Teacher Upskill

Service Description

The Teacher Practical Upskilling Programme by Innovative Science Solutions (ISS) is a targeted professional development initiative created to empower science teachers with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to deliver meaningful, hands-on practical lessons — even in schools with limited laboratory facilities. It responds directly to a national challenge: many South African teachers were trained in theory-heavy environments and lack exposure to structured, inquiry-based practical science teaching. This gap limits learners’ ability to connect concepts to real-world applications and undermines performance in practical assessments such as Paper 3 and Paper 6 (CAPS, IEB, and Cambridge systems). The programme is structured in three phases — Training, Classroom Implementation, and Mentorship — ensuring that teachers don’t just attend a workshop, but build lasting competence and classroom impact. Training Workshops: These are intensive, curriculum-aligned sessions hosted either regionally or online. Teachers receive guided instruction on how to set up and conduct key experiments across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology using ISS science kits and affordable local materials. Each module includes demonstrations, experiment design, data recording techniques, and safety procedures. The workshops also cover cross-curricular integration, classroom management during practicals, and adaptation strategies for schools with minimal resources. Classroom Implementation: After training, teachers return to their schools to apply what they’ve learned. They are encouraged to conduct practical lessons using ISS kits and record their outcomes. The emphasis is on adapting experiments to real classroom constraints — encouraging creativity and confidence rather than reliance on full laboratories. Teachers are supported through template lesson plans, experiment manuals, and digital video guides accessible through ISS’s online platform. Mentorship and Continuous Support: ISS provides ongoing mentorship through virtual check-ins, peer learning groups, and feedback sessions. Teachers can share challenges, exchange ideas, and access new resources throughout the year. Schools that demonstrate consistent implementation are recognized through the “Practical Science Champion” awards, highlighting their leadership in science education innovation. This programme is necessary because it tackles one of the root causes of poor STEM outcomes in South Africa: the disconnect between theo