Housemaster of Propert, Head of Key Stage 3
Mr Ian Squires joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) from Shrewsbury International School (SIS), Bangkok. As a founding member of SIS, Ian has a wealth of experience in developing a new institution, using the English curriculum in an international context.
At Shrewsbury International School, Ian had pastoral responsibility as a Head of Year, was a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Senior SENCo (Special Educational Needs), and prior to that, he was the Head of Physical Education. At ECiM he takes this experience into his role as the Housemaster for a senior boys' house.
Originally from Plymouth, Ian studied Sport and Science in Nottingham, before completing a PGCE through Exeter University. He has also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Difficulties in Literacy Development and is a registered specialist teacher and assessor of Dyslexia through the British Dyslexic Association.
Prior to his time at Shrewsbury he lived and worked in Sheffield and Rotherham, working at Thomas Rotherham Sixth Form College, teaching PE and A level Biology. He also worked at St Bernard's Catholic High School.
Alongside this he worked for the Football Association as a B license coach, delivering coaching at county level and coach education courses throughout the borough.
Married with two young children, Ian is an active sportsman and remains a particularly passionate football fan. He is also a keen boxer, enjoys keeping fit and is learning to play the guitar alongside his son.
AHMM, Director of Boarding Compliance
Mrs Kirsty Tod joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) from Epsom College UK in 2017, where she arrived as a teacher of English and History in 2003. Kirsty soon developed a love of boarding at ECUK and was appointed HMM of Wilson House (girls aged 13-18) in 2007 and Senior HMM in 2013. Kirsty's early teaching experience included periods at Hampton School for boys and Lampton Secondary School in Hounslow. Prior to this Kirsty worked for 11 years in a number of financial institutions in the City of London. Kirsty has a degree in History from Birkbeck College, University of London, and a PGCE from the University of Surrey.
After more than a decade helping to develop boarding at ECUK, Kirsty has now been appointed Director of Boarding Compliance at ECiM with the aim of preparing the College for international accreditation. Alongside this, Kirsty and her family have moved into Propert House, where she has taken on the role of Assistant HMM to help gain further hands-on experience of boarding at ECiM and continue to develop her interest in the pastoral welfare of both boys and girls
Kirsty lives on campus with her husband and 7 year old daughter, who attends Epsom's Prep School.
Steward
Ian Pye arrived at Epsom College in its inaugural year as a partner of a staff member and, being keen to be actively involved in College life, soon assumed the position of Propert House Steward. Ian has a CELTA (English Language) qualification and a Football Association coaching badge. He has recently assumed the position of Resident House Tutor and is living in Propert.
Serving 24 years in the Royal Navy, and then working in the construction industry while living in Spain, Ian is able to bring a variety of life skills and experience to the House and College which he hopes will benefit students of all ages as they prepare for adult life.
A keen all round sportsman, Ian enjoys coaching and playing sports and is a keen swimmer. Snorkeling being a passion, he regularly takes advantage of this ideal location, travelling all over the region. Ian has four adult children and is a grandfather of ten.
Housemaster of Granville, Teacher of Business
Mr Richard Castle is the Head of Boarding at Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) and the Housemaster of Granville House, one of the two senior boys' houses. He is also a member of the Economics and Business Studies department. Richard read Business and Management at Lancaster University before embarking on a PGCE in Business Education at Brighton University. He is currently sitting for a Masters in Management Psychology at Nottingham University.
Richard has nineteen years teaching experience, the last thirteen of which have been in English boarding schools. He is a firm believer that the most successful students are those who embrace all that is to offer at a boarding school; from the academic rigours of the classroom to the sporting and co-curricular activities on offer outside. Richard has always been fond of the outdoors and he has been able to put this to good use in his role as an assessor for the Duke of Edinburgh's (International) award, where he is able to encourage pupils to develop their independence and leadership skills.
