SPARK Schools is an independent school network in South Africa.[1][8] SPARK Schools was founded by Stacey Brewer and Ryan Harrison in 2012. Their schools use a blended learning model with adaptive software and individualised learning to accelerate learning and increase student achievement.[9][10] SPARK Schools uses a hybrid funding model, having attracted funding from both non-profit foundations focused on high-impact philanthropy and from for-profit[11]impact investors.
There are 21 primary and five high schools in the SPARK Schools network, educating over 17,000 scholars.[12]
History
SPARK Schools was started to provide internationally competitive high-quality academic achievement to South African communities.[13] The original motivation and concept for SPARK Schools was developed at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), where Stacey Brewer, Bailey Thomson and Ryan Harrison are alumni.[13] South Africa is consistently ranked among the worst-performing education systems in the world.[14]
SPARK Schools was built on the belief that quality and affordability are not mutually exclusive when it comes to excellent education. SPARK Schools emerged as a pioneer of blended learning in Africa and implemented the first blended primary school model in Africa.[1][15]
SPARK Ferndale was launched as the first SPARK school in 2013.[10] SPARK Schools became an ISASA full member and accredited network in 2013.[16]
SPARK Schools uses a lab rotation blended learning model that combines classroom instruction with adaptive software to accelerate learning and increase student achievement.[18][19] SPARK Schools uses a lab rotation blended learning model,[1] pioneered by Rocketship Education.
The blended education model allows for a high level of individualised learning as scholars receive instruction in the classroom as well as through adaptive education technology.[14][20]
Intermediate phase
SPARK Schools uses a flex model for scholars in Grades 4–7 (intermediate phase). At this level, scholars are placed in ability groups based on their own individual performance in the subjects. This allows for an even more individualised form of education.
High school
In January 2019, SPARK Schools launched their first high school—SPARK Randburg High School. SPARK Randburg High School, is located in Ferndale, Randburg. There are now five high schools in the network. SPARK High Schools focus on academic development that prepare scholars for matriculation and beyond.
Academic performance
Ambitious claims are made for SPARK Schools as a high-performing school network,[21] with internationally relevant rigour and benchmark assessment.[22]
SPARK Schools has also been featured in various academic publications such as Focus (Helen Suzman Foundation)[6] and Acumen[13] as well as various international blogs, such as Getting Smart,[28] LeadSA,[29] Daily Maverick[30] The New Game[22] and EdSurge.[31]
SPARK Schools has been profiled in various forums and reports by ISASA, the Centre for Development and Enterprise[32] and the Clayton Christensen Institute.[33]
The earliest record of SPARK Schools can be found in the Sowetan Newspaper in an article titled: Low Cost Private Education
Initiative.[25]
List of SPARK Schools
As at November 2024, there are 26 schools in the SPARK Schools network.
SPARK Schools was recognised by the Accenture Innovation Index Awards as "an innovation that changes the way the world works"[41] and placed as a finalist in the 2013 innovation index.[41]
^ abBrewer, Stacey; Ryan Harrison (2013). "Blended Learning in South Africa". Focus: Education: Overcoming & Innovation. 68: 62–67. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
