The BIST way
WORK HARD, DREAM BIG.
The BIST Future
Welcome to BIST Secondary school
I am Karyn, and I am the Executive Principal here at BIST !
I am from Scotland, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Dundee and my Diploma in Special Education from the University of Leeds. I am certified to teach Early Childhood, SEN, EAL and Primary Education. This is my first year at BIST after four years in China. I have a true passion for working with our community; colleagues, parents and children!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, emotions and supporting them to find and follow their passions—is a challenge that I am honoured to be a part of each and every day
Karyn Walton | School Executive Principal
The British system secondary stages
| 2024 – 25 | 2025 – 26 | ||
| Date of birth range | Year group | ||
| From | To | ||
| 01/09/2012 | 31/08/2013 | Year 7 | Year 8 |
| 01/09/2011 | 31/08/2012 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
| 01/09/2010 | 31/08/2011 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
| 01/09/2009 | 31/08/2010 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| 01/09/2008 | 31/08/2009 | Year 11 | Year 12 |
| 01/09/2007 | 31/08/2008 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
| 01/09/2006 | 31/08/2007 | Year 13 | N/A |
Unlocking your child’s potential
Access to Higher Education
Instilling ambition and drive in pupils to allow them to achieve more and grasp the opportunities that come their way.
Responsibility
Creating opportunities and having choices, allows even young children to learn ways to take control or ownership over their own learning.
Well-Being
Our pupils’ health, safety, and well-being is our number one priority. Pupils develop well in enabling environments where their experiences respond to their individual needs.
Enrichment
Enrichment programmes allow pupils to positively grow their interests and skills to have a more robust understanding of their potential.
Personalised Learning
Offering individual focus and quality education complemented by the strengths of the English National Curriculum.
Empowering your child
We are often reminded that our pupils have unique thoughts and outlooks as they vastly contribute in enriching the content of lessons and conversations. And when we give young people the opportunity to transform these opinions or thoughts into action, we teach them that they can affect change.
Our Secondary Educational Team
Ali Obri
Mathmatics Teacher
For numerous years, I have been inspiring future Mathematicians and Scientists while making learning interesting and enjoyable not only in the UK but around the world. A Biomedical Scientist from UCLAN, UK who has worked at the NHS and HPA, before coming into teaching with PGCE and QTS.
Hakim Triki
Business Studies
I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tunis Business School and I worked in the corporate world before becoming a teacher. I enjoy introducing young learners to the fundamental business knowledge and skills. Many of my pupils have business ideas of their own, and I delight in discussing them to help their dreams make business sense!
Nesrine Gouja
English as a Second Language
I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) (PGCEi) from the University of Nottingham, as well as a Fundamental Licence Degree in English Language, Literature, and Civilisation from the Higher Institute of Human Sciences of Tunis. In addition, I have completed the Teaching Knowledge Test through the British Council and have undertaken numerous Cambridge training courses.
I joined BIST in 2013, initially working in the Primary School before transitioning to the Secondary School in 2018. I have had the privilege of witnessing the school’s growth over the years and am proud to be part of such a dedicated and evolving team.
Ines Nahali
Arabic
I hold a foundation degree in English language, culture and civilisation from the University of Arts, Languages and Humanities of Manouba. I am proud and grateful to be part of the British International School of Tunis, where I have been teaching since 2018, after 12 years of teaching in private schools in Tunisia and France.
As an Arabic teacher for KS3, KS4, A Level and AS Level, I have the privilege of guiding pupils through their language journey and watching them grow in confidence, skill and love for the Arabic language.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am the SEND Coordinator, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they need to thrive. I also lead school events and the pupil Council, creating opportunities for pupils to express their voices, grow as leaders and strengthen our school community.
I am continually inspired by the curiosity and progress of my pupilss and take great pleasure in supporting them, whether academically, socially or emotionally. I also enjoy developing my own skills as a leader and event planner, learning every day how to make a greater impact.
Kelly Moe
Art
I have earned my M.A in Art Education with a Minor in International Education and Education Abroad from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I have received my Post Baccalaureate Art Education License at University of Wisconsin. I taught in France, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Italy as well as attending classes and art workshops in Italy, Sweden, India, Peru and Guatemala.
In my classroom, I strive to create a dynamic and supportive space. I work to create a culturally inclusive curriculum rooted in social justice and global art, in an effort to assist pupils in finding their own voice so that they may tell their story as part of the community of artists in the world.
Emma Ben Moussa
English Teacher
I am an English Literature graduate with a PGCE, A Diploma in SEN and National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership. I’ve been teaching for a very long time, mostly in secondary schools. I did take a break from education and turned one of my hobbies, cooking, from a small-scale enterprise into a restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience but, in the end, I couldn’t stay away from teaching. I play the piano and the violin and have performed in all manner of orchestras and bands. I’ve been involved in the theatre as well and worked in the voluntary sector, mostly in advocacy for refugees and their families. I love my job at BIST – the students are wonderful. I feel lucky to be part of the team.
Mohammad Abusnena
Mathmatics and Physics Teacher
I am a Mathematics and Physics teacher at the British International School of Tunis (BIST), with over seven years of international teaching experience across institutions accredited by Cambridge, Pearson, BSO, COBIS, and Cognia.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Tripoli and a Higher Diploma in Business Management. I am also a certified Professional Educator and have completed the Cambridge Professional Development Qualification (PDQ), which has strengthened my ability to design and deliver high-impact, pupil-centred instruction aligned with global best practices.
At BIST, I teach Key Stage 3 Mathematics and support pupils preparing for IGCSE and A Level examinations in both Mathematics and Physics through dedicated after-school enrichment programmes.
