Administracja i Zarząd Szkoły

Berrin Schofield

Executive Head of Schools

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science,
Master of International Education and Development,
Graduate Diploma of Education,
Certificate of International School Leadership.

Berrin Schofield joined Thames British School in 2023, bringing over 22 years of experience working in international schools in Laos, Thailand, Jordan, and Cuba to our community.

Originally from Australia, he has spent most of his career as an expatriate, with well over half of his experience gained in Senior Leadership and consultative positions. Berrin has led school development in the domains of curriculum development, developing and embedding standards and competency-based assessment and reporting, school campus redevelopment, and master planning, marketing, revitalising mission and vision, the development of Learning Definitions and Principles as well as budgeting and financial reform. He has worked closely with Governing bodies on development projects and served as an ex officio invitee for Finance, Development, and Operations Board of Trustee sub- committees.

He is also an experienced accreditation leader, working with 16 schools in various roles, supporting school development through the accreditation processes, including as a Visiting Team Leader and Chair for NEASC and CIS.

Berrin remains passionate about utilising a philosophy of systems thinking for school development and continuous improvement while ensuring an ethical and authentic approach to leadership. Above all else, he strives to ensure that when the young people entrusted to us move on, they are ready for whatever comes next.

Aldona Ponikowska

Head of School

Qualifications:

Master of English Philology,
Certificate in Educational Management.

Appointed as the Head of High School in 2019 Aldona’s dedication to advancing the mission of both state and independent schools is evident in Her career in secondary education.

Having earned a Master’s Degree in English Studies, followed by a postgraduate degree in Business and Management from the University of Illinois, she spent eight years teaching English to ESL students. She eagerly expanded her role to Head of the English Department, later taking on responsibilities as the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and a Theory of Knowledge teacher. These roles provided excellent opportunities for collaboration with diverse groups, aligning efforts with the ambitious goals of international curricula.

Her educational philosophy is firmly grounded in the belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, robust and knowledgeable leadership, a dedicated teaching staff, and supportive families. Her aim is to foster a love for learning and exploration of knowledge in students, creating an environment where intellectual, social, and emotional growth can thrive.

As a mother to two boys who bring profound meaning to her life. Her free time is actively spent engaging in exercise, cycling, sightseeing, hiking, or winter skiing. A compelling psychological thriller can captivate them for hours during reading sessions.

Justyna Czarnecka vel Sarnecka

Deputy Head

Qualifications:

Master of Arts,
Certificate in Educational Management.

Teaching in international schools since 2004, the Justyna has imparted knowledge in history and social science in Lower Secondary and High School, covering subjects like business management, history, and social studies and her students won the title of Laureate in the History of the Polish Army competition and three students securing the Laureate Title in the 2015 Enterprise Olympiad.

Passionate about travel, especially to Italy, she fascination lies in exploring diverse cultures, cuisine, history, and architecture. Additionally, she appreciates theatre, particularly comedies at the Comedy Theatre in Warsaw, along with a love for ballet and opera. In leisure moments, she loves to cook for family and friends.
Justyna’s teaching philosophy centres on cultivating critical and logical thinking in students, encouraging collaborative exploration of questions and answers. Emphasising responsibility and leadership skills within a framework of teamwork, they prioritise creating a safe and respectful atmosphere for all members of the school community.

Izabela Ryzak

Deputy Head of Pastoral and IGCSE Coordinator

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts, PostGrad Diploma of Administration,
PostGrad Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status (UK),
National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership.

