Physical Education and Sports Intern

Nova Pioneer is looking for a superstar PE and Sports Intern to assist with different sports at our Johannesburg Schools.

You will support the Sports Coach in delivering an exceptional 21st Century physical education and sports experience for our students. You will assist with coaching, training sessions, sports activities, competitions and events, while gaining practical experience in sports coaching and youth development.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your coaching and leadership skills while being part of an innovative network of schools that is developing generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.

About Nova Pioneer

Imagine a world in which every young person across Africa attends a school that truly sets them up for success in the 21st century. A school that cares about individual students and allows them to explore the world around them. A school that focuses more on developing skills than on memorizing content. At Nova Pioneer, we have done more than just imagine this future, we are bringing it to life. Nova Pioneer is a pan-African, independent network of schools offering high-quality, accessible education from pre-primary through secondary school. Nova Pioneer uses a unique, enquiry-based learning approach that encourages students to ask “why” instead of telling them the “what”. It allows them to form their own thinking through exploration, investigation and collaboration. Nova Pioneer currently has 15 schools in South Africa and Kenya with a vision to launch 100 schools and reach tens of thousands of students across the African continent in the next decade. To learn more visit www.novapioneer.com.

Key responsibilities for the role include:

• Support the Sports Coach and Regional Sports Coordinator in implementing the school’s sports programme and activities.
• Assist with the planning and execution of sports training sessions, fixtures, competitions and events.
• Support the Sports Coach in preparing activities and equipment for each session in line with the curriculum, schemes of work and lesson plans.
• Assist with delivering age-appropriate sporting activities that promote students’ physical, mental and social development.
• Support the Sports Coach in instructing students individually and in groups, using appropriate teaching and coaching methods.
• Assist with student supervision during sports sessions, playtime, arrival, dismissal, lunch and other activities as required.
• Assist with coordinating and maintaining the sports calendar, including training sessions, fixtures, competitions and events.
• Accompany sports teams on trips, fixtures and competitions as a chaperone or assistant coach, under the guidance of the Sports Coach.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for students to participate in sporting activities, friendly matches and competitions.
• Support the planning and execution of inter-house and inter-class sports competitions and the annual Sports Day.
• Assist with the preparation and management of matches, tournaments and other sporting events.
• Support the Sports Coach in developing and strengthening school sports teams.
• Assist with implementing training programmes and drills during sports training sessions.
• Support students with understanding the rules, regulations, techniques and appropriate use of sports equipment.
• Take and maintain accurate attendance records for sports training sessions and activities.
• Assist with maintaining an organised inventory of sports equipment and report damaged, missing or additional equipment requirements to the Sports Coach.
• Monitor students while using sports equipment and facilities to promote safe and responsible use.
• Assist the Sports Coach in observing and recording students’ participation, progress and development.
• Provide appropriate care and support to students and help maintain a safe, inclusive and positive environment during sporting activities.
• Support the Sports Coach with basic first-aid procedures and reporting of injuries, in line with school procedures and training.
• Encourage positive behaviour and support the Sports Coach in addressing behavioural concerns appropriately.
• Report any student concerns, incidents or safeguarding matters to the Sports Coach or relevant line manager.
• Assist with preparing sports-related resources, communications and documentation for students, parents and school staff.
• Support the Sports Coach with sports-related administrative tasks, including record keeping, scheduling and event preparation.
• Participate in relevant meetings, professional development sessions and training workshops to develop knowledge of the Nova Pioneer model and culture.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other school staff to support students’ participation and development through sport.
• Practise and model Nova Pioneer culture and values when engaging with students, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders.
• Take initiative to learn and develop coaching, leadership, communication and sports administration skills under the guidance of the Sports Coach.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by the Sports Coach or Manager in support of the school’s sports programme.

About You

Skills and Qualifications required

• Currently studying towards or recently completed a qualification in Sports Science, Human Movement Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Education or a related field.
• Previous experience working with children or teenagers through sport, education, coaching or community programmes would be advantageous.
• Basic first-aid training or certification would be advantageous.
• Knowledge or experience in one or more sporting codes.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively with students, teachers, coaches and other school staff.

Core Skills and Competences 

• Passionate about sport, physical activity and developing young people.
• Basic knowledge of sports coaching techniques, rules and skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop coaching and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students and colleagues.
• Patient, energetic and enthusiastic when working with children and teenagers.
• Organised and able to assist with multiple activities, training sessions and events.
• Team player who works collaboratively and is willing to support the Sports Coach and wider school team.
• Flexible and open to change, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced school environment.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities to support students and improve sports activities.
• Able to receive and apply feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset.
• Excited about Nova Pioneer’s organisational culture and committed to continuous learning and development.

Additional Skills and Requirements

• You are excited about our organisational culture—and in particular, you are fired up to challenge yourself by embracing mutual vulnerability and a firehose of feedback
• You have a desire to further develop your leadership skills and apply them to transform the lives of African youth

How to Apply:

Does working at Nova Pioneer excite you? If so, then apply now!

To apply, please complete the form on the right hand side of this page. We cannot process applications that are emailed to us.

Please note: Where a copy of your resume is required, copying and pasting from a formatted document e.g. Microsoft Word may not result in the formatting transferring correctly to the final resume. You are encouraged to attach your resume in Microsoft Word® or PDF format to protect formatting.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the right candidate is identified. Only qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.
 

Working at Nova Pioneer

Nova Pioneer is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment. Nova Pioneer is a place where our people experience tremendous growth, fast! We invest heavily in the growth of our people because it leads to greater mastery in both us and our students. “Novaneers” work harder and work longer hours than most schools but as a result, the growth they experience is extraordinary. We offer consistent and ongoing personal development and provide clear career pathways that ensure that our people are always achieving their personal and professional best. Nova Pioneer has a highly energetic, entrepreneurial environment where our people get to bring their creative and innovative ideas to life. We look for people who are flexible and who are able to adapt and respond quickly to adversity with a positive, can-do attitude (there are no problems, only solutions!). We welcome challenges and roll with the punches because it makes us, and our students, better. There is no problem too big for us! We work hard but we also have a lot of fun together. We bring infectious energy and enthusiasm to everything we do because joy fuels the hardest work and learning. Read more about our culture principles here.

Please Note:

• Nova Pioneer may appoint and/or expire the posting of this advertisement at their own discretion.
• If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date of this advertisement please consider your application as unsuccessful.

Nova Pioneer, in line with the POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measurements will be in place to protect personal information but it will be used for recruitment and employment purposes. By submitting your application with Nova Pioneer, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer

.

Nova Pioneer will never request an application fee from candidates. If you are contacted with a request to pay a fee from someone claiming to be a Nova Pioneer Talent or Recruitment representative, please do not pay them and report it to us immediately on [email protected] or [email protected].