Primary Key Stage 1 Teacher

Mwanza International School is a unique and intimate international institution that follows the British curriculum, serving local and expatriate children from ages three to sixteen. As a non-profit organization, we reinvest all surplus funds back into the school rather than distributing dividends to shareholders or trustees.

Since our establishment in September 2012, we have seen steady growth, with approximately 270 students currently enrolled. Of these, 82% are Tanzanian, while the remainder come from a diverse array of backgrounds throughout East Africa and beyond. We are expanding our Secondary program and plan to conduct our inaugural IGCSE examinations in 2026.

In the Early Years, we utilize the EYFS curriculum, transitioning to the Cambridge International Programme for both Primary and Secondary levels, which is designed to meet the needs of our international and Tanzanian students. Many of our students are non-native English speakers, but we prioritize achieving fluency and take pride in our students reaching levels comparable to their peers in the UK.

Mwanza, located along the shores of Lake Victoria, is Tanzania's second-largest city and offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to the UK. Teachers can enjoy stunning views of the lake and are only a two-hour drive from the Serengeti. The school is situated in Capri Point, a quiet residential area near the city center.

Our facilities include two playing fields (45m and 50m), a 20m swimming pool, three basketball/netball courts, and playgrounds equipped with a variety of play structures. The school consists of 15 classrooms and two libraries.

In the Primary section, we have class teachers supported by specialist instructors in Kiswahili, French, and Physical Education, along with a classroom assistant for each class.

While technology is not heavily emphasized, we provide essential resources for the complete curriculum. All classrooms are furnished with HD projectors, and we have a shared set of tablets for primary ICT. In Secondary, every student is assigned a personal tablet for online learning both in and out of the classroom, and the ICT room is equipped with a laptop for each student.

For more information and insights into our school, please visit our website:

https://www.mwanzainternational.org/

Requirements

We are seeking a passionate Primary Key Stage One teacher ready to make a significant impact.

Candidates should have experience teaching the UK, Cambridge, or a similar curriculum at Key Stage One.

Applicants must possess a teaching degree with QTS or a degree along with a PGCE (IPGSE or equivalent) and have a minimum of three years of teaching experience. Proficiency in English, both written and oral, is essential.

The initial employment contract will span two years.

Each primary class is supported by a Teaching Assistant, whom the successful candidate will supervise.

The school promotes a positive atmosphere where, despite our commitment and hard work, we are free from the bureaucratic challenges often found in UK schools or other international institutions. We empower our educators to use their expertise in creating and delivering engaging and effective lessons in line with the Cambridge curriculum.

Teachers are also expected to actively engage in extracurricular activities. Each teacher will lead one or two after-school clubs (with Secondary teachers typically overseeing just one), tailored to their personal interests. We host various sports competitions and school concerts/plays throughout the year, and all teachers are encouraged to participate.

The academic day runs from 7:55 am to 3:15 pm.

Teachers will have the chance and are expected to participate in educational excursions, including residential trips. Numerous educational visits are available, such as to The Serengeti National Park (1.5 - 2 hours from the school), Ngorongoro Crater, and Geita Gold Mine.

Benefits

The salary offered provides a comfortable standard of living and the opportunity to explore the region. It is subject to Tanzanian Income Tax and a 10% National Social Security Fund contribution, to which the school adds another 10%. Upon contract completion, the total 20% NSSF contributions will be refunded as a tax-free lump sum of £8,400 plus interest after two years.

The benefits package includes full coverage of accommodation costs (including electricity and water), flights at the start and end of the two-year contract, and the school also assists with local medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation to Nairobi Hospital if necessary.

Queries

For any questions, please contact our executive head, Barry Clement, at clementrb58@gmail.com.

For further information and insights about our school, please visit our website: https://www.mwanzainternational.org/

Or follow our new Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mwanza_international_school/

Working in Mwanza at MIS

The working and living conditions here are enjoyable and supported by a collaborative team:

"Mwanza is a fantastic place. It’s a vibrant and active city, yet small enough to create a genuine sense of community. The landscape is stunning with its rocky terrains and beautiful lake views. The warm climate is complemented by a refreshing lake breeze, making it much more comfortable than the humid coastal areas. The locals are friendly and welcoming; you may find yourself engaging in lengthy conversations with the bus ticket seller, leaving with stories about their family and an invitation to lunch! There is a small but vibrant expatriate community with a variety of activities to suit diverse interests. While it may lack all modern conveniences, the living standards are quite good and affordable, allowing you to experience 'real Africa'!

MIS has been a refreshing change from my previous school. Having taught in both the UK and internationally, I can confidently say MIS stands out because the staff is not burdened by excessive paperwork and politics. Class sizes are small, and the children are generally well-behaved (most of the time!). There is ample opportunity to teach! While resources are basic compared to a modern UK school, they are sufficient, and the school environment is lush, cool, and beautiful. The salary may not match those of larger international schools, but the lower living costs allow for savings, even while traveling throughout the region during holidays. Initially, I was hesitant about working at a smaller school in a relatively less frequented area of East Africa, but I can wholeheartedly say it was the right decision." - CC, Secondary Science.