Meet the team
Italo Gallina
Executive Director
I joined SSE in 1974. Over the last 30 years I have seen the language industry change dramatically and we are constantly trying to improve our facilities, service, efficiency and most of all our teaching methods to keep up with modern technology. We have welcomed thousands of students over the last 40 years and I hope we will be able to welcome thousands more. I hope you will be one of them and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Paul Gallina
Managing Director
I have worked at SSE full time since 1995 and before that time I spent many weekends and holidays helping my Father establish the school for what it is today. The school was started in 1966 by my late grandfather, Peter Jennings, and it’s one of the oldest and well known schools in Bournemouth. I spend a lot of my working time researching new markets, travelling abroad and attending workshops and student fairs, trying to recruit new students and agents to welcome to SSE. I am very proud of our school and I hope to be able to welcome you to SSE in the near future.
Kathryn Newman
Academic Principal
BA (Hons) Education, Trinity Licentiate Diploma
I joined SSE in June 2004 and I love working here. I’m sure that the reason for this is that I work with a fabulous staff of motivated teachers with high professional standards and an organised and helpful administrative team. It’s very satisfying seeing our students become more confident and capable in using English and it’s always interesting to meet people from
abroad, students and agents. I am an examiner for UCLES.
In my freetime I enjoy cooking and travelling. If you are coming to SSE soon, I look forward to welcoming you to the school and I am sure that you will not only learn a great deal but really enjoy your stay here.
Back to top
Sally Kanan
Administration Director
It is almost 33 years since I started working at SSE. Many ‘ex-students’ will remember the social evenings etc. which we held at the school. These evenings are still held and are still enjoyed by our students. It still gives me pleasure to see the different nationalities mixing together, learning about other cultures etc.
I have welcomed sons and daughters of many ex-students, and I am sure it won’t be long until I am welcoming their children.
Back to top
Alison
Assistant Director of Studies
MA (Ed) Applied Linguistics, BA (Hons) English Language and Literature, RSA/Cambridge Dip TEFLA, PGCE
I moved to Southbourne School of English in 2010 and, because this is a family-run school and very friendly, I immediately felt at home here – as I am sure you will, too. Don’t tell any of the other staff, but I have the best job in the school, because, working in the Academic Office and teaching as well, I get to know a lot of our students.
Before this, I taught in another local language school for 14 years and prior to that English, French and Media Studies (amongst other things) to English children aged 11 to 18. In my ‘spare’ time, I tutor on the BA Modern Languages course with the Open University. I also assist students from all faculties in the university who are struggling with academic English. So, whether you’re learning English for interest, for business or for your studies, I’m looking forward to helping you.
Back to top
Shaun Durkin
Summer Centres Manager, Marketing Manager’s Assistant, Social Programme Manager
BSc Hons Degree in Sports Science, Coaching and Admin, CELTA
I have worked at SSE since 2004. For the past four summers I have been the Centre Manager at Beechwood Sacred Heart summer school. I have recently taken over the position of Marketing Assistant and Summer School Manager. During the winter, as well as assisting with marketing I am also responsible for the running of the Social Programme and weekend excursions.
Back to top
Jackie O’Grady
Administration Assistant and Examination Secretary
I have worked at Southbourne School since 2007, and have previously worked at other Language Schools. I was also a host family for many years.
I deal with exam administration, and various office duties including reception, and helping students with their enquiries.
Back to top
Mandy Miles
Administration Assistant, Reception and Social Programme Assistant
I have worked for Southbourne School since 2007, starting as a minibus driver for the social programme. I was born in
Bournemouth and am very proud of the town. I enjoy working for the school as everyone is so friendly and sociable and the atmosphere is great! Recently I have started working in the administration office and I am really enjoying being part of the team. I hope to be here for many more years.
Back to top
Susan
Teacher
RSA Diploma
I have been a teacher at Southburne School of English for 15 years. For the last four years I have helped Kathryn in my role as Summer Assistant Director of Studies. I love working here as there is such a friendly atmosphere in the school. The new extension, which has given us 8 new classrooms, is fantastic and both teachers and students enjoy using the interactive whiteboards.
Back to top
David
Teacher, responsible for Library and Language Laboratory
Cert Ed, RSA CELTA
I have worked at Southbourne School of English since 1997. Before that I worked in state school. I am responsible for managing the school library and after school language laboratory sessions which many students use. I also like to participate in the weekend excursion programme.
Back to top
Gerard
Teacher
BA Literary Studies, MA Applied Linguistics, RSA DTEFLA
I first came to Southbourne School of English nearly 30 years ago. I also worked in Udine in North Italy for 5 years and I have taught in Siberia. I enjoy working with my colleagues and there has always been a great atmosphere in the school.
I love Irish music and am interested in ancient history. I play bingo every Sunday wirth my elderly mother. I have a mild interest in football and snooker occasionally play a game of pool.
Back to top
Michael
Teacher
BA (Hons) Modern Languages, RSA Diploma
I’ve been teaching at Southbourne School of English for over fifteen years and really love the family atmosphere here. In fact, I’m at school so much that it is my second home! As I studied Modern Languages at university, I like to use them whenever I travel abroad. I’ve lived in Germany, France, Portugal and Italy. I also have relatives in Germany and Austria.
