ROLE PROFILE
Warwick in Africa – Volunteer Teacher
CLOSING DATE:
th
Midnight, Friday 6 May 2016
BACKGROUND:
Warwick in Africa is a well-established innovative, philanthropically funded programme, developed
over ten years from a small student volunteering project to a multi-layered programme which supports
learners and their teachers with Maths and English teaching in South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana.
Over 280,000 learners and 1,400 teachers have benefited so far. Its fundamental aim is to enhance
the education of young people in Africa, a direct route to liberation from poverty.
Warwick in Africa has a strong and growing partnership with EY that is now in its fifth year. EY
volunteers bring valuable local knowledge and work experience to enhance the experience for both
the learners and the Warwick Student Teachers.
JOB PURPOSE:
EY volunteers teach Maths, English and sometimes accounting to secondary school aged pupils up to
Matric level in schools in Soweto, Alexandra, Ivory Park or Kayamandi for a two week placement. You
may find yourself team teaching with a Warwick volunteer, teaching alongside a local classroom
teacher or leading classes on your own. It is worthwhile thinking about which of these options you
would be most interested in and discussing with your Warwick partner at the welcome event. However
the most important thing is flexibility and the willingness to do whatever it takes to make an impact in
the school.
Placement dates are;

25th July - 5th August

8th – 19th August

22nd August – 2nd September
It is important you are able to commit to the full two weeks if you are successful in securing a place on
the programme.
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To teach either alongside a Warwick volunteer, alongside a local teacher or in the classroom
on your own for a period of two weeks in schools in South Africa to deliver the Maths or
English curriculum, often with few resources and inadequate furniture.

Work a full working week teaching classes of up to 75 children plus some Saturdays, extracurricular and revision activities. Duties will also include lesson planning, lesson preparation
and marking.

Identify learners’ lack of knowledge and teach background topics to allow the introduction of
more advanced topics.

Coach small groups of learners on specific topics.

Identify opportunities for and initiate extra-curricular clubs (e.g. Sports, Language, Maths, Arts
activities), giving a framework, motivation and possibly resources for continuation after your
departure.

Advise and coach learners in applying to university and/or pursuing employment.

Take the initiative to understand the latest developments with the South African curriculum

Assist South African teachers to develop innovative creative teaching materials using available
resources for use in their classrooms.

Complete an evaluation form following the placement to assist with reviewing the programme
to inform future activity.

To recognise responsibility as a Volunteer Ambassador of the University and your employer to
ensure appropriate conduct to fulfil this role as a teaching professional.

Assist with promoting and raising awareness of the programme.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to
undertake the role effectively.
We are looking for people who can demonstrate:

A good level of Maths and English skills

Experience of teaching or delivering training

Empathy and the ability to inspire and motivate others

Previous experience of volunteering activity or participation in extracurricular activities (e.g. a
sports team / orchestra or other)

Proven ability to work in a team and the ability to work with a wide range of people with tact
and sensitivity

Experience of working effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds
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
Excellent communication skills: written, verbal and presentational

An understanding of the objectives of the programme and issues facing learners/teachers in
the schools in which WIA operates

Experience of mentoring others
FURTHER PARTICULARS

The Selection process will be handled within EY

Selected candidates will be asked to attend two briefing sessions prior to their placement, one
online and one in the EY offices

Selected participants should be able to commit to one of the two week placements listed
above

Selected participants will be acting as representatives of EY and the University of Warwick
and should act accordingly
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications close:
th
6 May
th
th
Volunteer briefing to be held on: 13 /14 June
th
Welcome breakfast:
25 July
Wrap up and Farewell:
31 August
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