PE & Sport

Our Academic Staff members are at the very heart of our School. It is their enthusiasm and commitment in providing learning to our students that inspires our high standards and continued success.

HeadStart’s over 70 specialist teachers have British, Australian, US or similar internationally recognised qualifications which include Bachelor and Master Degrees and Doctorates. They bring with them a wealth of current experience from their home countries and from other international schools. Teachers in Foundation and Primary School are supported by a team of qualified teaching assistants.

The dedication and commitment of our Operational Staff in supporting the day-to-day running of HeadStart ensures that our students receive the very best in learning and extra-curricular activities.

‘Throughout the school, teachers’ subject knowledge and understanding of how students learn are strong. Relationships between students and teachers are positive. The ratio of qualified teachers to students, especially in the early years and lower primary classes, is high. ‘Deputy’ teachers, who are fully qualified teachers in their home countries, support class teachers. Due to their expertise, they make a significant difference to the rates of progress that students make. Teachers know students well and assess them accurately. This enables teachers to plan work that matches the ability of individual students and caters well for their varying needs.’ Education Development Trust (EDT) Accreditation Report, June 2017

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Lucy Wilson

PE Coordinator
[email protected]

Hello everyone, my name is Lucy Wilson and I am originally from East Yorkshire in the UK and I have been living in Thailand since 2019 when I first moved to Bangkok. This year I will be teaching both Primary and Secondary Education focusing on the examination courses of iGCSE PE and BTEC sport. I attended Teesside University to complete my BSc Sport Science and MSc Sports Psychology degrees before completing my PGCE in Physical Education through a school centred programme at Staffordshire University. I have been teaching PE for 10 years in a range of schools in the UK before moving across to Thailand where I have taught in Bangkok for the past two years. I am very passionate about my subject and aim to create opportunities in my teaching for all students to develop curiosity for PE and refine their qualities of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and humility. Beyond life at school I have a very keen interest in sports in particular hockey, tennis and more recently gaelic football and CrossFit. I enjoy travelling, trying new foods and learning about different cultures. I look forward to teaching here in Phuket at HeadStart this year.

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Jamie Sadler

Year 7 Coordinator & PE Teacher
[email protected]

My name is Jamie Sadler and I am originally from Bournemouth in the UK. This year I will be teaching Primary and Secondary Physical Education, I will also be teaching BTEC Sport too. I graduated from Southampton Solent University with a BA in Sports Studies and then went on to complete my PGCE in Secondary PE at the University of East London. Prior to moving to Phuket, I taught in London and spent 5 years teaching in a leading Independent school in Wimbledon. As a young boy I developed a passion for many sports, especially in school, this gave me many opportunities to develop my personal qualities such as self confidence, discipline and respect. My main speciality is Football; in the UK I played for a club for a number of seasons in the 5th step of the National league system. In recent years, I have taken a keen interest in martial arts such as Western boxing and Thai kickboxing. There are so many positive effects that can come from Physical Education, such as resilience, leadership skills and teamwork amongst others. As a specialist PE teacher, I aim to provide opportunities for my students to collaborate and to share their thoughts and opinions, in order to have a positive impact on their experiences in PE. My teaching ethos is for students to feel confident in their abilities when playing sport so that they feel inspired to participate in lifelong physical activity. If there is anything that you would like to ask me, feel free to contact me on [email protected]

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Michael Marx

PE Teacher & House Coordinator
[email protected]

Sawadee krap, my name is Michael Marx and I am originally from South Africa but spent the majority of my life growing up in Cambridge and Hampshire in the UK. I studied at the University of Roehampton, obtaining my teaching degree in Education specialising in Physical Education. During my nine years of teaching, I have gained a wealth of experience working across different year groups and working with a range of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Outside of school, I love finding new ways to challenge myself. I enjoy doing this through sport, where I love watching and taking part in Crossfit. It has allowed me to develop my resilience in overcoming challenges and self-discipline. I have worked at HeadStart since 2018 and have had the joy of working with some great personalities and inquisitive minds. I also have the additional responsibility of being the House Coordinator. I look forward to ensuring that all students feel proud to represent their houses and feel a part of a team. Lastly, I can’t wait to start the learning journey with my new homeroom as well as share with them all that I have learnt so far (as well as learning from them). I aim to work with the students in all my classes to develop their resilience to challenges both inside and outside of school. I want them to have the means to make informed decisions to keep them safe and make progress in an ever-changing world. I strongly believe in the sense of community and that we thrive better when we work with one another. As we progress through the year and the students develop, please do not hesitate to come and see me to arrange a meeting.

