Message from the Principal
A Warm Welcome to Elea High
Young people who undertake their education with us not only leave with the necessary qualifications to be able to take up university offers from across the UK and Europe but, in taking up their place in the world, they will do so as articulate, caring and selfless individuals who carry with them the school’s goal of enabling them to make a difference to the lives of others, gaining personal satisfaction from doing so.
Elea High Online School recognises the benefits to all students of learning remotely, whether those who need flexibility in their education journey, those who want the personalised approach to help them reach their potential or those for whom traditional schooling doesn’t work.
Elea High is deliberately formed as a small school with classes of no more than twelve so the teachers and school leaders can really get to know each and every student, building positive and productive relationships with them and guiding them to success.
It is my ambition to bring to the online school, all of the most effective elements of a traditional education and create an online school which will be unique in global education through its level of care and support for its students enhanced by the measured use of technological advancements in education to enable our students, wherever they are studying in the world, to develop into successful young people we have proudly prepared for life.
David Lewis
As Principal of Elea High, David is responsible for the evaluation and management of the education we offer your child. In addition, he enjoys the regular interaction with students and parents, ensuring that students make the most of their education experience and gain success in their studies.
David Lewis
As Principal of Elea High, David is responsible for the evaluation and management of the education we offer your child. In addition, he enjoys the regular interaction with students and parents, ensuring that students make the most of their education experience and gain success in their studies.
School Management and Oversight
David Lewis Principal
David took up the Deputy Headteacher role at the prestigious Embley Park School before moving to Cyprus eleven years ago.
With thirty years’ experience in education, David has seen many changes in education, some of which he was instrumental in facilitating, working with the UK’s Royal Society of Arts on their Opening Minds Curriculum.
During his eight years as Principal of TLC Private School, he oversaw the introduction of the IB Personal Development Goals to build community within the school and worked with the Head of Teaching and Learning to successfully offer the Extended Project Qualification to the students.
During the pandemic, he led the team in implementing TLC’s Continuous Learning Programme which ensured effective, full time online education for its students, meaning that no students’ education suffered during the time of school closures. At the same time, TLC Private School incorporated the innovative 21st Century Curriculum into the delivery of the English National Curriculum, enhancing outcomes for its students, becoming the first school in Cyprus to do so.
The success of the programme led the school to formalise online education through the creation of Elea High Online School and, this year, David has taken over as Principal, dedicating himself to ensuring the school offers the highest standard of education to its growing number of students.
Ian Wells Director
successfully grown and developed an IT business into an award-winning consultancy, working with clients across Europe. Ian brings his IT and business skills to Elea High Online School after presiding over many years of success as Director of TLC Private School, seeing it expand and move to new premises.
Ian’s background in IT and education has seen him recognise the synergy that can be built between the two in online education and is focused on ensuring that technology helps Elea High Online School to provide the very best education with exceptional outcomes for our students.
Ian’s two daughters share his excitement and interest in the use of technology in education and both have given their positive verdicts on what Elea High Online School seeks to achieve.
A gadgets man himself, Ian wishes school could have been as exciting for him at this age and loves the virtual reality element of the education our online school offers.
As a founding director of Elea High Online School, Ian is confident that the school will continue to deliver high quality outcomes for our students and has committed to ensuring the school remains at the forefront of the effective use of technology in education.
Catherine Lewis Director
Senior Leadership (Education). Catherine has experience as a Primary Class Teacher and has taught GCSE Psychology, AS and A2 Global Citizenship and the Extended Project Qualification in Secondary and Sixth Form. Additionally, Catherine has supported students with their applications to university and has delivered short skills- based courses on interview and presentation skills and ‘how to make an impact’.
As Head of Teaching and Learning at an international private school in Cyprus, Catherine was responsible for overseeing standards of teaching and learning from Early Years through to Sixth Form. More recently, Catherine has been responsible for managing a small learning support team, liaising with education psychologists and other stakeholders to ensure that students with learning differences are accommodated.
As Admissions Manager for Elea High Online School, Catherine is the first point of contact for students joining the online school. She will guide students and parents through the admissions process and, as one of Elea High’s Student Coaches, will remain a point of contact for students who progress through the school.
Catherine enjoys, and feels fortunate to have met, supported and taught students from different countries and cultures and looks forward to welcoming you to Elea High.
