Head of Prep School
Ms Sian Evans is the Head of the Prep school at Epsom College. Sian has a BEd Hrs degree from the University of Wales and a BCCT from Thompson River University, BC, Canada and is currently completing her Masters in Education in Spelling to Write and Read. She has a wealth of teaching experience from Nursery to Year 13. She has taught in England, Hong Kong, Canada and China.
She believes that our Prep school is characterised by its warm and nurturing atmosphere, in which every child feels secure and where each can build a firm foundation of academic skills and explore his or her talents and abilities in other areas of the broader curriculum. Sian and her staff encourage all their students to be inquisitive about the world to develop a life-long love for learning.
Through an exciting programme of lessons and activities, it is the Prep school’s aim to inspire the children to pursue to the highest standards all that they undertake and to reach their full potential.
Sian enjoys sport as a competitor and as a spectator. She enjoys running, playing hockey, softball, netball and touch rugby as well as watching a variety of sports, especially football (Liverpool) and ice hockey (The Cannucks).
She has a daughter, who graduated from the Sixth Form at ECIM in 2016 and a son graduating in 2017. Both are active members in sports teams. Her daughter is moving on to study a BA Hons in Education at Nottingham University in Malaysia.
Teacher for Robins
Ms Judith Thompson joined Epsom College in Malaysia from The British International School, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She has a Bachelor Degree in Primary Education (Honours) from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Judith joined the Prep School as the school opened in 2014 to teach our Year 3/4 class. Since then, she has moved into the role of Deputy Head of Prep, dealing with Academics and teaching the Year 1/2 class.
Previous to this appointment, Judith spent 7 years teaching in Saudi Arabia where she experienced a variety of management roles leading both department and subject provision. Most recently she has been the Eco Schools Coordinator and has led the phonics and reading programmes. She is excited about being involved in developing the literacy provision here at Epsom. In addition to international experience, Judith has taught in Scotland and Northern Ireland and has an extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum.
In her spare time, Judith enjoys an active lifestyle enjoying outdoor sports and travel. Her particular passion is horse riding. She is also a keen lover of the arts and enjoys drama, writing play scripts, floral art and sculpture.
Teacher for Orioles
Mr Chris Lapping joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) as the Year 6 teacher. Graduating from the University of Durham, Chris holds a BA (hons) degree in Primary Education. Prior to joining Epsom, Chris held the post of Assistant Headteacher in a school in the North East of England where he taught across Key Stage 2, with responsibility for assessment.
Chris believes that happy children make for successful learners and aims to create a supportive, friendly environment where they feel empowered and safe to take risks to challenge themselves (so they can be the best they can be, both in and out of the classroom). Equipping children with the confidence, skills and thirst for knowledge for a life-long love of learning, Chris aims to help the children transition smoothly into the senior school.
Outside of the classroom, Chris is a keen snowboarder however, doesn’t expect to find too much snow in Malaysia! Instead, he enjoys broadening his horizons with the many sports that Epsom has to offer. He is also hopeful to one day find a ‘BodyPump’ class here in Malaysia!
This is Chris’s first international post and he loves the many exciting travel and cultural opportunities that South East Asia has to offer, especially the food!
Teacher for Chicks
Ms.Ubanisha Balasubramaniam (Nisha) joined Epsom College from Fairview International School in Kuala Lumpur and is currently the Chicks (EYFS) teacher.
Nisha has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Roehampton, London and is currently undergoing her Masters in Early Childhood Education. She has experience in teaching Nursery (EYFS) through to year 4 and has specialised in teaching Malay Language and Physical Education.
Nisha strongly holds her believe that every child should learn from their own interest and pace. Learning through play is the best way to allow children to explore and develop themselves to meet their learning goals. She strives to make a difference to her students’ lives.
Teacher for Chicks
Mrs Leona Squires joined Epsom College from Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok. After working as an SEN/EAL teacher in the prep school she is now taking over as the lead teacher in the Nursery/ Reception class.
Leona has a degree in Business Administration and a GDTO (Graduate Diploma in Teaching) from the University of Southern Queensland. She has experience in teaching Nursery through to Year 6 and has in the past specialised in teaching ICT.
Before entering the teaching profession Leona worked for an online learning company producing ICT based learning materials for adults. During her time in Thailand Leona worked at Shrewsbury International School before taking time out to take care of her own children: Finley, aged 9 and Maybelle, aged 5.
