Foundation Phase Academic Lead - SPARK Support - 2026

About the role

About SPARK Schools: Watch our Vision Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOU0TYnNsZo Take a tour of our Website: https://sparkschools.co.za/ 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 has a culture of collaboration, because getting South Africa to lead global education takes a team effort. We are innovators who strive for excellence through persistence and a sense of urgency to achieve SPARK Schools' vision, mission and social transformational objectives. Our work environment is vibrant/cheerful, fast-paced/dynamic, engaging/stimulating, tech-enabled and data driven. SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven, entrepreneurial organisation, operating 21 primary schools and 5 high schools and serving over 16 000 families. We are looking for dynamic people to join our team. Reports To: Learning Design and Pedagogical Manager Purpose of Role: The Foundation Phase Academic Lead is the academic and compliance lead for the Foundation Phase, with direct and primary accountability for Grade R-3 outcomes. The role exists to ensure excellent foundational literacy and numeracy results, rigorous curriculum delivery, and full compliance with DBE and CAPS requirements. While the role spans Grades R-3, the non-negotiable priority is foundational academic achievement, school readiness, and statutory compliance - ensuring every SPARK Foundation Phase scholar exits Grade 3 with strong literacy, numeracy, and the skills to access the Intermediate Phase with confidence. Responsibilities: 1.Grade R-3 Academic Ownership (Primary Accountability) Serve as the single point of accountability for Foundation Phase academic outcomes. Drive: - Phonics progression and early reading benchmarks (Grades R-2) -Numeracy fluency and concept mastery across the phase -Grade 3 Benchmark Assessment readiness and subject-level targets Lead early identification of at-risk scholars and coordinate high-impact academic interventions. Ensure full curriculum coverage and depth aligned to the Launchpad Model and DBE standards. 2. Foundation Phase Curriculum & Assessment Leadership Lead curriculum and assessment implementation across Grades R-3, ensuring: Curriculum coverage, pacing, and Launchpad Model fidelity Alignment between teaching, assessment, and learning progression requirements Oversee all Foundation Phase assessment systems, including: -Continuous assessment task design and scheduling -Informal and formal assessment moderation and internal quality assurance -Portfolio-of-evidence management and compliance -Ensure all academic processes meet SPARK school and DBE compliance requirements. 3. School Readiness & Transition Readiness Management Design and lead the Grade 3 transition readiness strategy, including: Structured reading and numeracy benchmarking assessments Promotion and retention review processes Grade R school-readiness screening and support Work closely with the Learning Design and Pedagogical Manager to ensure: Accurate scholar records and progression documentation Compliance with school and DBE reporting requirements Assessment integrity and risk management 4. Instructional Leadership & Teacher Enablement Provide instructional leadership to Foundation Phase teachers through: Curriculum pacing oversight and lesson plan quality reviews Assessment quality checks and feedback cycles Targeted academic coaching based on scholar data The selection and procurement of high-quality instructional materials and concrete manipulatives, ensuring all classrooms are equipped with the correct tools to support multisensory learning and conceptual understanding. Support teachers to strengthen: Subject and phase content mastery Structured literacy (phonics, guided reading, writing) and early numeracy pedagogy Differentiation, small-group instruction, and intervention strategies Lead Foundation Phase academic meetings, data reviews, and performance planning sessions. 5. Scholar Tracking, Intervention & Support Monitor individual scholar performance trajectories across Grades R-3, with intensified focus in Grade 3. Design and coordinate: -Catch-up and remediation programmes -Small-group tutoring and targeted phonics/numeracy support -Beyond the classroom academic interventions Collaborate with learner support and guidance teams to address barriers to learning, including LSEN ide

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