Richard is married to Samantha and they have two sons, Josiah and Tobey, both of whom attend Epsom College in Malaysia. Richard is a keen sportsman and enjoys hockey, golf, swimming and football; in particular the ups and downs of the Tottenham Hotspur season. In his spare time he enjoys visiting the cinema, hiking and spending time in any second hand bookshop
AHMM Granville House, Director of Music
Mr John Mann joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) in 2016 from St George’s College, Weybridge in Surrey, UK, where he held the position of the Head of Strings. A keen violinist, John has studied with Professor Sergei Fatkulin (a former teacher of Maxim Vengerov) in Madrid, although his formal musical education was received at New College, Oxford, where he specialised in academic pursuits of Romantic Music and performance.
John has been classically trained, but he has a keen interest in other styles, particularly funk and jazz. Whilst living in Surrey he spent time playing both keyboard and electric violin in a number of bands, and has taken initiatives during his career to set up outreach opportunities to satisfy his passion for community music making. Always keen to provide performance opportunities for pupils of all abilities, John has set up new concert platforms and competitions in each of the schools he has worked in, and is keen to accompany pupils wherever possible in the spirit of collaboration.
In September 2016, John took on the responsibility of AHMM Granville, a pastoral role that he greatly enjoys. John is taking on the additional responsibility of Director of Music from January 2017, and is looking forward to building on the excellent tradition of music making that has been established in this vibrant community of talented and developing pupils.
Steward
Mr Azmil joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) since the beginning in 2014. Previously he was at Cempaka International School where he had been teaching for 3 years in Art & Design assisting IGCSE students focusing on technical drawing, portfolio and presentation board. Azmil has a degree in Architecture Design (Science) from RMIT University.
His teaching experience includes the Malaysian Government school syllabus for 3 years in various subjects mainly: lower secondary Science and Mathematics as well as the Cadet Uniform curricular and helping with backstage designs for the school and other productions.
In Epsom, started as TA in Prep School particularly runs the After-School Club which now a full-time Matron in Granville Boarding House. An additional duty is to accompany boys to Friday Prayers, Orphanage CCA & Japanese Club (Prep School).
Other interest and hobbies are camping/hiking, tennis and now assisting in Golf CCA and cycling activity during evenings.
Azmil also currently lives on campus in Carr boarding House as Resident Tutor and weekend duty for the Prep School boarders.
Housemaster of Carr, Teacher of French
Mr. Fabien Hanique, a French native speaker, joined Epsom College in Malaysia in 2014. Previously, he spent 8 of his 10 years of teaching career at Norwich school (an Independent school in the UK), where he taught Modern Languages (French and German). He has a degree in English and French as a foreign language from the University of Burgundy, France and holds a PGCE from the University of Sheffield, UK.
Fabien has a wide experience of teaching European Languages (French, German, Spanish and English as a second language) in the English National Curriculum in both primary and secondary. He truly believes that learning languages as well as the culture and traditions of the target language countries is the best way to open the mind of the leaners as well as increase their opportunities in life.
His first House at ECiM was Granville, where he was the Assistant Housemaster for one year. In September 2015, his started his new role as Housemaster of the Transition House, where Prep School and Junior boys reside. He feels that it is a real privilege to look after them, follow their progress and see them thrive in lessons and on the sports fields.
Fabien is a strong believer in an all-round education; this is why he has played a key role in the Community Service programme of his former school and has supervised the preparatory work and the expedition of Duke of Edinburgh Awardees at Epsom College in Malaysia. He also has experience in delivering the Oxbridge course and organising a popular annual exchange and residential trips to France and Germany.
Fabien's particular interests are current affairs, travelling and independent learning. A keen sportsman, Fabien was in charge of fencing in his previous school and now enjoys coaching basketball and football.
Fabien lives on campus with his wife Vero, Head of Languages, and his 2 daughters who both attend Epsom.
AHMM of Carr House, Japanese Liaison Officer
A Japanese national, Masako started her career in hospitality in Japan, bringing the opportunity to go abroad to Dubai.
In Dubai she met her (Dutch) husband, whilst growing in hospitality as Sales Manager. Whilst in Dubai she took up a role with a Japanese Multinational and more importantly engage in what became her lifetime passion, Yoga.
Via Nigeria, Thailand, Japan and Ras al Khaimah, she reached Malaysia, and has been lucky enough to be selected to work for Epsom College.
In 2008 her new and greatest passion came into her life, her twin sons Henry and Gerard, both students at Epsom from the day the school opened.