Laura Wells Governor
Laura’s background is also in IT with a focus on its use in the manufacturing and service sector. Laura is an avid proponent of lifelong learning and recognises how important it is for a school to not just teach the students but to develop in them a desire to see that learning happens every minute of our waking lives.
She holds that a teacher’s role is to ensure that children of all ages are confident, happy and well-equipped to take advantage of every opportunity presented to them.
Laura champions the development of soft skills within the school curriculum and will be monitoring how well our students are prepared for life after school. Whilst still firm in the belief that academic success is vital, she recognises that whilst good grades will open many doors, it will be the soft skills that ultimately allow an individual to thrive in their careers and in their lives.
A Highly Experienced Team
We are proud to work with a highly professional team of British trained teachers who not only have a wealth of experience; almost all of them are also examiners for the main British exam boards. This means that when your child studies with us at Elea High, they will be taught by teachers who understand the examination system in depth, knowledge which can help your child maximise their performance in their examinations.
Meet our Teachers
Suheyla Timucin
GCSE and A Level Psychology
Years Teaching: 7 years
After earning her degree in Psychological Counselling and Guidance with honours from Eastern Mediterranean University, Suheyla began her career as a Psychological Counsellor before moving into teaching psychology. She has further specialised in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Kingston University and completed an International PGCE at Nottingham University.
With experience teaching IB-DP, GCSE, and A-Level Psychology in international schools, Suheyla is committed to fostering a student-centered, engaging learning environment. As an IB Examiner and Assistant Examiner for Pearson, she stays updated on curriculum changes to guide students effectively. Suheyla firmly believes that education empowers students to recognise their strengths, and she strives to inspire confidence and motivation in her teaching.
Alice Smith
Key Stage 3, IGCSE and A Level English Language & Literature
Years Teaching: 20
Alice is an English expert and has taught in private and state schools in the UK before specialising in delivering GCSE English at colleges around the UK. Alice has been a GCSE examiner for 15 years.
In 2017 she established a successful tuition business and has led hundreds of pupils to success in entrance exams including Eton, Harrow and Sevenoaks. She also enjoyed teaching summer school EFL at Bath and Bristol Universities.
Alice is also a published writer and performance artist as well as a leading advocate for the mental health of trauma survivors. In her free time, Alice loves spending time with her dog.
Joanna Adamkiewicz
Key Stage 3 and IGCSE Mathematics
Years Teaching: 16 years
Joanna holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Szczecin in Poland and completed her PGCE at Middlesex University. In addition to being a qualified Mathematics teacher she is also an IGCSE Mathematics examiner for Pearson and an A-Level Mathematics examiner for AQA.
Her professional interests focus on fostering a high-performance mindset and developing problem-solving skills, emphasizing logical and critical thinking, brainstorming, and reasoning. Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of curricula, including Additional Mathematics, GCSE, and IGCSE, as well as A-Level topics such as Pure Mathematics, Discrete Mathematics, and Statistics.
Teaching is not just her profession—it is her passion. Joanna strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where students not only excel academically but also develop confidence and an appreciation for the beauty of Mathematics.
David Ball
A Level Chemistry
Years Teaching: 18 years
After graduating from the University of York with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, David spent several years in industry as a development chemist before retraining as a science teacher. He has taught GCSE Science, A-level Chemistry and A-level Physics in the UK. David also has experience in coordinating the delivery of vocational Applied Science Level 3 courses.
David currently works as an A-level examiner for two major examination boards. He also tests and marks papers for Level 3 Applied Science examinations.
Outside of teaching, David enjoys music, working with technology and walking in the countryside.
Ellie Peters
A Level Mathematics and Physics
Years Teaching: 8
Ellie has been teaching and tutoring Mathematics and Physics for over six years. She graduated from Durham University with a BSc (Hons) in Physics in 2017, followed by a PGCE in Secondary Science (specialising in Physics with Mathematics) in 2018. She has taught at Wimbledon High School and Haileybury College, and is now excited to bring her experience to Elea High Online School!
Ellie strives to create a relaxed, friendly environment that encourages effective learning. Her student-led, interactive approach allows her to tailor her teaching to each student’s needs, helping them build confidence and a deeper understanding of the subject. Ellie’s goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, while ensuring they enjoy the learning process.
