Lisa Wood
Inclusion Language Specialist
Dubai
Summary
Strategic and impact-driven Whole-School EAL/ELL and Secondary Leader with over 15 years of international education experience across British and international curricula. Dedicated to enabling all pupils, particularly multilingual learners, to thrive in academically ambitious and nurturing school environments aligned with the Brighton College ethos of curiosity, confidence, kindness, and excellence.
Specialist in leading whole-school language provision that strengthens literacy, raises attainment, and ensures equitable access to a rigorous curriculum. Currently leading Secondary EAL provision at GEMS Wellington International School, where I oversee EAL strategy, reading interventions, and KS4 examination preparation while building staff capacity to support multilingual learners effectively across the curriculum.
Recognized for combining high academic expectations with strong pastoral leadership, collaborative practice, and data-informed decision-making to create inclusive school cultures where pupils feel supported, challenged, and confident to achieve their best outcomes. Passionate about contributing to schools that value scholarship, character development, and a strong sense of community.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Inclusion Language Specialist
GEMS Wellington International School
09.2020 - Current
- Lead and design whole-school EAL provision across KS3–KS4, ensuring alignment with curriculum and assessment frameworks
- Develop and implement tiered intervention pathways aligned to CEFR and Bell Foundation frameworks
- Deliver high-impact CPD to mainstream staff on adaptive teaching, language scaffolding, and inclusive practice
- Collaborate with SLT to align EAL strategy with whole-school priorities and high-performance learning principles
- Contribute to inspection readiness through robust impact dashboards, progress tracking systems, and evidence-informed evaluation
- Implemented structured assessment systems (NGRT, CAT4, internal data) to drive targeted intervention and progress tracking
- Designed personalised EAL progress dashboards for SLT reporting and parent engagement
- Successfully transitioned high-need EAL learners into mainstream provision
- Led KS4 EAL examination preparation, securing a 100% pass rate in GCSE/IGCSE English as a Second Language
- Designed and delivered targeted reading interventions, accelerating student reading ages and literacy outcomes
- trategic lead for FlashAcademy implementation across Secondary
- Embedded digital vocabulary acquisition pathways to support rapid language development
- Established and led key EAL enrichment programmes, including:
Young Interpreters Scheme (YIS)
Reading Buddies Programme
Language Legends Club
ELL Performing Arts Club - Organised EAL celebration assemblies and multilingual community events to promote inclusion and identity
- Delivered parent workshops on supporting reading and language development at home
- Led staff training on effective EAL pedagogy, improving classroom practice and student access
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practice, resources, and consistent approaches across departments
- Maintained ongoing professional development in EAL, inclusion, and language acquisition
- Developed student leadership pathways for multilingual learners, increasing participation and confidence
- Integrated platform analytics into whole-school monitoring and intervention systems
Head of Year ( Sixth Form)
Latifa School For Girls
10.2013 - 07.2021
- Led Year 12 pastoral and academic provision, ensuring high standards of wellbeing, behaviour, and achievement across the cohort
- Designed and delivered EAL provision across KS3–KS4, supporting multilingual learners to access the curriculum and achieve strong outcomes
- Taught KS3 English, embedding language development, literacy, and academic writing across the curriculum
- Secured 100% pass rate in IGCSE English as a Second Language and Cambridge KET/PET examinations
- Monitored whole-year group performance through data tracking, pupil progress reviews, and targeted intervention strategies
- Implemented structured support systems for underperforming students, leading to improved attainment and engagement
- Led and managed a team of form tutors, ensuring consistency in behaviour, safeguarding, and pastoral care
- Oversaw day-to-day management of the year group, aligning practice with school policies and expectations
- Delivered assemblies, enrichment activities, trips, and student events to build community and student engagement
- Promoted safeguarding, anti-bullying, and positive behaviour through proactive and preventative approaches
- Acted as a key point of contact for students, parents, staff, and senior leadersAnalysed data with staff and SLT to inform intervention and drive improvement
- Delivered training and guidance for form tutors to strengthen pastoral and academic support systems
- Inducted new staff and students, ensuring smooth transition and alignment with school expectations
- Shared best practice across departments to enhance teaching, learning, and student outcomes
- Led EAL provision within an Emirati context, supporting language acquisition alongside cultural and linguistic identity.