They have moved into Carr house in January, where Masako has taken on additional responsibilities as Assistant House Mistress.
Matron
Raudhah has an Honours Degree in English for International Communication and a Master’s Degree in Education, both from International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). She is interested in nurturing young minds and being involved in education. Raudhah joined Epsom College as a Boarding House Matron in 2017. She believes that life is a never-ending process of learning and working as a Matron gives her opportunity to learn how to interact with students better.
Raudhah loves languages. Other than Bahasa Malaysia and English, Raudhah can speak fluently Arabic, is currently learning Mandarin and hopes to learn French in the future. She enjoys reading, creative writing and travelling.
Housemistress for Crawfurd
Mrs Kelly Cunningham joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) from The Grange School, Northwich where she had been a teacher of Business and Economics for 6 years and Head of Talented Provision for 3 years. Kelly has a degree in Business Studies from Liverpool University and a PGCE in Business Education from Edgehill University.
Kelly has specialised in teaching children from 14-18 years and is very excited to be the Housemistress for this age group. Her teaching experience had previously been in the English National Curriculum and she now enjoys delivering this within a new environment. Kelly is particularly interested in developing enterprise skills within students of all ages, especially through the involvement of local entrepreneurs and businesses.
Kelly lives on campus with her husband and daughter, who attends Epsom's Prep School. She is a keen Formula 1 fan and hopes to be involved in the establishment of an Epsom Karting team as well as assisting with girls' badminton.
AHMM Crawfurd House, Teacher of Biology
Ms Martha Armstrong Twigg has joined Epsom College in Malaysia having previously taught at the International Community School in Amman, Jordan and in Swansea, South Wales. Martha is teaching KS3 Science and KS4 and KS5 Biology.
Martha studied Biomedical Sciences at University College London (UCL) and worked in graduate recruitment for teaching before joining the profession herself, gaining her PGCE through the Teach First Leadership Development Programme. Martha has also had experience in delivering initial teacher training in both the UK and Nepal. She is passionate about teaching Biology as there is always opportunity to link the content to a wider context.
Martha loves to travel and uses the opportunity to develop new skills such as scuba-diving and surfing. She is looking forward to getting involved with sports coaching at ECiM particularly netball and rugby as well as continuing the established Eco-Club. She is also very excited about all the food choices that Malaysia has to offer.
Matron
Katie has been matron of Crawfurd since 2014. She takes pride in having such an active part in the student’s pastoral welfare and enjoys being involved with the College as a whole. Katie likes to take part wherever she can in CCA clubs, particularly sporty ones such as running club and yoga, as well as helping to prep the girls for house competitions.
Prior to working at Epsom College, Katie worked across a number of NHS Trust hospitals across Liverpool, UK as a healthcare assistant, mainly in specialist hospitals and wards such as Aintree Stroke Unit and Liverpool Heaart and Chest Centre.
Katie lives in Malaysia with her partner Michael McDonnagh (DT teacher and Director of Studies at Epsom College) and their ten year old son Jack (a year 6 student in Epsom Prep School) and one year old daughter Ava.
Housemistress for Rosebery
Ms Kirsty Lowery holds a Bsc. Hons degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry and attended the University of Nottingham to study a PGCE in Secondary Science Education.
Kirsty arrived at ECiM in September 2016 from Durham School where she held the position of Director of International Students. She has been a Science teacher for 7 years teaching IGCSE and A Level Chemistry as well as Junior Science. She was also Junior Housemistress in the Girl’s Boarding House. She has a wealth of experience, having taught in schools in Greater Manchester and Cheshire before moving back to the North East of England where she grew up.
Kirsty is a keen traveller who spends most of her holidays in foreign climates usually exploring and enjoying the wildlife. Her passion is safari. Aside from this, she is a professional cake decorator holding an international silver medal for her cake design. She spends many an hour in her workshop creating unique cakes for all occasions including birthdays and weddings.
AHMM Rosebery House, Teacher of Business Stud
Ms Jana Perold joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) after teaching for a year at an international school in Vientiane, Laos. Before this she taught for three years at a large public high school on the south coast of South Africa, which is where she hails from originally. The subjects she loves teaching is English and Business Studies.
