PRIMARY SCHOOL
Education, unfortunately, is a field that traditionally runs very long feedback loops — with semesters being the preferred unit of time for achieving learning outcomes. In contrast to this, at Spark we run learning “sprints”. A sprint is a time-boxed effort (usually 2 - 4 weeks) in which students commit to achieving particular learning outcomes. Each sprint starts with a planning discussion, where students plan ahead and size the amount of effort required (yes, even in Grade 1). Each sprint ends with a retrospective, in which students reflect on the work carried out, identify lessons learned and determine areas for improvement.
Our method allows students to receive feedback early and often and giving frequent and early feedback is crucial. Research has unequivocally shown that students are poor judges of their own ability, tending to overestimate their level of competence. Most worryingly, the least competent students are the ones most out of touch with their performance level — and hence, least likely to change behavior. The retrospective is a tool for students to “calibrate” themselves, comparing their performance with expectations and their peers. Moreover, students learn the power of reflection as a key driver of continuous improvement. Short feedback loops also enable our teachers to spot problems quickly and make appropriate interventions.
Our primary school curriculum is based on US standards and the identical to the curriculum being employed by the large IB schools and private schools in the United States. Further, we are able to offer students fully transferable transcripts that can be utilized anywhere in the world and accepted in the USA. It is our proven methodology and our certified and tested approach to teaching that makes our environment wholly unique.