Naomi Carmichael
Director of English
With ten years of teaching experience in the UK, I bring a wealth of professional knowledge, leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence in education.
Teaching has been my lifelong passion. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the age of four, and that early sense of purpose has shaped every step of my academic and professional journey. I pursued English at every opportunity, from college through to university, where my BA (Hons) in English and Education allowed me to work across a wide range of educational settings. These experiences gave me a strong understanding of the principles, policies and practices that underpin truly effective teaching and learning.
Throughout my career, I have been privileged to hold a number of strategic and developmental roles. These include Third in English with responsibility for disadvantaged pupils, Research and Development Lead following the completion of my NPQML with a focus on metacognition in the classroom, and Lead Practitioner, where I championed whole-school oracy. Since 2022, I have served as Director of English, driving high standards, curriculum innovation and impactful teaching and learning across departments.
I am a trained instructional coach and am deeply passionate about developing others. Supporting and empowering staff to refine their practice and confidently implement innovative, research-informed teaching strategies is something I find incredibly rewarding.
I join WIS with a clear and ambitious vision for the English department, one where all pupils are both challenged and supported, where a love of language and literature is cultivated, and where every student is given the opportunity to thrive throughout their journey here.
As Director of Sport at GEMS Wellington International School, I take immense pride in leading a department that is dedicated to excellence, inclusivity, and student success. The WIS Wildcats are more than just sports teams—they represent a culture of determination, teamwork, and ambition, all encompassed through our core values of empathy, integrity and fortitude. Seeing thousands of students engage in our sports squads, clubs, and competitions is a testament to the thriving sporting community and culture that our PE team have created. We are proud that our students compete at the highest levels locally, regionally and internationally, and our collective role is to continue to provide them with the best possible opportunities to develop as athletes and individuals.
My personal journey in education began at Sheffield Hallam University, where I earned a BSc in Sport Development with Coaching, followed by a PGCE in Physical Education at Manchester Metropolitan University. I started my teaching career in London before moving to Dubai, and over the past eight years at GEMS Wellington International School, I have transitioned through various leadership roles, from Curriculum Leader of Middle School PE to Curriculum Leader of Secondary PE. Each of these experiences has helped shape my approach to sports education, reinforcing the importance of fostering both elite performance and broad participation.
Looking ahead, our vision for the PE department is to solidify GEMS Wellington International School as one of the top sporting schools in the Middle East and on the global stage. We are committed to creating pathways for students to excel in their chosen sports while ensuring that every child has the chance to develop a lifelong passion for physical activity. From grassroots programs to elite squads, we aim to provide the highest level of coaching and unparalleled opportunities for competition and personal growth.
Our journey towards sporting excellence is driven by a shared commitment between staff, students, and parents and by continuously evolving our programs, strengthening our competitive presence, and nurturing leadership within our students, we will continue to set new benchmarks for success. I am proud to lead a team that is passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes and ensuring that GEMS Wellington International School continues to be a highly competitive presence on the sporting circuit.