Izabela started her professional journey in management roles in London, seizing the opportunity to apply her expertise in business, management, marketing, and finance. Growing personally and cultivating valuable connections in the business environment, she developed a desire to share these experiences with young adults, fostering an uplifting and informative environment for growth.
Completing the PGCE Secondary in Business marked the commencement of her teaching adventure in 2014. Since then, she has taught various business curricula, including A-level, GCSE, and BTEC at both KS4 and KS5. Recognizing the importance of familiarity with exam criteria for effective teaching, she became an examiner for an exam board, progressing to the role of examiner team leader.
Beyond the classroom, she assumed the role of Enterprise Coordination with responsibility for external links, orchestrating internal and external business-related activities throughout the school. This included collaborating with business partners for talks, mentoring programs, visits, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Relocating to Poland in 2022, her career, vision, and passion stood out, leading to Izabela’s current role as the Deputy Headteacher Pastoral at Thames British School. She champions the philosophy of 'Focus creating reality' and advocates for multi-intelligence and success for all students. Emphasising the uniqueness of each student, she strives to create a supportive environment where students feel seen and safe, contributing to future aims, ambitions, and academic achievements.
Passionate about personal development and lifelong learning, she continually explore new paths for self-improvement. Adventure and spontaneous activities bring them joy, with recent ventures including a daring skydiving experience from 13,000 ft. Balancing an active lifestyle with moments of relaxation, she value quality time with friends and family.
In terms of teaching philosophy, she believe in multi-intelligence and adopting a 'success for all' agenda. Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual, she prioritize relationship building with students, parents, and the community, aiming to create a safe environment that nurtures personal and academic growth for every student.

Anthony Taylor

A-Level Coordinator

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education,
Master of Science,
Diploma in Management

Arkadiusz Głowacz

IB Diploma Coordinator

Qualifications:

Master of Arts,
Doctor of Earth Science

Graduating from the University of Lodz, Arkadiusz started his teaching journey in 2005, specialising in geography. Venturing into the IB Diploma Programme a year later, he gained significant experience in the British curriculum within an international school in Lodz. In tandem with teaching, he contributed to research at the University of Lodz, focusing on the social role of geography education in Poland, England, France, and Germany. His academic achievements include over 20 scientific papers and a book. He has also authored multiple geography textbooks, teacher's handbooks, syllabi, and educational resources. Currently, his interest lies in the implementation of Geographic Information Systems in education.

Joining Thames British School in February 2022, he assumed the role of IB DP Coordinator a few months later.
Residing in the suburbs of Lodz with his wife and three children, he enjoys hiking and exploring less touristy places. His hobbies align closely with his profession, encapsulated by the motto: "The unknown and fascinating world starts right around the corner."

His teaching philosophy revolves around facilitating students' self-directed learning, encouraging them to set goals and strive for success. Simultaneously, they aim to nurture reflective individuals who demonstrate care for others and the planet.

Christian Rosser

Head of School

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts in Education with Qualified Teacher Status (Honours).

Professional Background:

Teaching has always been my professional passion. I qualified as a teacher at Bath Spa University College in the UK, specialising in infant education. I continued teaching in the UK for 12 years, primarily teaching Year 1 and 2 children. Moving to Poland 12 years ago provided me with my first opportunity to teach infant children in an
international setting, and a great opportunity it turned out to be. Entering my 25th year of teaching I am excited to be part of the Thames British School Mokotow community moving forward.

About me:

Having grown up in Wales, rugby has always been a passion of mine. Although I no longer play, I still enjoy watching and supporting my home nation. When I am not in the classroom, I can often be found playing pool with my family and friends, relaxing on a cycle ride and enjoying some of the wonderful towns and cities around Poland.

My teaching philosophy:

When I think about my role as a teacher, the one thing that I have always focused on are the relationships that I have built with my students. I enjoy talking with them about subjects and issues that are important to them, and learn how they are feeling about and experiencing the world and what we are learning in class. I want my own classroom to be less of a class and more of a community, where we are all sharing ideas and communicating and learning from one another at the same time.

Katarzyna Kurzac

​​Head of National Curriculum

Qualifications:

Master of Special Education,
PostGrad in Early Child and Preschool Education,
PostGrad in Educational Management

Katarzyna has 26 years of teaching experience in state and non-state schools in Poland and 5 years of school management in bilingual preschools and schools. She is also the author of two educational programs for Years 1-3 of Primary School.

In her spare time she love travelling, reading and bike-spinning. She also has two lovely hunting dogs, so she spends hours walking with them and exploring nature. She is a big fan of cuisine from different parts of the world and cooking relaxes her.

Katie Street

Head of School

Qualifications:

NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headteachers).
MA (Educational Leadership and Management).
PGCE (Primary with History).
CELTA.
BA (Hons) (Psychology and American Studies).

