Primary Key Stage 2 Teacher

Mwanza International School is a distinctive and intimate institution that caters to both local and expatriate students aged three to sixteen, following the British curriculum. As a non-profit entity, the school does not distribute dividends to shareholders or trustees; instead, all surplus funds are reinvested into enhancing the school.

Established in September 2012, the school has seen steady growth, currently enrolling approximately 270 students. Of these, 82% are Tanzanian, while the remaining students come from various regions across East Africa and beyond. The school is in the process of developing its Secondary program, with the first IGCSE examinations scheduled for 2026.

In the Early Years, we implement the EYFS curriculum, transitioning to the Cambridge International Programme for Primary and Secondary education, tailored to suit both the international community and the Tanzanian context. Many of our students speak English as a second or third language, and achieving fluency is a primary goal, with our students reaching levels comparable to their peers in UK schools.

Mwanza, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is Tanzania's second-largest city. It offers a more laid-back lifestyle compared to the UK. Teachers enjoy stunning lake views and are just two hours away from the Serengeti. The school itself is situated in Capri Point, a tranquil residential neighborhood not far from the city center.

The school features two playing fields measuring 45m and 50m, a 20m swimming pool, three basketball/netball courts, and playgrounds equipped with a variety of play apparatus. Additionally, there are 15 classrooms and two libraries.

In the Primary section, alongside class teachers, we employ specialist instructors for Kiswahili, French, and PE, as well as classroom assistants for each class.

While our technology may not be cutting-edge, we provide essential resources to support the full curriculum. Each classroom is equipped with HD projectors, and we have a shared set of tablets for primary ICT. In the Secondary program, every student receives an individual tablet for online work both in and out of the classroom. Our ICT room is outfitted with laptops for all students.

For further details and to gain insight into our school, please visit our website:

https://www.mwanzainternational.org/

Requirements

We are seeking a passionate Primary Key Stage Two teacher eager to make a positive impact.

Candidates should have experience teaching the UK, Cambridge, or equivalent curriculum at Key Stage Two.

Applicants must hold a teaching degree with QTS or a degree and PGCE (IPGSE or equivalent), alongside a minimum of three years of teaching experience. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is essential.

The initial contract will be for a duration of two years.

Each primary class is supported by a Teaching Assistant, and the successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing their work.

Our school fosters a joyful atmosphere; while we are dedicated and hardworking, we do not face the bureaucratic challenges present in UK or other international schools. We empower our teachers to utilize their expertise to plan and conduct engaging and effective lessons that align with the Cambridge curriculum.

Teachers are also expected to contribute to the extracurricular life of the school, running one or two after-school clubs (with Secondary teachers typically leading just one) based on their interests. Throughout the year, there are sports competitions and school concerts/plays coordinated by the teaching staff, and all teachers are anticipated to lend their support.

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

Teachers are encouraged to participate in educational trips, including residential ones. Numerous opportunities for educational excursions exist, such as visits to the Serengeti National Park (1.5 - 2 hours from the school), Ngorongoro Crater, and Geita Gold Mine.

Benefits

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

The benefits package covers all accommodation expenses (including electricity and water), flights at the start and end of the two-year contract, and local medical costs, along with medical evacuation to Nairobi Hospital in case of emergencies.

Queries

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

For additional information and to get a better sense of our community, please visit our website: https://www.mwanzainternational.org/

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

Working in Mwanza at MIS

Mwanza offers a rewarding working and living environment, supported by a collaborative team of colleagues:

"Mwanza is an incredible place. It combines the vibrancy of a bustling city with a sense of community. The scenery is breathtaking, featuring rugged landscapes and beautiful lake views. The climate is warm, complemented by a refreshing lake breeze, making it much more enjoyable than the humid and hotter coastal areas. The locals are friendly and welcoming; you'll have engaging conversations with everyone, from bus ticket vendors to neighbors. There is a small yet active expatriate community with diverse activities catering to all interests. While it may lack some modern conveniences, the standard of living is excellent and affordable, all while still feeling authentically 'African'!

MIS has been a refreshing change from my previous school. I've taught in both the UK and internationally, and MIS stands out for its lack of bureaucratic burdens. The class sizes are small, and the children are generally well-behaved (most of the time!). There's ample time to focus on teaching. The resources may be basic compared to modern UK institutions, but they are more than sufficient, and the school environment is lush, cool, and inviting. The salary may not be as high as some larger international schools, but the living costs are lower, allowing for savings even after traveling extensively during holidays. Initially hesitant to work in a smaller school in a relatively less explored region of East Africa, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made." - CC, Secondary Science.