Jana completed her Masters degree in Adult Education and Training, focusing on the entrepreneurial development of adults in a community setting. After this, she spent almost 10 years training and facilitating workshops with adults, writing learning manuals, and working closely with the South African government on issues relating to community development and the empowerment of women.
Jana believes that an integrated education (use of language, skills and application) is key to ensure that learners become successful in following and achieving their dreams. Without all the relevant skills it is difficult to be a contributor to society. A reciprocal relationship between teachers and students are also key in ensuring that there is mutual respect.
Jana takes a keen interest in health and sport, enjoying running (not too far though), cycling, and scuba diving. When the chance arises she also loves to go horse riding, or exploring on a motorbike. She hopes to incorporate plyometric strength and agility fitness training at ECiM.
Matron
Elma has been a State Registered Nurse since 1972 and is licensed to practice in Malaysia,Singapore,U.K and Saudi Arabia. She has worked as a Peri-operative Theatre Nurse covering most surgical fields- challenging life experiences especially in Cardiac Surgery when Elma was training in Bristol University NHS Hospital.
Elma retired in 2012 and continued to work as a school nurse in Garden Int.School. Currently she is working as Boarding House Matron in Rosebery. Prior to this posting, she also worked as Boarding House Matron in Nexus Int.School in Putrajaya. In Epsom College Elma was the first and only matron for 5 boarding houses when she joined in 2014 and is proud of that achievement. Elma likes her job as it makes her understand young people by being a good listener, being warm and friendly in disposition with sufficient tact and diplomacy.
Housemistress of Wilson, Teacher of Expressiv
Mrs Katie Hopkin joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) from Saint George’s English International School Cologne, Germany. Whilst there, she was Head of Art and Design for ages 11 to 18. Katie teachers Art and Design at ECiM and aims to inspire and develop creative minds through Art.
Epsom College is Katie's third job; she has experience in teaching Creative Art and Technology, in a range of subjects including ceramics, sculpture, textiles and electronics. She has a Degree in three dimensional Design with Ceramics from Loughborough University, United Kingdom and has also been a Lead teacher in training new teachers entering the teaching profession.
Katie has a keen interest in travel and experiencing new cultures. Often she uses these experiences to inspire her teaching. Other hobbies include mountain walking and the outdoors with her partner, Robert, who is also a teacher at ECiM.
AHMM Wilson House
Steph Barker joined Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) as a teacher of Physical Education from Wycombe Abbey School, High Wycombe, in the UK, where she held the same position for 4 years before heading off on her next adventure to Malaysia.
Steph grew up in a variety of places across the USA, but during her time in Virginia she developed a love for lacrosse, playing in goal for both women’s and men’s lacrosse, before going on to study Spanish and Russian at the University of Denver, where she still holds the record for the number of saves made over her lacrosse career there.
Steph moved to the UK to work at Uppingham School to lead their lacrosse programme and work in the PE department, as well as being a Resident Tutor in a boarding house, before teaching Spanish in the Modern Languages department. After three years, she departed for the University of Edinburgh where she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Outdoor Education, before joining Wycombe Abbey School, where she also lead the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. She also helped to coach the Women’s Lacrosse England U19s and has coached the Women’s Lacrosse Netherlands’ national team.
Steph is an enthusiastic runner and has completed four marathons, including London and Edinburgh, and six triathlons. She still enjoys playing lacrosse whenever she gets the opportunity, but is always prepared to give other sports a go, including playing more football and hockey since arriving in the UK. She loves outdoor pursuits, including snowboarding, climbing and hiking, and has completed her Mountain Leader Award.
She lives on campus with her husband Jon, who is the Head of Geography, and her dog, Inky.
Matron
Daisy has been Matron in Wilson since 2016. She enjoys being active part in the student's pastoral and welfare care. Before ECiM she was working as a nurse in a private hospital and she is glad that she can also help in the medical room when needed. She studied in local government school and she completed her degree in Nursing in Mahsa University College.
Daisy lives in Nilai with her family and has a 10 months old baby. She loves to bake cakes, dance, play badminton and most of all she loves spending time with her lil one.