Sean Moore
Key Stage 3 and IGCSE Physics and A Level Computer Science
Years Teaching: 16
Having worked as a real-time embedded software engineer for twenty years, Sean retrained as a Physics teacher. After sixteen years of teaching, he has a broad experience of teaching A level, International Baccalaureate and GCSE Physics together with General Science at KS3/4 and Computer Science.
He has previously been both head of Physics and Head of Science. His experience has been gained in the UK and internationally in both the state and private sectors. He has taught across the whole ability range from SEND to Oxbridge candidates.
Begona Sarmiento
Key Stage 3 and IGCSE Mathematics
Years Teaching: 14 years
After completing her degree, Begona secured a position in a school and embarked on a journey that led her to discover her true calling in life: teaching.
In 2012, Begona made a life-changing move to England to pursue teaching a language that held a special place in her heart: Spanish.
A decade later, Begona boasts a wealth of diverse teaching experiences including online and in-person instruction. She has dedicated herself to helping GCSE and A-level students achieve their full potential. This commitment extends to home-educated students and those with unique learning needs.
Begona’s commitment extends further than simply imparting language skills; she endeavors to immerse her students in the vivid and culturally rich tapestry of Spain.
Steph Charles
Key Stage , IGCSE and A Level Biology
Years Teaching: 16 years
Steph has 16 years experience of teaching Biology in an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ secondary school and ‘Outstanding’ post-16 college in the UK. During her career, she has been an examiner for several different exam boards and has coordinated hundreds of UCAS applications for students applying to university, specialising in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine applications. Steph holds a Biology degree from the University of York and a PGCE from the University of Leeds.
With a passion for education and a commitment to student growth, she believes in fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom where curiosity is encouraged. Her philosophy of education centres on making learning relevant, engaging, and accessible, helping students not only achieve academic success but also develop confidence and independence. Outside of teaching, Steph enjoys baking—especially experimenting with new recipes—and spending time outdoors walking her dogs
Amy Hill
IGCSE and A Level Geography Years of Teaching: 10 years
Amy is a passionate and dedicated geography educator with 16 years of teaching experience, specialising in Geography. She strives to create a nurturing and engaging online learning environment where students develop curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a lifelong love for learning.
Amy earned her Geography degree from The University of Liverpool and continued her professional development by obtaining a PGCE. Additionally, her experience working with a well-renowned exam board has given her valuable insights into assessment and curriculum design.
Beyond the classroom, Amy enjoys reading, which often inspires my teaching. She is committed to helping each student reach their full potential and believes that education is the key to a brighter future.
She looks forward to many more fantastic years of learning and growth with her students.
Maria Kashouli
Key Stage 3, IGCSE and A Level Biology
Years of Teaching: 15 years
Maria Kashouli is an experienced educator with a specialism in Biology. She holds a Biology BSc from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens and an IPGCE from Buckingham University. With 15 years of teaching experience in secondary private schools and tutoring, she teaches Biology and Chemistry at IGCSE and A Level for both Cambridge and Edexcel Pearson examination boards. Based in Cyprus, Maria holds dual British and Cypriot nationality. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, reading books, and solving puzzles.
Claudia Pulice
Key Stage 3 Geography and French Years of Teaching: 8 years
Claudia is originally from Montréal, Canada. and has over eight years of experience teaching French and Social Studies, and for the past three years, she’s had the privilege of working remotely with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. She’s excited to be a part of the Elea High team, where she can continue to connect with students worldwide and share her passion for education. Fluent in three languages, she currently lives in Turin, Italy, where she enjoys spending her free time in the mountains, rock climbing, and hiking.
Dianne Shannon
IGCSE and A Level Business and Economics
Years of Teaching: 20+ years
With over 20 years experience in education, Dianne has taught a wide range of learners from 14 years old to a 93 year old adult returner in the FE sector. She enjoys working with those with a keen interest in Business and Economics and endeavours to foster an environment where learners can develop a thirst for knowledge and enhance their ability to think independently through active exploration and insight around the subject.
In addition to her role at Elea High, Dianne has also taught international students remotely for a UK university.
In her spare time, her interests include reading (true crime and biographies) and working out at the gym.