Victory Heights Primary School
Victory Heights Primary School
Victory Heights Primary School

Leadership Team

Meet the schools primary leadership team:

 
 
 

Sasha Crabb - Principal

As Founding Principal, Sasha has been fully invested in the vision and culture of Victory Heights Primary right from inception. She has been able to help design the building, the curriculum, uniform and ethos. As one of the longest serving Principals in the same school in Dubai, she has an invested passion and genuine care for the school and this is because she is concerned for each and every child. She completed her NPQH in 2006 and has led other leadership programs with the UCL. Sasha is heavily invested in professional development, leadership research and coaching to develop others to be the best that they can be. Throughout her career over the last 27 years, she has been committed to reducing teacher workload and for the community to have a strong sense of happiness. Before Dubai Sasha worked as an Educational leader in Egypt, London and Wales. She is inspired by creating purposeful projects that give children a depth of learning. She was awarded Principal of the Year by Educational Journal Magazine in 2017 and by Schools Compared in the UAE in 2019. Sasha loves being part of a family community school where everyone knows her name.

Her autobiography would be called - Method to The Madness.

Ben Rothwell - Headteacher

Ben Rothwell graduated Canterbury Christ Church University with a BSc in Business Information Management, and then undertook a GTP leading to QTS status. He is passionate about the integration of technology throughout schools and how it can lead to transformational learning experiences. Before moving to Dubai, Ben worked at Kent College, Canterbury, a leading private school, as Head of ICT & Computing. Ben's professional experience also includes working in an all-boys grammar school and a large secondary modern. Ben is currently studying for his National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

 

Alex Quinn - Assistant Headteacher

Alex joined Victory Heights Primary School in January 2017 and has been a part of the senior leadership team for 3 years, with responsibilities encompassing Teaching and Learning, and Assessment.

After graduating from the University of Northampton with First-Class Honors in Criminal Justice, Alex later completed a (PGCE) Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education. During his time in Wales, Alex worked as a Key Stage Two teacher and was integral in embedding the use of effective assessment strategies to support teaching and learning. In 2015, alongside his role as a Year 5 teacher, Alex worked as a MAGT Coordinator in a secondary school, teaching KS3 maths and English, and helped launch the Welsh ‘Narrowing the Gap’ initiative across a range of primary and secondary schools, further demonstrating his commitment to creating both a nurturing and challenging curriculum.

Alex has a passion for curriculum design and has been instrumental in developing a curriculum that is supportive of core competencies and balances both knowledge and experiential learning.

Rob McCall - Assistant Headteacher

Rob McCall graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BSc in Sports Science, before completing a PGCE PE course at Liverpool John Moores University. He has over 10 years’ experience in education and completed his early teaching career at two OFSTED outstanding schools in the UK, where he became Year Leader and part-time Head of PE. In 2017, Rob moved to the UAE, where he was employed as Head of PE and Faculty Lead for Performing Arts. Since joining VHPS, Rob has been able to engage with his passion for developing and nurturing teachers, leading our PGCE and NQT programmes. Most recently, he has completed a MA in Education at Middlesex University, Dubai. His research into teacher professional development from around the world has helped to adapt our unique VHPS University programme.

Sasha Quinn - Early Years Leader

Sasha Quinn graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Childhood Studies. She continued her studies at Roehampton University, graduating with a PGCE in Primary Education, specialising in EYFS and KS1. Sasha previously worked in Foundation Stage Two in a school in England and moved to Dubai to teach at Victory Heights Primary School in 2017. She has led both FS1 and FS2 and recently became the Head of Foundation Stage at our new Foundation Stage building. Sasha has a wealth of experience within the Early Years and a vision to aid the independence of all our young learners.

Michelle Choytooa - Inclusion Champion

Michelle graduated from the University of Lancaster wit a BSc(Honors) in Occupational Therapy. Michelle has worked as an Occupational Therapist for 10 years in the National Health Service and in a Private clinic in Dubai, specialising in children with a variety of developmental and educational needs. During her time as an Occupational Therapist she has advocated and advised schools on how to best facilitate learning and development for children.Michelle is currently working on embedding personalised learning and effective curriculum modification throughout the school, with an emphasis for children who are involved with the inclusion team. She has a commitment to help drive and advocate for the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework and ensure that all children succeed with their physical, social , emotional, cognitive and academic skills.
 

Mirna Hamie - Head of Arabic

Mirna Hamie started her career teaching French after graduating as a class teacher from the École Normale Zahlé. While living in Dubai she completed a BA in Arabic literature to start a new chapter in her teaching path, helping students learn Arabic in a modern, creative and purposeful way. Since then she has worked in various prestigious British schools as a teacher, coach and leader. After completing a Masters Degree in Education at Murdoch University Dubai she moved to Abu Dhabi to be an Assistant Head teacher. She is passionate about coaching and helping teachers bring the best out of themselves and their students.

Mirna joined the amazing Victory Heights Primary School Family in February 2020. She is enjoying her different roles as a teacher, language acquisition leader and head of department. She is supporting the school’s vision to develop the different aspects of Arabic teaching and learning by growing mind-sets and drawing attention on diversity and intercultural communication.

Reehan Kamamji - Head of Islamic

Reehan holds a double major in English Literature and Islamic Studies. Her teaching journey began as a class teacher. Reehan has dedicated herself to teaching Islamic Studies, both for Arab and non-Arab students, across various grade levels in primary, middle, and secondary schools in Tennessee, USA. Since 2008, Reehan has continued her mission in Dubai, where she teaches Islamic Studies in prestigious schools.

Her approach to teaching Islamic Studies is to impart it in a unique and modern way, enhancing students' understanding of Islamic culture and values. She is equally enthusiastic about empowering fellow educators to excel in teaching Islam and helping their students thrive. Through innovative and effective strategies, she is committed to fostering excellence in the field of Islamic Studies.