Professional Background:

I began my experiences in formal teaching as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language in South Korea, where I was part of a team establishing a new language school. My subsequent EFL experiences took me to Thailand, Poland, Italy and Mongolia. During that time, I taught a variety of ages for a range of purposes, including tourism, industry and exam preparation.

I extended my training to enable me to teach Primary children and completed my induction in a small town in Norfolk, UK. I took my learning and experience to lead a teacher development and training programme focusing on implementing active learning techniques in Ethiopia.

I taught in international schools in Romania, Germany and Egypt before returning to Poland to teach at the British School. In September 2019 I led the team that opened Thames’ Piaseczno campus. Following the successes with the implementation of the curriculum in Piaseczno, I transferred to Wawelska as Head of Primary Curriculum.

About me:

I enjoy exploring my world through a range of interests. I enjoy cycling in and around Warsaw and swim a few times a week. I love experimenting with colours and materials and enjoy painting and making clothes. I also enjoy playing games such as carom, backgammon and scrabble. The world is full of learning opportunities and I have enjoyed a range of free courses offered online.

My teaching philosophy:

I believe enjoyment is central to learning and I provide a range of activities for children to explore their ideas. I see my role as a teacher as facilitating opportunities for children to express what they want to find out, how to find the answers to their questions and to compare answers to draw their own conclusions. I value mistakes as golden opportunities for learning. I encourage children to question their own assumptions and try to understand the reasons for perspectives that differ from our own. I believe that communication and collaboration are essential life skills and lead to success for both the group and the individual.

Klaudia Szklarczyk

Head of National Curriculum

Qualifications:

MA degree: Polish philology at Warsaw University.
Certificated CLIL teacher.
Postgraduate studies, Organization and Management of Education (in progress).

Professional background:

In 2019 I finished my studies at Warsaw University and began my experiences in formal teaching as a teacher of Polish language in Meridian International Schools. I worked with foreign and advanced groups. From 2020 I collaborate with Thames British School as a Polish language teacher. In August 2021 I achieved the teacher’s professional promotion degree: contractual teacher.

About me:

I like to spend my free time active, for example riding a bike or climbing mountains. As well I really enjoy reading different kinds of books and playing board games with my family and friends. Also I like to travel and get to know new places and people.

My teaching philosophy:

I want to encourage my students to be interested in the world and subject which I teach. It is important for me to hear their questions and try to find together answers for them. Also I would like to encourage students to work individually and in groups during the classes. I want to be a teacher who will support them and their development.

Agnieszka Makulska

Head of School

Qualifications:

BA (Hons),
PGCE,
QTS.

Agnieszka Makulska joined Thames British School 5 years ago having started her teaching career over 15 years ago in central London. She specialises in the Early Years and has experience in Early Years Centers of Excellence. She has held leadership roles and consultative positions in connection to her early years and primary roles. Previously having worked in the city of London both in advertising, producing commercials and for dot com start-ups as a customer service manager/marketing assistant.

The message she conveys to children “you never stop learning” is just as true for adults as it is for children. It’s what has kept her on her toes and always looking out for ways to improve. It is also what has kept her challenged and happy to the present day.

She has a keen interest in Politics and has delivered speeches in front of over 3000 people. She believes the most enriching things in life are friends, family, conversations over good food, travel and of course wonderful books that take us on amazing journeys.

She is committed to child-centred creative environments that produce improved results and happy children that want to discover the world for themselves and by themselves, with a little support from staff, and parents. When we work together, we get the best results.

Monika Chwesiuk

Head of School

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts,
PostGrad studies in educational organisation and management,
Qualified Teacher Status.

Professional background:

I began my teaching experience in a Language School in Warsaw in 2008, while I was still working on my BA. I was teaching groups and individual students at different levels, young learners and teenagers, as well as adults. I have created my own course programmes for one-to-one classes and groups of students. I have also been responsible for creating my own teaching materials. Next, I became the methodologist of the school and was responsible for resources and course programmes, as well as supervising other teachers’ work.
I have taught English during summer school in England: Bath, Oxford and London.

