Campbell Douglas
Principal
Campbell was appointed as the Principal/CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail in August 2020. A graduate of the University of Auckland, Campbell holds a Bachelor of Music and a Masters in Educational Administration.
Prior to joining GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, Campbell spent nine years in China where he led two schools for Dulwich College International, one in Zhuhai and one in Suzhou. At both of these schools the focus was very much on achieving outstanding academic results and ensuring placements at the world’s top universities for all students.
Prior to his roles in China, he was Deputy Principal for a large urban secondary school in New Zealand with portfolio responsibility for curriculum, assessment and reporting, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for indigenous and minority cultures.
Campbell is a firm believer in evidence-informed approaches to education and is looking forward to further enhancing the outstanding teaching and learning that already occurs in the Academy, ensuring there is a relentless focus on achievement, and that every student is able to reach their full academic and social potential.
Outside of school, Campbell enjoys music, having previously conducted New Zealand productions of Phantom of the Opera, CATS, and The Secret Garden, as well as having a research interest in Pacific Island culture, in particular, Samoa.
Campbell resides in Dubai with his wife, Marama, who is an Early Childhood teacher, daughter Holly, and son Charlie.
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Benjamin Parkes
Secondary Principal
Ben has been in the UAE since 2015, holding various executive leadership roles before becoming the Secondary Principal at GEMS Wellington International School – Al Khail. He holds a National Professional Qualification in Headship from University College London and a degree in Management and Mathematics from the University of Essex.
Ben is passionate about fostering independent learning in students, ensuring they develop into lifelong learners equipped with the interpersonal skills to build strong, lasting relationships. A keen sportsman, Ben has participated in many sports and is also a certified Dive Master. Now, as a father of two, he enjoys traveling with his family and exploring new destinations.
Ben places great importance on building strong relationships with parents and the broader school community. He looks forward to connecting with parents and families at coffee mornings, school events, and community gatherings at WEK.
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Paula Phinn
Primary Co-Principal - Curriculum & Enrichment
Paula has been at the Academy since it opened in 2013, mainly working across the Foundation and Primary stages. It has been an absolute pleasure for her to see the Academy children grow and develop over the years, becoming increasingly confident, independent and resilient in their learning. A graduate of the University of Strathclyde, Paula has a four-year honours degree in education specialising in both music and additional support for learning. She has also completed a postgraduate certificate in inclusive education.
A highly experienced practitioner in a range of settings, Paula has a broad and comprehensive understanding of child development. She believes that the best education starts with the personal, social and emotional needs of the child, ensuring that they are happy, confident and ready to learn. She believes that learning should be personalised for each student, with all children appropriately challenged and supported. She also believes children should have opportunities to learn independently and in collaboration with others. They should be encouraged to be inquisitive, creative and innovative. They should learn to see 'mistakes' as part of the learning process, helping them to challenge their thinking and solve problems in different ways.
Outside of school, Paula enjoys enjoy playing tennis, reading fiction books and cooking. She likes to think of herself as an active person but, in reality, loves nothing better than curling up on the couch to watch a movie with her husband and two cats, Harry and Voldemort.
Over the last seven years, Paula has built excellent relationships with children, parents and staff across the Academy community. Her door is always open to celebrate achievements, welcome feedback and support teaching and learning.
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Phil Waterworth
Primary Co-Principal - Student Progress, Assessment & Outcomes
Phil is thrilled to be taking on the role of Primary Assistant Principal after having taught Year 5 students for the past three years at the Academy. Phil is graduate of Leeds-Beckett University with a first-class honors degree in sport and exercise science.
Passionate about teaching young people, Phil commits himself to maximizing individual student performance, inspiring students to be enthused by their learning, and continuing his own professional development in regard to best practice around teaching and learning. In his new leadership role, Phil wants to ensure all students are engaged in active, relevant learning experiences every day and that high expectations for success are incorporated into all aspects of school life.
Outside of school, Phil has a range of interests including sport, having represented Middlesbrough Football Academy from a young age as well as being a loyal member of his local cricket club, through to music where he enjoys listening to a range of genres and styles. He is also an avid traveler and rates New Zealand as a stand-out due to its breath-taking landscapes.
Phil feels very privileged to work at the Academy for another year, with children from such a wide range of cultures and nationalities and is very much look forward to getting to know you all in the year ahead.
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Sarah Samuel
Primary Co-Principal - Teaching, Learning & Professional Development
Having been a part of the GEMS family and the Wellington Cluster since 2012, Sarah is thrilled to be appointed as the Primary Vice Principal of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum. With a strong academic background from Teesside University, Sarah brings extensive experience as both an educator and leader.
Throughout her journey, spanning over seven years in leadership roles, she has gained a profound insight into the ever-evolving educational landscape. This insight equips her to adeptly navigate the dynamic world of education.
Sarah's philosophy emphasizes continuous education shaped by the latest research and methodologies, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Aligned with WEK's ethos, she's dedicated to creating a culture of boundless learning, empowering students to navigate life's changes with resilience.
Her passion for unlocking student potential extends beyond the school gates as she finds joy in the company of her three children. Her weekends are often filled with the excitement of watching her boys engage in rugby matches or just enjoying the sunshine by the pool or beach.