Teaching Project

Highlights

• Interact with lovely children from different backgrounds in a structured, welcoming environment.
• Get involved in almost all school activities.
• Receive full insight into the South African educational system.
• The Teaching Project's slogan "Words can change worlds” is used to encourage children, parents and communities to secure a better education for children.
• Help to manage the school’s social media.
• Get involved in the planning of special events (e.g. sports tournaments, school dance and music activities etc.) throughout the week.
• Help with the various activities offered in the afternoon.
• Experience amazing tours and adventures in and around Cape Town.
• Get personal support from the volunteer coordinator.
• Make new friends from all over the world.
• Half-day option: learn English in the morning; volunteer in the afternoon.

Project information

Our teaching project is divided into two different projects you may choose from:

• Teaching Project Juniors (Primary School)
• Teaching Project Seniors (High School)

Teaching Project Juniors (Primary School)

This Primary School was founded in October 1892. Teaching started in 1894 with just 17 pupils and a single room. The school grew steadily and by 1913, classes were held in the old Claremont Town Hall. From 1920 to 1939 the school’s principals further expanded the school’s facilities and traditions. The addition of a sports centre and the establishment of a computer centre are evidence of the constant efforts aimed at improvement, excellence and innovation. In 1997 the school finally transitioned to a mixed ‘Model C’ school and still today proudly serves both boys and girls, nurturing young minds in a co-educational environment that promotes inclusivity and holistic development. 
The teachers' dedication to education and passion for fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment makes this primary school a place where every child can thrive.

The school’s core values and mission are to

• prepare learners to enter the community as well-balanced, honourable, and productive individuals.
• encourage the power of collaboration.
• promote pupils’ self-worth, ensuring they feel equal to all those around them and are proud of themselves, their families, school, culture, and religion.
• inculcate a spirit of mutual respect in all learners.
• provide a wide range of educational, sporting, cultural, and social opportunities, nurturing each student’s potential to the fullest.
• inspire and guide students to become the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.
• foster learner autonomy and independence.
• embrace collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication as core components of the teaching approach.

This primary school offers a well-balanced academic programme for 1 – 7 graders (aged 6 – 13) that includes languages, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, information and communication technology (ICT), creative arts, technology, and life skills.
Alongside its dedicated staff, the school relies on the invaluable assistance of volunteers. The school’s aim is to provide a quality education to every child. During afternoons, volunteers support any extracurricular activity the school offers:

• Visual Arts Room
• Library
• SHINE Centre (a literacy programme helping children to improve their reading skills)
• After-care
• Khanya Lab (state-of-the-art computer lab)
• Dance Classes

Teaching Project Seniors (High School)

This English-medium high school was founded in 1959 as a co-educational Afrikaans high school in the leafy suburb of Newlands. The school started with 37 pupils. Over the years, pupil numbers have increased and further classrooms were added. In 1991 it became the first public Afrikaans high school in South Africa with a broad admissions policy. Dual-medium instruction was phased in from 1994. Since 2011 all tuition has been in English only. A maximum enrolment of 1050 was achieved in 2023, turning the school into a thriving educational institution.

All of the school’s classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art interactive whiteboards. There are two fully equipped computer laboratories, four science and life science laboratories, and the 180-seater auditorium. The school also has a well-resourced library. 
The school’s core values and mission are to

• foster an attitude of respect.
• work in an attractive environment.
• provide an education that will develop the potential of each learner.
• nurture each learner’s individuality.
• strive to provide professional tuition at the highest level.
• maintain a balance between academic, cultural, and sporting activities.
• believe in promoting the values of tolerance and respect for all forms of faith and culture.
• believe in challenging problems and solving them with creativity and innovation.

Sports form a vital part of the school’s culture, fostering teamwork, discipline, and community spirit across diverse backgrounds. Through the comprehensive sports programme, students develop not just physically but socially, building connections that transcend cultural differences.

The school has two sports fields, tennis courts, netball courts, a water polo pool and even a clubhouse. Sports offered depend on the season and include Softball, Swimming, Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, (Touch) Rugby, Soccer, Netball and Girl's Hockey among others.  

Your role

Full-day volunteers will participate in the morning and afternoon programmes.
Working hours are typically from 08:00/8:30 – 16:30.

Afternoon-only volunteers (who take part in our English language course in the morning) will participate in the various afternoon programmes. Sessions in the afternoons run between approximately 13:00 – 16:30.
Evenings and weekends are then usually free.

Your tasks and responsibilities include a wide range of activities throughout a school week. As a volunteer, you will get involved in almost every activity the schools offer.
Here is an overview of possible tasks included in the school’s weekly routine:

• Assisting with student arrival and morning supervision
• Helping teachers set up classrooms, prepare classroom materials and set up activities
• Assisting with art, music, or physical education classes
• Providing administrative support (copying, filing, notice boards, inventory checks)
• Organising artwork
• Chaperoning field trips when needed
• Assisting with special events or school functions
• Supporting school clubs or extracurricular activities
• Getting involved in the social media management of the school (High School)
• Helping students with technology in the computer lab and providing homework assistance

It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and activities depend on the volunteer and the work that needs to be done. The final job description can therefore vary substantially from the above depending on the volunteers’ interests and abilities.

Accommodation

Please note: The Volunteer House is currently closed for renovations.

In the meantime, volunteers can book a twin room at the On-site Accommodation in Newlands at no extra cost.
Located next door to our English language school, the On-site Accommodation is an upmarket house with a garden, a swimming pool and a veranda. The house is beautifully decorated and has 5 single and 4 twin rooms with a total of 4 shared bathrooms, a large kitchen for self-catering and large communal areas.
A shopping centre, restaurants, pubs, banks, bars and supermarkets are within walking distance and there are plenty of opportunities to meet fellow volunteers or students from the school. Bedding is provided but towels are not included, and Wi-Fi is free of charge (fair use).

You may also choose Homestay with the self-catering option at no extra cost.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to a Homestay with breakfast and dinner, a single room at the On-site Accommodation, or a single room at the Newlands Residence.

Meals

Self-catering, except if you upgrade to any other Homestay option. The main shopping areas as well as restaurants, bars, etc. are within walking distance of your accommodation.