Debra Van Vuuren

Mrs. Debra Van Vuuren was born and raised in South Africa. She spent 12 years living in the United Kingdom where her family is originally from.  She completed her Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Law subjects at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa and later completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Nottingham in the UK. She is currently completing her Master’s in Education at the University of Nottingham, with a focus on what drives motivation in second language learners. She has also completed several International Baccalaureate courses and professional development opportunities. She has been at CISH for 6 years, working in both Kindergarten and the PYP as a teacher and head homeroom teacher. Her dedication and commitment to playing a part in CISH’s continued development have sprung not only from being an educator but also a parent of three children who all attend CISH and have progressed through the PYP, MYP, and DP. Her husband, Donavan, is also at CISH and teaches DP Sports Science and oversees CAS and Personal Project as the Coordinator for these programmers.

Having lived on 3 continents, she has developed an acute intercultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation for global connectedness. She believes in helping students value their own cultures and appreciate the many other cultures they are exposed to in school on a daily basis. This helps them to understand how they are a part of and can contribute to being global citizens through relevant and authentic learning opportunities.

She models respect and care for all students and fosters and encourages an environment of empathy for all. She values building strong relationships through trust and respect, that extend beyond the classroom. She believes that students who are involved in how and what they learn, will take ownership of this and be motivated to produce work that they can be proud of. Connected to all of this, she believes in using every opportunity to support students in developing the necessary skills they will need that will not only benefit them in school but also beyond the gates of CISH.