PE and Swimming Coach (Johannesburg)

Nova Pioneer is looking for a superstar Swimming Coach to deliver high-quality swimming lessons and training across our Johannesburg schools

You will be responsible for delivering an exceptional 21st Century swimming and physical education experience for our students, helping them develop their swimming skills, confidence and water safety awareness. You will lead PE and swimming lessons and training sessions, coach students across different ability levels, and support the development of competitive swimmers who represent the school.

You will work closely with the Regional Sports Coordinator and Dean of Operations to implement the school’s swimming programme, plan training sessions and support swimming competitions and events. You will create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where students are encouraged to develop their skills, challenge themselves and achieve their potential.

This is an exciting opportunity to be 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:

• Work with the Regional Sports Coordinator and Dean of Operations to implement and strengthen the school’s PE and swimming programme and align it with the regional sports strategy.
• Plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate PE and swimming lessons and training sessions in line with the curriculum, schemes of work and lesson plans.
• Develop students’ swimming abilities across different skill levels, from beginners to competitive swimmers.
• Teach and coach students on swimming techniques, including stroke development, starts, turns, breathing, kicking and body positioning.
• Provide individual and group instruction using appropriate teaching and coaching methods based on students’ abilities and developmental needs.
• Develop progressive swimming training programmes that support students’ physical development, confidence and competitive performance.
• Promote water safety and ensure students understand and follow appropriate pool safety rules and procedures.
• Maintain constant supervision of students in and around the pool to ensure a safe and secure swimming environment.
• Assess students’ swimming abilities and monitor their progress, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for development.
• Maintain accurate attendance records for swimming lessons and training sessions.
• Identify and develop students with potential for competitive swimming and support the development of strong school swimming teams.
• Prepare students for swimming galas, competitions, inter-house events, Sports Day and other swimming-related activities.
• Coordinate and manage swimming fixtures, galas and competitions, including preparing students, equipment and schedules.
• Accompany swimming teams to competitions, fixtures and swimming-related trips as a coach or chaperone.
• Scout for opportunities for students to participate in swimming competitions, galas, friendly meets and other aquatic activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other schools, swimming clubs and relevant sporting organisations to create opportunities for student participation and competition.
• Work with teachers and school staff to integrate swimming and physical development into the broader student experience.
• Support student participation in school activities and assist with student supervision during arrival, dismissal, playtime, lunch and other activities as required.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of swimming equipment and ensure equipment is safely stored, maintained and available for training sessions.
• Inspect swimming equipment and report damaged, missing or unsafe equipment to the relevant line manager.
• Ensure students are instructed on the appropriate use and care of swimming equipment and pool facilities.
• Work with the Dean of Operations and relevant staff to identify and communicate swimming equipment and facility requirements.
• Ensure that appropriate pool safety, emergency and safeguarding procedures are followed at all times.
• Respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies in accordance with school procedures and the coach’s first-aid and water-safety training.
• Maintain accurate records of student participation, swimming development, assessments and competition performance.
• Provide feedback and reports on students’ swimming progress and development to the relevant school leaders and, where appropriate, parents.
• Encourage positive behaviour and sportsmanship while addressing behavioural concerns in line with school policies.
• Report student concerns, injuries, incidents or safeguarding matters promptly to the appropriate line manager.
• Conduct briefings with relevant teammates and school staff regarding swimming activities, competitions, safety procedures and events where required.
• Participate in relevant meetings, professional development sessions and teacher training workshops to develop knowledge of the Nova Pioneer model and culture.
• Practise and model Nova Pioneer culture and values when engaging with students, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, parents and other stakeholders to support students’ physical development and wellbeing through swimming.
• Continuously develop knowledge and skills in swimming coaching, water safety, child development and competitive swimming.
• Prepare termly PE and swimming reports for students in line with the school’s expectations and requirements
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by the Manager in support of the school’s swimming programme and strategic objectives.

About You

Skills and Qualifications required

• A relevant qualification in Sports Science, Human Movement Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education or a related field would be advantageous.
• Recognised swimming coaching qualification or certification.
• Lifeguard and/or water safety certification would be advantageous.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Previous experience coaching or teaching swimming to children and teenagers.
• Competitive swimming experience would be advantageous.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Core Skills and Competences

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students and stakeholders.
• Patient, encouraging and enthusiastic when working with children and teenagers.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to effectively plan and manage training sessions, competitions and events.
• Ability to identify and develop students’ strengths and areas for improvement.
• A team player who works collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, coaches and other staff.
• Flexible and open to change, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced school environment.
• Proactive and sol