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DESC Development Programme

1 of 12 Contents

1. About DESC

2. The Programme

3. The Staff Biographies

4. The Facilities

5. The Successes

6. The Selection Policy

2 of 12 1. About DESC

Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) is a UK curriculum, inclusive and not for profit secondary school, based in a spacious, modern campus in Academic City.

We offer a full range of GCSE’s, A levels, BTEC National Diplomas and a Foundation Level pathway that offers a mix of Level 2 courses. We are highly regarded, as exemplified by Outstanding ratings from both the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau and the Council of British International Schools. Our results demonstrate outstanding levels of progress and achievement among our students. Our aim is to produce rounded, balanced young people who strive to achieve their potential; and in doing so they are encouraged to display the best of human traits in their interaction with others. Character, integrity and respect for others are important to us at DESC, be that in the classroom or on the sports field.

If you would like to visit DESC, we invite you to book a tour; these are carried out by a member of our Senior Leadership Team. Our tours aim to give you the opportunity to see the College and everything it has to offer. We think you will be impressed. 3 of 12

To book a tour, please call 04 360 4866. 2. The Programme

Morning Conditioning and Movement Mechanics Sessions, every morning from 6:45am to 7:45am 2 x Skill Sessions during lesson time twice a week (on a rotation basis, so the same lesson is not missed more than once each term) 2 x Team Training Sessions a week Nutrition Programme Personalised Strength & Conditioning Programme Sports Rehab Therapy Video Analysis Technical and Tactical Coaching from elite professionals Innovative Sports Mastery Long Term Athlete Development Physical Competency Pathway Up to 15 hours contact time per week

4 of 12 3. The Staff Bios

Programme Managers

Robin Giles is our Director of High Performance and Rugby Programme Manager. He is a Trainer, specialising in Coaching and Strength & Conditioning. His qualifications include RFU Trainer, UAE Rugby Federation Trainer, RFU Level 3 Coach, MSc Strength & Conditioning, UKCC Trainer (All UKCC sports), Certified Functional Strength & Conditioning Coach, SAQ Trainer, UKCC Level 2 Athletics Coach (Specialising in sprinting). Masters in Aeronautical Engineering.

Robin’s experience includes being a former U19 London South East Divisional Rugby Coach, former Harlequins Academy Rugby Coach, former Loughborough University Rugby Coach, former NPC Championship Rugby Player (Wanganui NPC) and former GB U16 Rowing (Coxless 4).

Paul Barratt is our Director of and Football Programme Manager. Paul’s qualifications include FA Qualified Coach - Level 1, 2 & obtaining B License. FA Youth Modules 1, 2 & 3. FA Level 1. Strength & Conditioning Level 1, Liverpool FC Academy & International Coach. Paul is currently studying for a Sports Science and Exercise degree.

Paul’s experience includes being a former City FC Youth Academy player, former Liverpool FC Youth Team and Reserve Team Player, FA Youth Cup Winner 2006 with Liverpool FC and Football League and non-league experience.

5 of 12 The Staff Bios

Programme Managers

Louise Vickery is our Director of Netball and Netball Programme Manager. Her qualifications include Level 3 Netball Coach, qualified and UAENA Selector for the U17 UAE squads.

Louise’s experience includes represented at U16, U18 and U21 age groups, competing in European and International fixtures, Director of Netball at Netball Club, Head Coach for Dubai U13’s and selected to play for the UAE Netball squad 2018.

Monir Kassem is our Director of Swimming and Swimming Programme Manager. Five years ago, Monir moved to Dubai to coach swimming in the Middle East. In that time he has worked for two different clubs and alongside several schools. This led him to work with with DESC who provided him with the opportunity to start his own club, OAKS Training. OAKS have a strong team, where Monir is working with two former colleagues Dan Jacobs and Josephine Seidel. Together they look forward to building one of the strongest swimming schools and clubs in Dubai.

6 of 12 The Staff Bios

Support Staff and Specialist Consultants

Josh Riding is our Sports Rehab Specialist. His qualifications include BSc Sports Science and Rehabilitation, Level 1 & 2 World Rugby Strength & Conditioning, Level 1 & 2 World Rugby 15s Coaching, Level 1 World Rugby 7s Coaching, Level 1 World Rugby FAIR, NQF Level 5 Sports Massage Therapist, Trigger Point Therapist.

Josh’s experience includes representing the Arabian Gulf RFU at U16 & U18, playing for Dubai Exiles RFU, massage and strapping for Springbok Sevens and working pitch side for the Dubai Exiles Premiership side.