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Zak Brown

Head Swim Coach
[email protected]

My name is Zak Brown. I’m from Bakersfield, California and started swimming at the age of 10. During High School, I helped lead our team to becoming league champions 4 years in a row. After High School, I attended Bakersfield College and continued swimming for Bakersfield Swim Club. During this time, I competed all over California as well as traveling to other states for national level competitions. After 2 years of junior college; I moved to Niagara Falls, New York and competed at Niagara University as a Division One Swimmer. During my stay at Niagara University, I was able to set three school relay records and I received a degree in marketing and logistics. I've enjoyed teaching and coaching swimming for over 18 years and have worked with athletes on all levels from beginners to Olympians. I feel very fortunate that swimming has given me the opportunity to meet incredible people from all over the world. Swimming is more than just a sport to me, it's become a lifestyle. The lessons learned through swimming stay with you your entire life. I started at HeadStart in 2016 and it has been such an amazing experience so far! I am really excited to continue to work with the students to further develop their swimming abilities. We have developed a great team and I am looking forward to helping all our swimmers further excel in the pool this year.

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Sarah Dorman

Swim Coach
[email protected]

My name is Sarah Dorman and I am an 18-year veteran swim coach and lifeguarding/CPR/First Aid Instructor from The United States. Since the age of three, I’ve loved being in the water both recreationally and competitively. I began my competitive swimming career at the age of five and continued all the way through university, so I’m quite experienced in the process of learning and teaching every level of necessary swimming fundamentals. Through my love of swimming and desire to help others learn to enjoy the water, I began teaching in 2004 and was certified as a Water Safety Instructor in 2007 while working toward a bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. I’ve held many different aquatic-based jobs, including Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Masters Swim Coach and Aquatics Director, and have helped design and produce swimming programs for multiple US educational institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. I have taught students as young as 6-months old and have experience with every age and ability. I can never say no to helping someone learn how to swim. Since 2015, my passion for swimming has led me to teach around the world, coaching students in New Zealand, South Africa, Tanzania, and now in Thailand. Technique work is my speciality, as my training has always relied on developing very specific technical skills. My competition events include 100M Freestyle, 200M Freestyle, and 100M Butterfly, along with Medley and Freestyle relays. However, no matter what level the swimmer, I take a personal interest in all of my students’ progress and cater my classes to meet the needs of every student, not only to improve their swimming skills, but to encourage their love for the water as well.

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Ar-tit Benawang

Assistant Swim Coach
[email protected]

My name is Ar-tit Benawang and I am a swimming coach here at HeadStart. I have my high school qualifications from the Padang Besar Tinsulanonda School.I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the Institute of Physical Education–Krabi Campus. I also have certification as a Swimming Coach which I obtained on 30 December from the Thai Swimming Coach Association of Thailand. I have worked at HeadStart International School since 2011. It has been a great opportunity for me to work here. I enjoy the exercise that I can fit into my schedule due to excellent facilities. There are even sports that I have participated in that I have never had the chance to play before making it an overall great experience.

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Somtavin Chuchuay

Assistant Swim Coach
[email protected]

Hi. My name is Khru Pui! I graduated from the Padang Besar Tinsulanonda Highschool School. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the Institute of Physical Education–Krabi Campus, Arts Program. On December 30th, 2008 I received a Swimming Coach Level 1 Certificate from 'The Thai Swimming Coach Association of Thailand.' I have worked here at HeadStart International School since the 5th of January, 2016. It has been a good opportunity for me to work here as I can exercise and play several sports here due to the good facilities. There are several sports that I have never played before like table tennis and soft tennis that I enjoy learning. In this job I can be a coach and learn and play new sports at the same time. It has been good luck for me to work here.

