMS International School, Pearl City, Penang, in April 2020, after being a Consultant Principal with GEMS Education.
Prior to joining the school, he was the founding Headmaster of Malvern College Egypt, establishing a school with a clear emphasis on learning and putting students at the centre of every decision. Duncan led the College Leadership Team in the start-up years with responsibility for all areas of the development timeline. The College achieved an A* report from Malvern College UK in its first Quality Assurance inspection.
Before moving to Egypt, Duncan was the founding Deputy Head of College/Head of Junior School at Dulwich College Suzhou, China. He was chair of the steering committee which guided DSCZ through CIS accreditation, making the school one of the youngest schools ever to be awarded this prestigious international stamp of approval.
Duncan first taught overseas at the British International School Jakarta, Indonesia in 2000. There he was the KS2 Coordinator with responsibility for sixteen classes and member of the Primary SLT. Duncan was a member of the steering committee which saw the school accredited as a full member of the Council of International Schools.
Prior to moving to Jakarta, Duncan was Head of Year 6 and teacher governor at New Bradwell Combined School in Milton Keynes in the UK.
Duncan holds a MA in Education from the University of Bath, a B.A. (Hons) History/American Studies from St John’s College York. He also holds a PGCE from the University of Wales. Additionally, Duncan has been a registered ISI school inspector.