George Cliffe is our Strength & Conditioning Coach. His qualifications include Sport & Exercise Psychology MSc, Post Graduate Certificate of Education, Sports Coaching BSc, Level 3 World Rugby Coach, Level 2 RFL and RFU Coach, various Strength and Conditioning, Rugby specific CPD and Nutrition qualifications.

George’s experience includes UK school and club Head Coach to Senior Colts level, winning Premier Division and Yorkshire Cup, Women’s Head Coach at the Dubai Hurricanes (winning back to back Dubai 7s titles), Head of DNATA Travel Rugby Academy in Dubai, Lead Performance Analyst at Knights, winning promotion in 2013/14 to Championship, Performance Analyst with England , including Lead Analyst for Women's World Cup 2013 (Bronze medal) and Talent Pathway coach in UK Rugby League. 7 of 12 The Staff Bios

Support Staff and Specialist Consultants

Matt Mills is our Strength & Conditioning Coach. His qualifications include Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach and Level 2 Rugby Coach.

Matt’s experience includes playing in the UAE Rugby premiership, playing National League 2 in England. He was also Captain of East Midlands Senior 1st XV.

Dr Danielle Bryant is our Performance Psychologist. Her qualifications include PhD Psychology, MSc Performance Psychology, APECS Accredited Coach, APECS Accredited Coach Supervisor, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practitioner, Advanced Gestalt Coaching Practitioner and APS Level 3 Certificate in Tutoring Sport.

Danielle has been working in performance psychology for over ten years and has provided psychology consultancy for government organisations, elite sports organisations, teams and individuals including the Ministry of Defence (UK), the Professional Golfers Association, the Scottish and the World Rally and Pirelli World Class Schemes. Applied performance psychology involves the assessment of individuals and teams, and the subsequent design

and development of individually tailored mental-skills training programmes 8 of 12 aimed at optimising performance. Danielle is a member of internationally recognised accrediting bodies the British Psychological Association (BPS) and the Association for Professional Coaches and Supervisors (APECS). 4. The Facilities

- High Performance Gym - Sports Rehab Room - Indoor air-conditioned Swimming Pool - Outdoor Swimming Pool - Full sized International Rugby Pitch - Full sized Football Pitch - Training Pitches - 4G Pitch - “Stadium” Netball Court - Dedicated Coach Education Room - Video Analysis Suite

9 of 12 5. The successes

Rugby successes 8 current or former DESC Students represented UAE U19s in 2016 and 2017 3 Professional academy contracts offered from 2016-17 Dubai Rugby 7s U19 Champions 2016 On average most successful schools A teams in XVs leagues in the UAE in 2017 Most successful 10s school in the UAE in 2017

Football successes U12 DASSA league winners 5 years in a row Boys won 15 and won 5 DASSA or tournament competitions in academic year 2016/2017 4 players selected for premiership academies, up to 2017 2 football scholarships to US Colleges, 2017

Netball successes 6 DESC students awarded DASSA league Player of the Year 16 DESC players selected to represent Dubai 3 DESC students representing U17 European Championships U14, U16 A&B both teams playing in Division 1

Swimming The DESC swimming programme is a recent addition to our provision; set up in September 2017, it is headed by Monir Kassem who has coached swimming in the UAE for the last five years. Monir 10 of 12 looks forward to producing a strong DESC team, facilitated by his swim programme. 6. The Selection Policy

For an individual to be considered for selection into one of our Sports Development Programmes, they must show at least one physical, technical or tactical attribute and at least two psychological attributes. Selection is conducted in consultation with a committee of coaches and teachers before a decision is made.

Physical: Exceptional physical competence in sports related exercises and movements

Technical and tactical: Exceptional sports specific skill competence Exceptional sports specific skill potential Exceptional understanding of relevant sports specific tactics

Psychological attributes linked to success in sport: Resilience Integrity Positive reaction to challenges Ability to reflect and adapt with or without a coach’s input

Programme Managers will only select athletes once they have shown the relevant attributes. The programmes are not limited in number and athletes can be selected to join a Programme at any stage, once relevant attributes are exemplified consistently. An athlete can be selected to join multiple programmes, however they are only allowed to commit to one Programme per term, at which point they can switch to the alternative Programme in consultation with the relevant Programme Manager.

How do I register my interest? 11 of 12 Please contact Mr Robin Giles, Director of High Performance Sport on 04 360 4866. 12 of 12 For more information, please contact Mr Robin Giles, Director of High Performance Sport on 04 360 4866 www.descdubai.com