Leona believes passionately in allowing young learners to develop through a play based provision adapted to meet their individual needs. She can’t wait to encourage her class of 3 to 5 year olds to play and learn.
Teaching Assistant (Chicks)
Miss Rabiatul Adawiyah binti Othman joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) from Sunway International School, Malaysia where she had been a librarian for 2 years and 6 months. Rabiatul has a degree in Science Library and Information Management from Universiti Teknologi Mara and a Master of Science in Knowledge Management from Universiti Teknologi Mara.
Rabiatul has been interested in working in academia since she was 19 when she became a replacement teacher in one of the government school in Malaysia. She become more interested in teaching whilst working as a Librarian where she led a Literacy Class for the library. Rabiatul is very excited to help students out in any areas that she can.
Rabiatul lives with her family in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. She is a fan of Korean Drama and she loves cats so much which she has 5 cats in her house.
Teaching Assistant (Chitchats)
Ms Adriana Falisha joined Epsom in 2015. She graduated from International Islamic University in Malaysia. Adriana has a degree in Nursing. She worked as a school nurse before she joined the Prep School as Teaching Assistant.
Adriana loves to read books and watch movies during her free time.
Teacher for Robins
Miss Cassandra Sealy joins Epsom College in Malaysia (ECIM) from London, England having taught in various educational roles in England for 5 years. Most recently she has worked as the Head of Physical Education and a Key Stage 1 teacher. She has a BSc Hons. in Sports Coaching and a PGCE in Primary Education from St Marys' University, London.
Cassandra has worked with children in Canada, USA, Namibia, Zimbabwe, China and Thailand teaching English and outdoor sports. Originally from South-Africa, she worked in education centres in African game reserves training the next generation to take care of their wildlife. Cassandra particularly promotes a Growth Mindset in the children she teaches, allowing them to learn to believe in their success through hard work, learning and training to accomplish their goals.
Cassandra is planning on soaking up the local culture, delicacies and taking on the many outdoor sporting and travelling opportunities in the country.
Teaching Assistant
Ms. Myrra Manokaran joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) from a local kindergarten where she had been a preschool teacher for 5 years.
Myrra has a Diploma in Child Psychology and Learning Disorders from College of Allied Educators, a Diploma of Educational Studies from The College of Teachers, UK and an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs Education from Open University Malaysia.
Myrra has been working with children aged between 3 to 12 years old with different types of learning abilities. She believes that every child's learning style is unique and the quality of education that a person receives during childhood is crucial in bringing out their potential.
Teacher for Sparrows
Mrs Sam Castle joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) when it opened its doors in 2014. Sam has worked in the UK for 18 years predominately with secondary students from Years 7 to 13. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Education from the University of Nottingham Trent where she qualified in 1998.
During Sam's long teaching career she has held a number of roles and responsibilities. Sam has taught both Business and Computing at Key Stage 3 and 4 and has held both coordinators roles and has also been Head of Faculty. Sam has also developed Teacher Training programmes for existent and new teachers and has supported others within their roles. Sam has liaised with feeder primary schools within the UK to ensure smooth transitions from primary to the secondary environment.
Sam has two boys who are also members of the Epsom community. They keep her quite busy, but in any spare time she enjoys baking - although she is not very good at it. Practice makes perfect!
Teacher for Mynahs
Ms Judith Thompson joined Epsom College in Malaysia from The British International School, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She has a Bachelor Degree in Primary Education (Honours) from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Judith joined the Prep School as the school opened in 2014 to teach our Year 3/4 class. Since then, she has moved into the role of Deputy Head of Prep, dealing with Academics and teaching the Year 1/2 class.
Previous to this appointment, Judith spent 7 years teaching in Saudi Arabia where she experienced a variety of management roles leading both department and subject provision. Most recently she has been the Eco Schools Coordinator and has led the phonics and reading programmes. She is excited about being involved in developing the literacy provision here at Epsom. In addition to international experience, Judith has taught in Scotland and Northern Ireland and has an extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum.
In her spare time, Judith enjoys an active lifestyle enjoying outdoor sports and travel. Her particular passion is horse riding. She is also a keen lover of the arts and enjoys drama, writing play scripts, floral art and sculpture.
