Job Description: Science Olympiad Instructor
Position Overview
The Science Olympiad Instructor will design, plan, and deliver a developmentally appropriate Science Olympiad enrichment and training programme aimed at nurturing students’ interest and aptitude in scientific inquiry and problem-solving. The instructor will prepare students for participation in national and international Science Olympiad competitions (e.g., Singapore Primary Science Olympiad (SPSO), Singapore Junior Chemistry/Biology/Physics Olympiads, and other equivalent platforms).
The instructor is expected to employ inquiry-based learning, hands-on experiments, and conceptual application strategies that go beyond the mainstream curriculum, fostering critical and inventive thinking aligned with MOE’s 21st Century Competencies and school values.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Design & Delivery
Develop a progressive training curriculum covering advanced science concepts, practical applications, and competition-style questions in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Science.
Conduct engaging lessons using inquiry-based, experiment-driven, and problem-solving pedagogies.
Prepare lesson materials, notes, practice papers, and experiments in alignment with Science Olympiad standards.
- Student Development
Identify and nurture students with potential for higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
Provide differentiated instruction to cater to students of varying abilities.
Mentor students for competition readiness, including time management, reasoning, and experimental accuracy.
- Competition Preparation
Conduct mock tests, simulations, and review sessions.
Guide students through analytical reasoning, data interpretation, and scientific investigation techniques.
Ensure students are familiar with the format, rigour, and expectations of Olympiad assessments.
- Collaboration & Reporting
Work closely with teachers-in-charge to review student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
Attend coordination meetings, submit attendance, and provide feedback reports after each term or milestone assessment.
Ensure safe laboratory practices and adherence to school safety protocols.
- Values & Competencies Development
Reinforce values such as curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and integrity through every lesson.
Cultivate 21st Century Competencies — Critical and Inventive Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Self-Directed Learning.
Job Requirements
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Science, Education, or related discipline (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or General Science).
- Experience: Minimum 2–3 years of experience conducting Science Olympiad training or equivalent enrichment in or tuition centre settings. Proven record of coaching students for SPSO, SJChO, SJBO, SJPO, or equivalent competitions preferred.
- Pedagogical Competence: Strong background in inquiry-based and experimental learning methods. Ability to simplify complex concepts for upper primary or secondary learners.
- Personal Qualities: Passionate about science education, patient, inspiring, and able to motivate high-performing students. Strong communication and classroom management skills.
- Administrative Requirements: Must submit lesson plans, reports, and attendance promptly. Must adhere to school’s CCA and safety management policies. Must be prepared to conduct both face-to-face and online sessions (if required).
- Preferred Additional Competencies: Familiarity with MOE’s 21st Century Competencies Framework and experience integrating values education within scientific inquiry. Certification in laboratory safety and first aid is an advantage.