Back to top
Mike
Teacher
BA Art History /Anthropology, Diploma trained
I’ve been working at the school now for about 20 years. I worked in Saudi Arabia for 5 years, teaching English to apprentices for the ARAMCO Oil Company before returning to Southbourne School of English. I like working here because of the friendly, family atmosphere. I am a keen rugby fan, especially of the ALL BLACKS, as I was born in New Zealand. I also like cinema, reading and visiting country pubs.
Back to top
Molly
Teacher
B A Honours – English & History, Further Adult Education Teaching Cert., Trinity Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL)
I have been working at Southbourne School of English for over ten years and enjoy the hustle and bustle of life with students from overseas. It has been great being involved with the innovations at the school and I’ve enjoyed getting to grips with the new technology. It is very exciting and really rewarding to use the most modern resources to help students. I am very pleased that I can enjoy my work as much as I do.
Back to top
Trish
Teacher
BA Eng & Fr (Hons), PGCE
I came to SSE eight years ago from a post in a Secondary School where I taught English and Drama to mixed ability students from year 7 to Advanced Level. I’ve recently starred as Prince Charming in the school pantomime and taken part in a Salsa display, which I really enjoyed.
I live in a village in the New Forest, a beautiful National Park. Consequently I take every opportunity to go walking and cycling, but nothing too strenuous.
Whenever possible, I like to go to the theatre. Excellent productions are to be found in Poole, Salisbury and Chichester and many high quality touring companies visit local theatre venues.
back to top
Janice
Teacher
Cert Ed., RSA DTEFLA
I joined the teaching staff at SSE in 1996, having previously taught in France and in other schools in Bournemouth. This is a great place to work. Everyone is friendly and supportive and we have excellent facilities. Learning to use the new Smart boards was an exciting challenge and has been much more fun than I anticipated!
I enjoy teaching all levels and still find it fascinating to meet people from all over the world and learn about their countries. Since 1990 I have also worked as an examiner for Cambridge University, marking written papers for several examinations, which is helpful when teaching those courses.
In my spare time I enjoy playing the accordion, mainly for folk dancing, and also belong to a dance display team performing 17th and 18th century dances.
Back to top
Ami
Teacher
BA Ed, CELTA
My Favourite thing about teaching EFL is having the opportunity to meet so many interesting people from a variety of different cultures around the world.
Southbourne School of English is a lovely place to work due to the friendly staff who make everyone feel welcome – including me!! I have taught for over 10 years in different educational settings and have worked seasonally at the school since 2003. I believe the root of all good teaching is developing positive relationships within and outside the classroom.
Back to top
Peter
Teacher
Cert Ed (Bristol), BEd (Exeter)
I am now in my 55th year of teaching, not from necessity, but because I love the process of helping people to learn and enjoy our language. For most of my professional life I was Head of an English department, developing and extending teaching programmes and methods. Since 1998, I have worked in schools of English, a different but equally pleasurable experience.
Back to top
Diane
Teacher
CELTA
I taught in the Middle East for 17 years and have been teaching at Southbourne School of English since 2008. During this time, I have been able to enjoy the culture of my students and their countries, learning from them while they are learning from me.
Coming to work at Southbourne has been like coming home, as everyone is accepted into the ‘family’.
Back to top
Jane
Teacher
Cert Tefla
I started teaching 21 years ago and joined Southbourne School of English 16 years ago. In my free time, I enjoy painting, reading, playing music and spending time with my friends and family.
On a more personal level, lived in Australia for 10 years, have a grown-up son and my favourite foods are pizza and ice cream!
Neil
Teacher
Trinity Licentiate Diploma, MA Applied Linguistics
Hello my name is Neil and I have worked as an English teacher for the last 17 years. I enjoy working at Southbourne School as the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.
At weekends I enjoy guiding groups to interesting places such as Oxford, Bath and Stonehenge. I also love music, and in my spare time am a keen amateur guitarist.
Back to top
Lindsay
Teacher
B. Ed., CELTA
I have over 35 years of experience in teaching English. Some of that has been in British state schools, but I have also taught in language schools in Europe and Asia. In fact, I lived and worked in Japan for 20 years!
Because of all of this, I am used to teaching both adults and juniors and enjoy responding to their needs.
Back to top
Holly
Teacher
CELTA
I have worked at Southbourne School of English since 2008, firstly as a Summer Activity Leader and now as a Teacher. Before this I travelled the world and taught English to young students in Spain. The best thing about my job is meeting so many interesting people from different countries and cultures.
Other than travelling, I’ve lived in Bournemouth my whole life and would definitely recommend it as a fun place to learn English. There is a great atmosphere in the town centre, with many international students, a vibrant nightlife and a vast selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. The beach is beautiful for walking and cycling, as well as swimming and barbeques, mainly in the summer months! Bournemouth usually has the best weather in England and it’s said to be the happiest place to live in Britain.
Back to top
Claire
Canteen Manager
I have worked at Southbourne School of English for 4 years. The canteen is very popular, and gets really busy in the summer. We have many groups who come back year after year, so I always try my best to cater to their tastes. I really enjoy cooking and trying new foods, and love meeting new people!
Back to top
Gemma
Canteen Assistant
I started working at Southbourne School of English quite recently, and I really enjoy it. I help Claire with all aspects of the job, from food preparation and service, to stock control. Meeting so many new people is great, and I love learning new things.
Back to top