Teacher for Mynahs
Having moved to ECiM in the founding year I worked in Carr junior boarding house and then the Prep School while studying for my PGCEi through Nottingham University. I passed with distinction and added this to the list of qualifications I have earned through working with children over the last 15 years. I have 3 children myself, all thriving at ECiM in years R,4 and 7. I also love nature, music and meditation. My current personal goal is to be the best year 3 teacher I can be while maintaining a healthy work life balance.
Teacher for Herons
Miss Lauren Maskell joins Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) from London, England having worked in a variety of educational settings for the past 7 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Politics and Social Policy from the University of York and a PGCE in General Primary Teaching from Homerton College, University of Cambridge. Lauren advocates a mistake-positive classroom environment and believes that learning from mistakes is a key way that children develop and begin to take ownership of their learning.
Previous to this appointment, Lauren spent a year as the Mathematics and PSHE co-ordinator at Snaresbrook Preparatory School, London, England following 4 years in the State sector as a Class Teacher. Within the Boarding Community, she has worked at Headington School, Oxford and Stowe School, Buckingham in pastoral roles. This is her first international post.
In her spare time, Lauren is an avid theatre goer and live music fan. She has a passion for travel and food. She looks forward to immersing herself in the local culture and exploring all possible travel opportunities!
Teacher for Kingfishers
Mr Stephen McElhinney joins Epsom College in Malaysia from Haileybury Astana School, Kazakhstan. He has a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the University of Kent, UK and a PGCE Primary from the University of Manchester, UK. Stephen has joined the Prep School as the Year 5 teacher.
Stephen has extensive international teaching experience, Epsom College in Malaysia will be his fourth international school. In addition to his teaching role, Stephen enjoys taking an active role within school development. Previously, he has created an English Language curriculum, developed a PDR and CPD process for teaching assistants, developed charity links and coordinated subjects. Stephen looks forward to coordinating English within the Prep School..
Stephen lives with his wife, who is currently a Mandarin teacher. Having braved the cold Kazakh winters, they both look forward to enjoying the warm Malaysian climate. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys playing chess, cricket and football. Originally from Ipswich, England, he is a “Tractor Boys” fan and remains optimistic about their return to the Premiership.
Teaching Assistant
Jeff has found Epsom College in Malaysia tobe the most enjoyable job he has experienced so far.Being part of such a huge school he has have been involved in diverse projects and obtained skills that he never imagined he would be lucky enough to do.
Presently, Jeff is a teaching assistant to both Year 5 and year 6 in the Prep School, working with staff from numerous different nationalities, helping them in a variety of ways. This has been a lot of fun and challenging at times.Jeff finds the Key Stage 1 and 2 children amazing, as they can work independently and push themselves to the edge of their learning skills.
Known as Mr Jeff, Jeff has been at ECiM for 4 years, since the school opened. He started as a matron in Granville House for one year. Life in Granville during the day was busy with domestic duties but rather lonely without the students. Jeff looked forward to the afternoons when the students returned to the house from their classes, and the whole house would transform into a loud and lively environment.
Jeff coachees basketball from Key Stage 2 to the under 11s team and teacsh Martial arts, Ki Aikido, across all age groups. Jeff loves photograph. He finds life in ECiM fascinating; we have extraordinarily teaching staff, admin staff and catering staff he believeswho all work together to grow ECiM more and more each year.
Teacher for Orioles
Mr Chris Lapping joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) as the Year 6 teacher. Graduating from the University of Durham, Chris holds a BA (hons) degree in Primary Education. Prior to joining Epsom, Chris held the post of Assistant Headteacher in a school in the North East of England where he taught across Key Stage 2, with responsibility for assessment.
Chris believes that happy children make for successful learners and aims to create a supportive, friendly environment where they feel empowered and safe to take risks to challenge themselves (so they can be the best they can be, both in and out of the classroom). Equipping children with the confidence, skills and thirst for knowledge for a life-long love of learning, Chris aims to help the children transition smoothly into the senior school.
Outside of the classroom, Chris is a keen snowboarder however, doesn’t expect to find too much snow in Malaysia! Instead, he enjoys broadening his horizons with the many sports that Epsom has to offer. He is also hopeful to one day find a ‘BodyPump’ class here in Malaysia!
This is Chris’s first international post and he loves the many exciting travel and cultural opportunities that South East Asia has to offer, especially the food!