Primary Key Stage 2 Teacher

Mwanza International School is a unique and close-knit institution that serves both local and expatriate students aged three to sixteen, adhering to the British curriculum. As a non-profit organization, the school reinvests all excess funds back into its development rather than distributing dividends to shareholders or trustees.

Founded in September 2012, the school has experienced consistent growth, currently enrolling around 270 students. Of this population, 82% are Tanzanian, while the remaining students hail from various areas across East Africa and beyond. The school is actively developing its Secondary program, with the inaugural IGCSE examinations slated for 2026.

In the Early Years, we follow the EYFS curriculum, transitioning to the Cambridge International Programme for Primary and Secondary education, customized to accommodate both the international community and the Tanzanian context. Many of our students are English language learners, and achieving fluency is a primary objective, with our students attaining proficiency levels similar to their UK counterparts.

Mwanza is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, making it Tanzania's second-largest city. It offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to the UK, allowing teachers to enjoy spectacular views of the lake and be a mere two hours from the Serengeti. The school is located in Capri Point, a peaceful residential area close to the city center.

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

In the Primary section, we employ specialist teachers for Kiswahili, French, and PE, along with classroom assistants for each class to support the main teachers.

While our technology may not be the latest, we provide essential resources to facilitate a comprehensive curriculum. Each classroom is furnished with HD projectors, and we have a shared collection of tablets for primary ICT. In the Secondary program, every student is assigned an individual tablet for online work both in and out of the classroom. Our ICT room is equipped with laptops for all students.

For more information and to learn more about our school, please visit our website:

https://www.mwanzainternational.org/

Requirements

We are on the lookout for a dedicated Primary Key Stage Two teacher who is enthusiastic about making a positive difference.

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

Applicants must possess a teaching degree with QTS or a degree with PGCE (IPGSE or equivalent), along with at least three years of teaching experience. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is a must.

The initial contract will span two years.

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

Our school cultivates a joyful environment; though we are committed and diligent, we do not encounter the bureaucratic hurdles typical in UK or other international schools. We empower our teachers to leverage their expertise to design and deliver engaging and effective lessons that adhere to the Cambridge curriculum.

Teachers are also encouraged to contribute to the extracurricular activities of the school by leading one or two after-school clubs (with Secondary teachers generally leading just one) based on their personal interests. Throughout the academic year, sports competitions and school concerts/plays are organized by the teaching staff, and all teachers are expected to participate.

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

Teachers are invited to join educational trips, including residential ones. Numerous opportunities for 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 offers 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 refunded as a tax-free lump sum of £8,400 plus interest after two years.

The benefits package includes full accommodation coverage (including electricity and water), flights at the beginning and end of the two-year contract, and local medical expenses, with medical evacuation to Nairobi Hospital in case of emergencies.

Queries

For questions, please reach out to our executive head, Barry Clement, at clementrb58@gmail.com.

For further details and to get a better sense of our community, please check our website: https://www.mwanzainternational.org/

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

Working in Mwanza at MIS

Mwanza presents a fulfilling working and living experience, supported by a collaborative team of colleagues:

"Mwanza is an amazing place. It merges the energy of a lively city with a strong sense of community. The landscape is breathtaking, with stunning views of the lake. The warm climate, enhanced by a refreshing lake breeze, is much more enjoyable than the hot and humid coastal regions. The locals are friendly and welcoming; you'll find engaging conversations with everyone, from bus ticket sellers to your neighbors. There is a small but active expatriate community offering various activities for all interests. While it might lack some modern conveniences, the cost of living is excellent and affordable, all while maintaining an authentically 'African' feel!

MIS has been a refreshing change from my previous school. I've worked in both the UK and internationally, and MIS stands out for its absence of bureaucratic burdens. Class sizes are small, and the children are generally well-behaved (most of the time!). There's plenty of time to focus on teaching. The resources may be basic in comparison to modern UK institutions, but they are more than adequate; the school environment is lush, cool, and inviting. While the salary may not match that of larger international schools, the lower living costs allow for savings even after extensive travel during holidays. Initially uncertain about working in a smaller school in a relatively unexplored part of East Africa, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made." - CC, Secondary Science.