I work collaboratively with the academic team to enhance the lower secondary mathematics curriculum, ensuring it reflects the latest developments in pedagogy and Cambridge standards.
Prior to joining BIST, I served as Head of Mathematics and Science at other schools, where I led curriculum development, mentored new educators and taught upper secondary Mathematics and Physics. My earlier roles at the Canadian Academy of Libya and Saqr American British School in Tripoli provided me with a diverse foundation, including cross-subject teaching, academic coordination and leadership of extracurricular programmes such as science fairs, educational trips and summer initiatives.
Ben Summerfield
Global perspectives & Humanities Teacher
I was a teacher at a private International School in Taiwan holding a PGCE in Secondary History and QTS, seeking an international school role as a history/ humanities history graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University, and have spent the last six years teaching abroad. My time teaching abroad gave me a passion for teaching which influenced me to pursue a PGCE to become a qualified teacher.
Adam Patel
chemistry and physics Teacher
An accomplished educator and engineer, I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from Sheffield Hallam University alongside Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), obtained through the Gorse SCITT program. My solid foundation in education is complemented by a strong academic background in engineering, with a First Class Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering (B.Eng) from the University of Bradford.
Prior to university, I attended Heckmondwike Grammar School Sixth Form,.I also gained valuable insights into Business and Critical Thinking during my AS Levels at Batley Business and Enterprise College,
Frank Morris
ICT and Computer Science Teacher
I went on to earn a BA in Geography with Business Management from Leeds University, followed by a PGCE in Geography with Social Sciences at Keele University. My teaching journey began in Manchester, where he built a solid foundation as an educator. I moved to Ghana to train teachers, helping to develop educational resources and teaching methods. Upon returning to the UK, I became Head of ICT at a school in Northamptonshire, where I played a key role in the growth and success of the department. My career then took me to Malaysia, where he taught Humanities at an international school. i was also the Senior Leader for 11-14 education which included curriculum, managing transitions between primary and secondary schools, whole school timetables and developing assessment practices.
I recently completed his Master’s in Advanced Education.
Michael Divlin
English Teacher
I am from Northern Ireland and studied in the UK, earning my degree and Postgraduate Certificates in English Language and Literature. My professional experience has been diverse, including teaching Key Stage 2 and Special Educational Needs, as well as Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. I have also served as a Sixth Form Administrative Tutor and Careers Adviser, prepared adults for KS4/5 examinations, and taught children to enhance their verbal communication skills in non-examination courses.
As an Education Consultant, I have played a pivotal role in promoting literacy across the curriculum and throughout the school. I firmly believe in the importance of both academic excellence and pastoral care, which is why I chose to teach at BIS—an institution dedicated to maintaining and advancing a high-quality educational system that meets the needs of all pupils.
Donia Jemli
French Teacher
Holder of a Master’s degree in French Language and Civilisation, I have eight years of experience teaching French to preteens and teenagers. Passionate about sharing knowledge, I strive to create dynamic, engaging and inclusive learning environments that encourage curiosity, personal expression and critical thinking.
In addition to my teaching career, I have been actively involved in various community and volunteer initiatives. These experiences have helped me develop valuable interpersonal skills such as active listening, collaboration, adaptability and a strong sense of responsibility. They have also taught me important life lessons that enrich my teaching practice every day.
Keenly aware of the importance of clear and effective communication, I have completed several training programmes in communication techniques, enabling me to convey information more effectively and adapt to the individual needs of each pupil.
Feriel Harzi
Chemistry and Physics teacher
I am a Chemistry and Physics teacher at the British International School of Tunis with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Tunis El Manar. My academic and research experiences across Germany, Spain, and Romania have enriched my scientific knowledge and global outlook. I have presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. My teaching journey spans university-level chemistry and international school instruction in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. At BIST, I foster an inclusive and engaging learning environment that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, I value cultural exchange, environmental responsibility, and lifelong learning.
Nora Gharyani
Psychology Teacher
Ahmed Touihri
PE Teacher
I am an experienced Primary and Secondary Physical Education Teacher with 5 years of teaching experience, currently serving as the Head of Physical Education at the British International School of Tunis. I follow the British Curriculum and specialise in delivering the IGCSE Physical Education programme.Passionate about promoting lifelong learning and personal growth through physical education, I strive to create a positive, inclusive and engaging environment where pupils are motivated to participate actively and reach their full potential. My teaching approach blends academic rigour with dynamic, hands-on activities that support the development of physical skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and healthy lifestyle habits.Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education Teacher and drawing from my background as a football player for 8 years, I bring practical experience, leadership and a deep enthusiasm for inspiring pupils to lead active and healthy lives. I’m personally committed to a healthy lifestyle and I am a dedicated gym enthusiast. I truly enjoy being part of the BIST community and take great pride in teaching and contributing to the growth of our pupils every day.
Raja Bouallegui
Secondary Teacher
Maria Mattiace
Social and Emotianel Counsellor
Dedicated and compassionate Behaviour Specialist and Special Care Counsellor with over 30 years experience supporting pupils with diverse needs, including behavior and emotional challenges. Goal is fostering emotional growth in pupils, promoting positive behavior and building confidence.Background in School Counselling, Positive Psychology, SENCO and a Specialist for diverse needs.
Supported pupils in a range of professional environments, including schools, residential programmes and clinical setting. Part of the BIST team as of 2021.
Beyond the classroom
All teachers are proud to see their pupils’ faces light up the moment they talk about something they are passionate about.
We are often reminded that our pupils have unique thoughts and outlooks as they vastly contribute in enriching the content of lessons and conversations. And when we give young people the opportunity to transform these opinions or thoughts into action, we teach them that they can affect change.
Is your child going to secondary?
Key Stages 3 & 4
Children ages 11 to 16
Sixth Form
Children ages 16 to 18
