Curriculum Advisor & Programme Coordinator (Part-Time)

Overview of Young Hearts

The Young Hearts Programme aims to empower children and youth from low-income and challenging backgrounds in Singapore. The initiative has evolved into a holistic support framework comprising academic tutoring support, enrichment programmes, and excursions. The Singapore Red Cross is looking to further develop and enhance its offerings, focusing on the psychosocial development and mental well-being of the children through targeted programmes and partnerships that strengthen mentoring efforts. Ultimately, Young Hearts works towards breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty by fostering social and academic mobility, paving the way for lasting change, one young heart at a time.

WORKING HOURS:

Mon to Thurs: 4pm to 10pm

Fri: 9am to 1pm

JOB DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE

The Curriculum Advisor & Programme Coordinator is a strategic role responsible for the planning and oversight of the educational framework for the Young Hearts (YH) Programme. The role includes curriculum sourcing and design, monitoring the academic progress of students, keeping abreast with pedagogical best practices, and coordinating the efforts of all YH freelance tutors to achieve educational outcomes that are aligned with the goals of the YH Programme. The Curriculum Advisor will also provide support as a regular Head Tutor to better understand the demands of our tutors as well as that of a Programme Coordinator when required in order to ensure seamless programme operations.

Job Responsibilities

Curriculum Development & Oversight

1. Develop and implement an annual scheme of work tailored to the needs of our profile of students, ensuring that the curriculum design is engaging, inclusive, and aligned with the programme’s objectives.
2. Continuously refine and support weekly lesson plans to ensure they meet the individual needs of students, taking into account their learning gaps and socio-economic backgrounds.
3. Integrate current pedagogical practices that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that lessons are both effective and motivational.
4. Provide guidance and feedback to Freelance Tutors to ensure lessons are delivered with the appropriate approach.
5. Provide regular direct academic tutoring support to students as a Head Tutor under the Young Hearts programme.

Tutor Coordination & Support

1. Coordinate and manage the scheduling of tutors to ensure optimal coverage and alignment with student needs, including arranging for relief tutors as necessary to ensure programme continuity.
2. Monitor and regularly provide constructive feedback on tutor performance, offering guidance and support to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching, tailored to the challenges faced by students.

Academic Monitoring & Assessments

1. Develop and implement assessments that not only track academic progress but also identify areas for additional support and growth.
2. Liaise with schools and educators where necessary to ensure YH support is aligned.
3. Maintain accurate records of student performance, and provide progress updates to relevant stakeholders.

Engagement with Parents & Caregivers

1. Work closely with Operations team to engage parents and caregivers, including communicating sensitively with parents or caregivers, where necessary, to encourage their involvement in their child’s educational journey while respecting the challenges the families face.

General Programme Support and Administration

1. Contribute to the team as a Programme Coordinator, providing operational support to ensure the smooth functioning of regular and ad-hoc programme activities.
2. Ensure accurate documentation and reporting of all matters pertaining to YH tutoring sessions, assessments, and academic progress.
3. Contribute to the continuous improvement of the programme by identifying opportunities for enhancement and expansion.

Job Specifications

Qualifications and Experience

1. Relevant qualifications in Education, Curriculum Development, or related fields.
2. Proven experience in curriculum planning and educational leadership, with a strong understanding of pedagogical best practices.
3. Familiarity with the educational and mentoring needs of students from disadvantaged or at-risk backgrounds is an advantage.

Additional Skills and Knowledge

1. Knowledge of the education landscape and curriculum frameworks in Singapore.
2. In-depth understanding of differentiated teaching methods, especially for students facing academic challenges.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with children, tutors, and parents from diverse backgrounds and collaboratively in a team.
4. Familiarity with tools like MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace is required. Familiarity with student performance tracking systems and academic monitoring tools is an added advantage.
5. Independent, showing strong initiative, organisational and time management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Desired Behaviour

1. Passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children from challenging and/ or lower-income families.
2. Empathetic, patient, and sensitive to the unique challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
3. Self-driven and proactive, with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in education.
4. Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently and sensitively with tutors, students, and parents.
5. Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to step into various roles as needed to ensure the success of the programme.
6. Willing to work on weeknights and occasional weekends (time-off in lieu provided).