Our Model

A Unique Approach

SPARK Schools offers a uniquely personalised learning path for students to master academic goals and social emotional skills.

Personalised Learning

Lab Rotation Model (Grades R – 3)

The lab rotation model is a form of blended learning that is used in the Foundation Phase of SPARK schools for Grades R to 3. The model includes a combination of teacher-directed learning in Literacy, Maths, Life Skills, Physical Education and a First Additional Language with technology-enriched learning in the Learning Labs. Scholars experience one-on-one teaching, small group learning or whole group instruction, based on their individual requirements, during the school day.

Flex Model (Grades 4 – 7)

The Flex Model is a form of blended learning that is used in the Intermediate Phase of SPARK Schools for Grades 4 to 7. Scholars move through a personally customised schedule learning Literacy, Maths, Natural Science and Social Science and a First Additional Language.
The aim of the model is to:

Create autonomy and purpose in learning
Improve mastery of objectives
Build intrinsic motivation in students
Promote daily reflections to prepare students for university

Curriculum

SPARK Schools are aligned to South African national standards and seek to extend student learning to meet international grade level standards. Therefore, each curriculum used encompasses the requirements of the CAPS curriculum and deepens student knowledge to make SPARK scholars globally competitive. Our curriculum is based on dynamic and individualised teaching, which ensures that scholars are learning the curriculum in new ways that are interesting for them.

As a result of our dynamic, individualised and globally competitive curriculum, we believe we equip our scholars to:

SPARK scholars collaborate when they discover new knowledge
SPARK scholars think critically when presented with a problem
SPARK scholars are creative when presenting their findings
And they can communicate effectively with adults and their peers

Math

In maths, scholars are taught according to Scholastic’s PRIME curriculum, which is based upon the rigorous maths standards of Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and Hong Kong.

Literacy

In literacy, scholars progress through reading and writing according to criterion scales based on Britain’s literacy standards.

isiZulu & isiXhosa

SPARK scholars’ second taught language is taught according to the scope and sequence laid out in the South African national curriculum. We offer isiZulu as the additional language at all SPARK schools in Gauteng and isiXhosa at our school in the Western Cape, because they are the most populous previously marginalized African languages of their provinces.

Physical Education

At SPARK Schools we are focused on academic education, but we do know the importance of holistic development for our scholars. Therefore, SPARK scholars have physical education daily, Tuesday – Friday, where they learn in accordance to physical education requirements in CAPS.

Social & Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning is woven into the fabric of the day and ties the learning together with the common language and symbols that each staff and scholar uses.

Natural Science & Social Science

In Grades R to 3, we integrate these subjects into literacy so that the themes of each natural science and social science unit are explored through reading and writing. In Grades 4 to 7, scholars learn these subjects online and in collaborative group sessions where they work on design projects.

New arrival and dismissal times (During COVID-19 lockdown)

SPARK Schools have an extended school day.

School gates will open at 7:00 am for the primary schools and 7:15 am for the high school.

No scholars are allowed to be dropped off before this or left outside the gate.

Grade R-1: Start 7:45 – end 14:30
Grade 2-3: Start 7:45 – end 15:00
Grade 4-7: Start 7:30 – end 15:30
Grade 8-9: Start 7:45 – end 15:45

This extended day includes all academic classes, as well as physical education and computer-based instruction in the innovative Learning Lab. The school day starts with Sparks Fly, an exciting and fun morning assembly. Then, the rigorous academic programme encourages SPARK students to develop a genuine love of learning in joyful and engaging classrooms.

Aftercare and Extramural Activities

In order to limit the amount of time scholars spend at school and minimise the number of people scholars come in contact with, we will not offer aftercare or extramurals during the first phase of reopening. As additional grades return to school, we will reevaluate the health and safety measures and risk of infection to make a determination regarding the potential relaunch of aftercare for scholars at a later stage.