Dhahran British Grammar School Alumni
Students that left in 2003
Nikki Abernethy
I went to DBGS from 1999 to 2003, I am now working and living in Liverpool (Capital of Culture 2008) and very proud to be here, as I was born here in Fazackerly. I do not attend any courses or university, however I work in a call centre, as a customer service advisor in Wavertree, for Guthy Renker (beauty and exercise products). My plans for the future are to either become a police officer in the RAF, or a general officer of the Merseyside Police. I wish to travel the world, and need to meet my knight in shining armour to join me. I enjoyed my stay in Saudi, and the school made it all the more fun. I met some fantastic people, and I am still in touch with a fair few of them, including teachers. I wouldn't of changed it for the world, I would recommend anyone to go if they have the chance.
(The picture attached is me and my mum at my brothers wedding.) 31 October 2007
Shady El Naggar
I attended DBGS from reception which is like primary year, up until year 10... unfortunately because my father had to move countries I left DBGS before I could graduate from there. If I had I would have been the 1st in the history of the school to stay there for 12 years... because I left I'm now the same as Aaron Cooper who attended from year 1 to year 11... I'm now in the CIC, the Canadian International College in Cairo. I should be going in a couple of years to Cape Breto Canada. I'm studying moment Business Administration at the moment and I plan to continue my studies in Canada and then either move to England or continue there and do my Masters. But basically I'm not writing to talk about my self.. I just want to show people how much this school really helped me get along with my life. Most people would talk about the amazing system and education of the school in which DBGS is not an exception but I'm here to stress on two very important points which changed my life thanks to DBGS... first of all is the excellent atmosphere in which the school helps to maintain. I attended back in the day when hardly any Arabs attended the school, however I was made welcome from day 1.... I felt like I was part of the school and it was part of me... the second point is the standard of teachers in which DBGS should be proud of having... I mean its almost impossible to find anyone who can work out equations in their head faster than Mrs Chambers for example. Then again I never though I would be interested in Geography and History till Mr Hardcastle showed up...(Legend Teacher ppl!!!!) also who can forget Mr Mullan... I mean I don't think we ever had a boring class with him!!. (mirrrrrrrrorrrrrrrrr) LOL.. But what I realised about the teachers at DBGS when I left, and this is what I miss the most about them, is that they really did care what happened to their students, you could tell that by how they treated you and talked to you, I mean if we had any problems it was almost always Mr Hardcastle who helped us get over them... poor guy he was bombarded by students all the time!!!!.... Anyway all I can say now is that the best thing my parents did was insure that I attended and was brought up in one of the best communities around.... Thanks for giving me the chance to write this it means a lot. Take care.. Shady El Naggar
Liz Hockey
I attended DBGS from 1991 to 2003. On completing my iGCSEs I moved back to Blackpool in Lancashire where I went to Myerscough College to do a National Diploma in Horse Management (breeding option). I then carried on to start a BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Science and Management (physiology route) but decided in the 2nd year to stop. I took 6 months out in Saudi where I taught as a riding instructor.
In September I started a working pupil at my riding school where I am working towards British Horse Society exams.
I also have a job with the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).
I have recently been accepted for the Breeding Diploma course at the National Stud in Newmarket it runs Feb - July 2008. After that i am hoping to go to work in New Zealand within the race horse breeding industry. 30 October 2007
Jordan Lucas
Jordan was at DBGS between 2000 and 2003. He is now studyng at Mid-Cheshire College and is working as a professional golfer with a scratch handicap! In the future he hopes to move abroad and fulfill his dreams of becoming a professional golfer. He wants to enjoy every day like it is his last.
Anything else you would like to tell readers?
DBGS was the best experience of my life and i wouldnt change a thing!
Francesca McLean
2001 - 2003 (yr 10 and 11)
I am studying at the University of the West of England in Bristol. I am half way through my Drawing and Applied Arts degree. I hope to be an illustrator and produce art on commission. It was doing Art IGCSE at DBGS that started my passion for drawing in particular. The art teachers that tutored me encouraged my strengths, which helped me get to where i am today. 30 October 2007
Vanessa Palfreyman
"Hi my name's Vanessa Palfreyman I attended DBGS from 1999-2003.
I am mow living in the UK, Stoke-on-Trent to be precise.
I go to Congleton High School, I'm currently in my second year of A-Levels studying History, ICT and Media.
I don't really know any plans for the future, just trying to get through this year and pass my exams!
Urrm Not really sure what else to say, but if anyone else remembers me E-mail me on ness_240@hotmail.co.uk" 30 October 2007
Rachael Hynes
I’m Rachael Hynes, 18 now, living on my own, and currently studying a Foundation in Art & Design at Lincoln College. I grew up in Dhahran, where my family still live, and I attended DBGS for six academic years from 1997-2003. Actually, when I arrived at DBGS the school was known as ‘Dhahran Academy British School’.
I was at DBGS from year 4 to year 9 before attending Lincoln Minster School to study my GCSEs and A Levels in Art, Graphics, Photography and Drama. I knew when I left Dhahran that I wanted to study art, thanks to art teaching I had at DBGS, particular thanks to Mrs Hudson. My plans for next year are to attend the University of Arts London to study a BA in Fine Art and then hopefully an MA in Interior Design. I certainly want a career in the creative industry, even if my plans change.
Growing up in Dhahran has also given me a passion for travelling. I still visit Saudi regularly and in Summer 2007 I went trekking to Borneo for a month, which included working with OrangUtans. I plan to visit Thai Land and India in Summer 2008 before moving to London for University.
A lot of what I’m doing with my life now is not only thanks to growing up in the Middle East, but also thanks to the experience I had at DBGS. I benefited from fantastic pupil/teacher relationships, an excellent quality of teaching, and a genuine passion and encouragement to do my best.
It is lovely to see DBGS is still going strong and ever developing. 30 October 2007