- Strengthened student wellbeing, behaviour, and attendance through consistent pastoral systems and early intervention
Head of ESL/Girls Counsellor
Deria International School
09.2005 - 07.2010
- Liaised with Head/Asst Heads, other Heads of Departments.
- Provided in-house training for whole school and ESL staff.
- Devising and planning the curriculum and resources for ESL learners.
- Providing study support skills for IBBC students.
- Responsible for pastoral care to form groups.
- Member of the 'Philosophy and Objectives School Improvement Committee'.
- Teaching to Cambridge International Examinations and International Baccalaureate.
- Effectively and appropriately differentiate instruction so as to meet all students' learning styles with appreciation for students' learning differences.
- Design, administer, and evaluate a range of formative and summative assessments as appropriate.
- Complete administrative tasks as defined and by set deadlines.
- Induct students appropriately to provide academic advice, counselling, educational guidance, and advisory support, including individual learning plans, as directed.
- Supervise students' attendance and behaviour and follow up as appropriate, in accordance with the Student Handbook.
- Ensure lessons are in line with planning and their respective objectives, and that segments of lessons are shared with students, as appropriate.
- Provide feedback on materials, courses, and lessons to academic and other managers/colleagues as requested.
Education
O Levels -
Dubai English Speaking School
Dubai, United Arab EmiratesO Levels - undefined
St Bees Boarding School
St Bees, Cumbria, UKLevel 4 Teaching Certificate - TESOL
Trinity College
PGCE International - Postgraduate
The University Of Nottingham
NottinghamMaster of Education - undefined
University Of Dundee
Dundee, ScotlandCertified TEMC Tutor - Education
Lexis Educator
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 04.2001 -
Skills
- TEMC Instructor
- Strategic leadership of whole-school EAL and multilingual provision
- Academic language development and disciplinary literacy across the curriculum
- Proven impact in raising attainment for multilingual and diverse learners
- Curriculum design and adaptation across British and international frameworks
- Data-driven practice: assessment, progress tracking, and impact evaluation
- KS3–KS4 examination preparation (IGCSE English Language / ESL pathways)
- Instructional coaching, staff development, and capacity building
- Inspection readiness, self-evaluation, and quality assurance
- Cross-curricular collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Design and implementation of targeted intervention programmes
- Creating inclusive, high-performance learning cultures
Accomplishments
- Dubai Teachers License
- FAA Level 3 Award in supervising First Aid for Mental Health
- Currently signed up for a Safeguarding DSL Level 3 course
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Activities Day/Sports Day coordinator
- School production/Drama lead/Backstage lead
- Supervised team of 6 staff members (HOY position)
- Supervises a team of 6 staff as HOD
- Undertaking the NPQSL course
- Examiner for IGCSE ESL Speaking Exam
- Exam Invigilator
- Coordinator for Year 12 Graduation
- Coordinator for Prize Giving Event
- Leader for English school trips
- Cross-curricular school trips
Timeline
Inclusion Language Specialist
GEMS Wellington International School
09.2020 - Current
Head of Year ( Sixth Form)
Latifa School For Girls
10.2013 - 07.2021
Head of ESL/Girls Counsellor
Deria International School
09.2005 - 07.2010
Certified TEMC Tutor - Education
Lexis Educator
04.2001 -
O Levels - undefined
St Bees Boarding School
Level 4 Teaching Certificate - TESOL
Trinity College
PGCE International - Postgraduate
The University Of Nottingham
Master of Education - undefined
University Of Dundee
O Levels -
Dubai English Speaking School