Primary School Curriculum and Assessment Lead - STEM - SPARK Schools
Rosebank, Gauteng, South Africa
SPARK Support/Head Office Vacancies, Schools Team Full time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
Position Type: Full Time
Locations: SPARK Rosebank/SPARK Primary School
OVERVIEW
APPLICATION
Description
SPARK Schools is a social impact disruptor and is leading change in the education space through its network of affordable private schools. The SPARK Schools network provides transformational education innovation through Africa’s first blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their students effectively.
The blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate student needs and equips schools to provide personalized education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.
SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven entrepreneurial organisation, operating 19 primary schools and 1 high school and serving over 14,000 families. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team.
Requirements
Purpose of Role:
The Curriculum and Assessment Lead drives student achievement in the SPARK Schools network by ensuring that our curriculum is engaging and rigorous and that our assessment accurately measures student progress toward each individual's achievement goals. The Curriculum and Assessment Lead’s leadership in the SPARK Schools network is integral to the SPARK Schools mission to create systemic change in South African education.
Reports To: Head of Efficacy
Responsibilities:
Primary Subject: STEM (Primary R - 6)
Secondary Subjects/Areas: Social Science, Social and Emotional Literacy, Physical Education
Monitors, refines, and implements the curriculum and assessment model at SPARK Schools.
Designs and/or supplements a rigorous network-wide curriculum that aligns to and extends
the South African national curriculum, including comprehensive assessments for all grades and all subjects.
Plans and supports pre-service and in-service professional development for school leaders and educators on curriculum, culture, and community-building.
Helps instructional coaches and educators to develop instructional strategies and intervention programs that elevate achievement among struggling students.
Integrates curricular support with strategies for scholar social-emotional development.
Aligns the academic curriculum with government standards, SPARK’s best practice, and international expectations and benchmarks.
Documents and communicates scope and sequence of curriculum for each grade level and subject, in conjunction with internal assessments.
Demonstrates a relentless commitment to student achievement.
Facilitates a network-wide assessment and data analysis cycle that allows school leaders
to analyse student performance and identify areas for school-wide targeted instruction.
Seeks opportunities to integrate online data with classroom assessment data to create a richer understanding of student progress through blended learning.
Generates and manages internal assessment schedules, logistics, and reporting.
Monitors grade-level and phase-specific progress against scope and sequence maps and assessments, using data analysis.
Clearly communicates network-wide and school data to school leaders, in order to ensure accurate interpretation of student progress.
Evaluates, approves, and coordinates the purchase of curricular materials, such as textbooks and manipulatives.
Researches new and innovative curriculum practices.
Participates, where relevant, in staff recruitment.
Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits, such as meeting deadlines, honouring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrating respect for others.
Participates in and drives own professional development.
Conducts self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools Support and SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
Nurtures a high-achieving work environment where staff feel genuinely valued and supported.
Promotes the vision and mission of SPARK Schools Support to SPARK Schools Support staff and SPARK Schools staff, scholars, families, and the greater community.
Qualifications and Criteria:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:
Bachelor's degree required
At least three years experience teaching Maths or Numeracy in the foundation or intermediate teaching phases.
Experience (one to three years) formally coaching teachers/ professional development of teachers.
Experience in curriculum development and assessment particularly in grades R to 6 and in the areas of Maths, Science and Technology.
Experience and expertise in leading school-level data inquiry and facilitating professional cycles of inquiry to improve instructional practice.
Awareness of innovative practices in R-12 education, particularly around the role of technology in education reform
Qualities:
Grit: Persistence through challenges.
Excellence: A track record of high expectations personally and professionally.
Mission and Vision Alignment: Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent education at an affordable cost.
Self Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.
Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness
Benefits
SPARK offers:
fair market linked remuneration
performance-based annual bonuses and increases
above average/good annual leave
life, disability and funeral cover
employee wellness support
educational support & study leave
individualised professional development, support and mentorship
employee discount on school fees
opportunities for career growth
SPARK Schools may expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.
Kindly note that should you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.