High School Education Program Lead (Arts and Design) - SPARK Support - 2026 at SPARK Schools

Responsibilities:

Curriculum Leadership and Design

• Design and oversee an inclusive, interdisciplinary, and future-fit curriculum that incorporates project-based learning, SDG-related themes, and 21st-century competencies.
• Ensure alignment with national frameworks (CAPS)  and SPARK’s instructional models (e.g., blended and personalised learning).
• Create subject integration maps and pacing guides, and lead the development of instructional content for the online LMS.
• Design character-based learning resources that develop SPARK values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness.
• Coordinate moderation plans and teacher resources that promote consistent instructional quality.

Assessment Strategy & Quality

• Lead a cohesive assessment framework (diagnostic, formative, summative, benchmark) aligned to curriculum goals.
• Develop, curate, and moderate internal and external assessments; monitor implementation and marking fidelity.
• Facilitate data-driven instruction by training staff to analyse student data for continuous improvement.
• Integrate online and classroom-based assessment data for a holistic view of scholar progress.

Support Matric Readiness and Exam Preparation:

• Lead efforts to prepare scholars for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, including coordinating mock exams, study sessions, and targeted academic support for Grade 12 scholars.
• Ensure that scholars are equipped with strong study skills, time management techniques, and a clear understanding of NSC requirements to meet a 100% pass rate target.

Capacity Building & Support

• Coach school leaders, instructional coaches, and teachers on curriculum design, pedagogy, and assessment literacy.
• Facilitate PD sessions based on curriculum gaps and observed teaching practices.
• Guide teachers in using technology tools and online platforms for personalised and collaborative learning.
• Conduct regular site visits, lesson observations, and book checks to support fidelity and improvement.

Data Informed Improvement

• Analyse academic data to identify trends, close learning gaps, and inform strategic planning.
• Lead termly and annual curriculum reviews and assessment audits across schools.
• Generate internal assessment schedules and reporting templates for performance tracking.

Innovation and Research

• Stay up-to-date on global trends in curriculum, educational technology, and competency-based learning.
• Pilot and evaluate STEAM, coding, SDG-aligned themes, and project-based learning innovations.
• Source and recommend innovative resources and interventions that promote academic equity.

Compliance and Academic Governance

• Represent SPARK in district, provincial, and national compliance forums (e.g. DBE, GDE, WCED, ISASA, UMALUSI).
• Support academic submissions (SA-SAMS, CEMIS, Valistractor) and ensure correct statutory documentation.
• Identify and escalate academic compliance risks while maintaining a positive relationship with education authorities.
• To engage and maintain relations with external stakeholders within the Education sphere i.e DOE, DBE, GDE, WCED, Districts, ISASA, UMALUSI, etc 
• To attend district meetings and maintain a healthy relationships with subject advisors, academic compliance manager and other academic compliance officials in the DOE, DBE, GDE, WCED, Districts, ISASA, UMALUSI, etc 
• Attend academic compliance meetings hosted by Umalusi, Isaasa or any other education governing body. 
• To uphold, maintain and appropriately store all statutory documents and records related to school compliance.
• To identify, investigate and correct any potential compliance risks associated with the operations of our school.
• Escalating risks relating to academic compliance

Daily Responsibilities (Schools Based Context)

• Collaborate with school leadership to monitor the daily implementation of curriculum plans and assessments.
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs or lesson observations to support instructional alignment and provide real-time feedback to educators.
• Meet with grade or subject leads to review learner data, plan interventions, and adjust instructional pacing.
• Provide coaching or support to teachers on curriculum delivery, differentiation, and assessment practices.
• Review and moderate learner workbooks, assessments, and portfolios for quality and consistency.
• Support the planning and execution of daily assessment schedules (e.g., quizzes, SBAs, or internal tests).
• Monitor the fidelity of lesson planning and shared instructional materials on platforms (e.g., Google Classroom, LMS).
• Engage with scholars to understand learning experiences and curriculum impact through surveys, focus groups, or learner voice activities.
• Attend school team huddles, instructional planning meetings, or data debriefs.
• Ensure curriculum boards, subject displays, and resource areas reflect current curriculum focus and learning objectives.

Requirements

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Honours or Master’s in Education preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience coaching educators and supporting school-based instructional leadership.
• Experience in curriculum design, assessment strategy, and data analysis.
• Exposure to digital platforms, blended learning, and educational technologies.
• Strong understanding of the South African education context and compliance requirements.