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Stef Frost

Head Football Coach
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My name is Stef Frost. I’m from Nottingham, England and football has always been my passion. Being a professional footballer was always the dream for me and this came true at the age of just 16 years old. As a young player I joined the academy of the English Professional club Notts County FC. I progressed through the academy ranks from U10s to eventually the Notts County FC first team making my debut against Carlisle United in front of over 11,000 fans. I was awarded the Notts County FC Young Player of the year award and the Youth team player of the year award that same year. I am currently the third youngest player to ever play professionally for Notts County FC. I have also been fortunate enough to play against the likes of Manchester United, Leicester City, Everton, Aston Villa as well as against many high profile players such as premier league goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, England defender Gary Cahill and Inter Milan’s Ashley Young. Due to an Injury which has halted my football career I turned to coaching and I now have over 13 years experience in coaching also gaining my UEFA Licence and FA Youth Award. My coaching journey has taken me from England to Thailand, Australia and New Zealand and has included roles with professional clubs Nottingham Forest FC and Wigan Athletic F.C. I am extremely excited to be the Head Football coach at HeadStart International school and to have the opportunity to build a fantastic footballing program for our players to learn and practice in a fun and positive environment. It is very important for every player to leave each footballing practice having learnt either a new skill either being technical, physical, psychological or social. It is a combination of all these skills which our young players need to improve and succeed in Football and through their journey in life.

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Paul Rothwell

Football Coach
[email protected]

My name is Paul Rothwell, and I’m from Skelmersdale, in the North-West of England. I’ve followed and played football my whole life and I’m a big fan of Liverpool FC. At university I studied sport science, and was involved with many research projects with professional football players and other athletes. I love to travel and when I finished university I travelled and worked in Australia for 2 years before moving to Thailand. I have been in Thailand for almost 7 years and have been teaching and coaching during my time here. In 2019 I completed my football coaching license in Bangkok. I love to coach football and I hope that I can help the players in the Panthers academy develop their skills and passion for the sport. I enjoy seeing players improve and take great pride in helping them reach their goals. In my spare time I love to watch and play football as well as badminton and rugby. I also like to study Thai to help me communicate better with my Thai friends and colleagues. I’m excited to be part of such a renowned academy alongside other expert coaches and teachers. In the future, I not only want to help the players develop but I’d like to further develop myself as a coach too.

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Pongsak Boripun

Assistant Football Coach
[email protected]

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Suyatman

Fitness Suite Manager
[email protected]

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Amina Sanden

Head Dance Coach
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Hi everyone! My name is Mina and I am the new Head Dance Coach. I am thrilled to be a part of the HeadStart family and I can’t wait to work with everyone and take our Dance Academy to the next level. It is a pleasure to be teaching these wonderful students, to share my experiences and knowledge with them, and most importantly, to have fun! I have been dancing since I was 6 years old. I studied Jazz dance at Bangkok Dance Studio and Contemporary dance in many different studios. I started competing in dance battles when I was 15 years old. I have performed as a professional dancer in music videos, commercials, and events. I also worked as a dance soloist, choreographer, coach and manager for events and competitions. I have travelled to many countries to take dance classes from dance masters in various dance genres to further my teaching and dancing techniques. I am able to teach many dance genres such as jazz-funk, contemporary, hip-hop, and more. My goal is to help all of our students find their own characteristics and to be able to express them through dance. I will guide them through pathways that will help them achieve their optimal level of success. Dancing saved my life and I would like to pay it forward by helping others achieve something greater.

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Elijah Belavusau

PE Teacher
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My name is Illia and I am from Mogilev, in Belarus. I came to Thailand in 2022, after 4 years of living and teaching P.E. in Shanghai, China. My sporting background is very diverse. I grew up with a passion for playing football but, later, in my teens, I discovered cross-country skiing. I made my debut for the Belarus national squad at the age of 18. Participating in sport, physical activity, and leading a healthy lifestyle are very important to me, and I’ve enjoyed imparting my knowledge in teaching and coaching environments for over 15 years. I am delighted to be HeadStart’s Associate PE teacher and my fundamental aims are for our students to continue to experience a really diverse range of physical activities, all the while having loads of fun through being active. For example, HeadStart pupils will participate in the following sports activities in either curriculum time or in our fantastic After School Sports programme - Basketball, Football, Rugby, Running Club, Swimming, Badminton, Table Tennis, Yoga, Dance, and Gymnastic activities, amongst others.

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Erik Böhm

Community Sports Liaison
[email protected]

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