SPARK

General information

At SPARK Schools, we believe that the path to university and a successful career begin as early as the foundation phase and continue to matriculation. Our innovative school model combines teacher-led direct instruction, one-on-one tutoring, and instruction in our Learning Lab. All scholars have their own individualised learning goals and receive instruction in physical education, isiZulu language and culture, life skills, and our core values.

Rigorous, academic instruction individualised for each scholar. SPARK scholars have individualised learning goals developed with their teachers, who teach by subject. By focusing on a single subject, teachers become experts in their chosen subject, and, therefore, become more effective at teaching students at all levels of learning. Scholars’ progress towards their unique learning goals is monitored closely during classroom instruction. Additional monitoring takes place in the Learning Lab through tutoring and online practice and assessment. This model of individualisation and continual assessment provides teachers with multiple data points regarding scholar mastery. Teachers use this information to determine how to differentiate instruction and develop additional learning goals to meet the needs of each individual scholar.

Our innovative blended learning model and Learning Lab. The blended learning model combines whole and small group instruction in the classroom with computer-based practise and assessment in the Learning Lab. New skills and concepts are first introduced by the classroom teacher. Following this direct instruction, scholars go to the Learning Lab, where they independently practise the concept, previously taught in the classroom, on online educational programmes. These programmes are adaptive, meaning that when the student shows mastery of a particular skill or concept, additional questions will focus on the concept in a different way; this deepens the scholar’s knowledge of the concept. If a scholar is struggling with this independent practice, the software will capture where the scholar struggled, providing his teacher with real-time feedback on concepts that require additional review. This academic cycle ensures that all instructional goals are met at the scholar’s own pace and align to the scholar’s individualised learning goals.