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)
Flex Model (Grades 4 – 7)
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.