Next, I started working at an international school in Warsaw, first teaching English as a Second Language, then as languages coordinator, Cambridge Coordinator, to finally be offered the position of a Deputy Headteacher at Ochota Campus and then the Headteacher of Piaseczno Campus.

Teaching philosophy:

In class I like working using methods such as TPR and communication method - Communicative Language Teaching, Community Language Learning, Cognitive Code Approach, Comprehension Approach, Content-Based and Cooperative Learning. These methods work well with students of all needs: auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners as well as a variety of multiple intelligences. I want my students to feel encouraged and happy in my lessons, as it has been proven that a relaxed brain learns better!

Beata Luniak

Deputy Head of School

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts,
Master of Arts,
Qualified Teacher Status

Completing her teacher training at the University of Warsaw in 2014, Beata worked as an English teacher during the final year of her MA studies at a private language school in Warsaw. Post-qualification, she relocated to London in 2016 to enhance her skills, attaining Qualified Teacher Status. Working in diverse school settings with pupils from various cultural backgrounds significantly contributed to her growth as a teacher.

In 2017, she accepted the role of Reception Class Teacher at a primary school in Hampstead, London, acquiring invaluable experience and mastering a range of teaching strategies. Returning to Poland in 2020, she assumed a role at Swietokrzyskie In-Service Teacher Training Centre in Kielce, specialising in bilingual education, supporting teachers in developing their knowledge and teaching practices.

Her experiences affirmed her passion for being in a classroom with enthusiastic young learners. Aspiring to work in a school prioritising emotional, creative, and intellectual development, she believes Thames British School aligns with her goals.

Originally from Kielce, Beata enjoys nature and outdoor activities, particularly swimming and cycling. Her profound passion for reading drives her to inspire a love of books, reading, and storytelling in her students.
Advocating for a creative cross-curricular approach, she values making meaningful and innovative links in teaching. Prioritising child-initiated learning, she fosters their ideas, providing challenging, fun activities across various learning areas.

Emphasising the process of arriving at an answer, she engages pupils in discussions, encourages diverse ideas, and enjoys delivering Philosophy for Children (P4C) sessions. Teaching problem-solving and puzzles, she emphasises higher-level thinking skills and resilience. Maintaining high expectations for attitudes and behaviour, she consistently encourages independence, confidence, and responsibility in her pupils.

Katarzyna Wiśniewska

Head of School

Qualifications:

Master of Arts,
PostGrad studies in Educational Management,
PostGrad studies in teaching,
Qualified Teacher Status.

Combining her experience as a school teacher, university teacher, interpreter, and administrative leader, Katarzyna has developed a comprehensive understanding of the educational field, students' and parents' needs, while also honing her pedagogical, management, and communication skills.

Passionate about seeking novel and innovative solutions, she aims to benefit and develop all members of the school community. She is thrilled to continue her lower secondary teaching and leadership position, as head of campus here at Thames British School.

Jessica Wrbka

Cambridge Coordinator

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Communications and Business management,
PostGrad Certificate in Education.

Teaching wasn't initially in Jessica’s life plan; she pursued a business degree before discovering her true passion. About four years ago, she embarked on her teaching journey in South Africa, instructing Accounting, Economics, and Business Studies in two different high schools.

During her teaching experience, she identified a shortage of Mathematics teachers, prompting her to pursue a certificate in FET mathematics. This decision not only allowed her to channel her love for mathematics positively but also opened doors to new opportunities, including the honour of teaching at Thames British School in Poland.

Jessica finds solace in books, thoroughly enjoying spending time with friends and family, and seeking new adventures, especially through travel to explore diverse cultures and traditions. Active in sports like netball and swimming, she embraces her South African and Portuguese heritage.

Her core belief regarding teaching is that it should revolve around teaching not just knowledge but wisdom. For her, teaching is about instilling confidence, accountability, and honesty in students. Through fostering positive relationships and demonstrating love, she aims to impart the wisdom that goes beyond subject content, emphasising the importance of being good individuals who act wholesomely and compassionately. The subject matter, she believes, is an additional benefit rather than the primary objective.