Learning Assistant

Stonyhurst International School, Penang; Penang; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An international school in Penang is seeking a dedicated Learning Assistant to support pupils' learning and assist teachers with educational responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children, a qualification in education, and be willing to contribute to a supportive, collaborative teaching environment. Key responsibilities include managing pupil behaviour, providing feedback, and supporting educational activities. This role offers an excellent opportunity for professional development in a vibrant, inclusive school community.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching children of relevant year groups preferably in an international school setting.
• Further qualification in Education.
• Training in relevant learning strategies such as literacy.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of pupils' learning and management of behaviour.
• Provide feedback to pupils on progress and achievement.
• Support the classroom teacher in all aspects of education.

Skills

Experience in teaching children of relevant year groups

Effective use of ICT to support learning

Ability to relate well to children and adults

Work constructively as part of a team

Education

Further qualification in Education

Tools

Basic understanding of child development and learning

Job description

Overview

Stonyhurst International School Penang combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to personal growth. Inspired by the Jesuit principle of cura personalis—care for the whole person—we ensure every pupil receives the individual attention and support needed to flourish.

Located on 4.3 acres of coastal land with direct beach access, our purpose-built campus offers world-class facilities, including a 530-seat auditorium, music and dance studios, science laboratories, two libraries, an Astroturf field, and swimming pools. These spaces support creative, dynamic teaching and learning.

Our vibrant, inclusive community represents over 30 nationalities, welcoming pupils of all faiths and backgrounds. We celebrate Malaysia’s cultural richness, integrating values education, community service, and a broad co-curricular programme that fosters leadership, compassion, and a sense of belonging.

Now enrolling pupils from Nursery to Year 13, the school is growing towards an anticipated enrolment of around 1,200 pupils. As we continue to expand, we seek dedicated, skilled, and enthusiastic educators who share our passion for inspiring young people. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment with excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Opened in 2022, Stonyhurst International School Penang is more than a place to work—it’s a community where teachers inspire pupils to become confident, compassionate, and curious learners, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Learning Assistant

To assist in the development of pupils’ learning, the provision of care and the management of pupils’ behaviour under the supervision of senior colleagues.

To assist the classroom teacher with their responsibility for the development and education of all pupils.

To cover classes as and when required. (dependant on level and experience)

Support for the Pupils

Assist with the development and implementation of Individual Education/Behaviour Plans and Personal Care programmes.

Establish constructive relationships with pupils and interact with them according to individual needs.

Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils.

Encourage pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher.

Set challenging and demanding expectations and promote self-esteem and independence.

Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement under the guidance of the teacher.

Support for the Teacher

Create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment, in accordance with lesson plans and assist with the display of pupils’ work.

Use strategies, in liaison with the teacher, to support pupils to achieve learning goals.

Assist with the planning of learning activities.

Monitor pupils’ responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement/progress as directed.

Provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on pupils’ achievement, progress, problems etc.

Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

Establish constructive relationships with parents/carers

Administer routine tests and invigilate exams and undertake routine marking of pupils’ work.

Support teaching /senior staff with routine administration, e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, money, administration of coursework etc.

Support for the Curriculum

Assist with the implementation of structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupil responses.

Assist with the implementation of programmes linked to local and national learning strategies e.g. literacy, numeracy, KS3, early years, recording achievement and progress and feeding back to the teacher.

Support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use.

Prepare, maintain and use equipment/resources required to meet the lesson plans/relevant learning activity and assist pupils in their use.

Support for the School

Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Be aware of and support differences to ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.

Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.

Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.

Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required.

Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.

Assist with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at lunchtime.

Accompany teaching staff and pupils on educational visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of the teacher.

Person Specification

Experience

Experience in teaching children of relevant year groups preferably in an international school setting

Qualifications

Further qualification in Education

Training in the relevant learning strategies e.g. literacy

First aid training/training as appropriate

Knowledge & Skills

Effective use of ICT to support learning

Use of other equipment technology – video, photocopier

Understanding of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation

General understanding of national/foundation stage curriculum and other basic learning programmes/strategies

Basic understanding of child development and learning

Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities

Ability to relate well to children and adults

Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these

Safeguarding

In line with our Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment policy all staff members must consent to a full background and police vetting check along with supplying the details of 3 confidential referees, one of which must be your current line manager.