Teaching at Southpointe

What grade levels are included in the Junior School?
The Junior School at Southpointe covers Kindergarten through Grade 5.

What curriculum framework do teachers use in the Junior School?
Teachers deliver the British Columbia curriculum enriched by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) approach, which supports inquiry-based learning, conceptual understanding, and student agency.

What is the teaching philosophy for early years?
Junior School educators focus on nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, physically and culturally. They create hands-on, inquiry-driven learning environments where curiosity and confidence can flourish.

What kind of specialist spaces or enrichment are available?
Teachers integrate use of dedicated specialist spaces for STEM, French, Visual and Performing Arts. Co-curricular clubs such as coding, story writing and baking also expand learning beyond the classroom.

How are the student-teacher relationships and class sizes?
While specific numbers may vary, the Junior School emphasises strong student-teacher relationships, nurturing environments and small class sizes to support inquiry and individual growth.

Do teachers in the Junior School engage in co-curricular activities?
Yes — faculty are expected to support enrichment activities, clubs and teams as part of our holistic approach to learning, helping students explore beyond academics.

What kinds of professional development and mentorship exist for Junior School teachers?
Teachers benefit from ongoing IB-related training (PYP), collaborative planning time, and mentoring in the Junior School community to maintain the PYP inquiry-based practice and support professional growth.

What does a typical day look like in terms of student support, prep time, and collaboration?
A typical working day includes instructional time, built-in collaborative planning/prep time with colleagues, and student support interaction. Teachers also engage in team planning to align with IB inquiry cycles and integrate specialist subject areas.

What kind of teacher profile fits the Junior School?
Ideal candidates are passionate about early childhood/elementary education, comfortable with inquiry-based pedagogy, collaboration, and committed to building a caring, inclusive learning community aligned with Southpointe’s mission and values.

Which grades are part of the Middle & Senior School?
Southpointe’s Middle & Senior School encompasses Grades 6–12. Grades 6–10 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), while Grades 11–12 deliver the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

What curriculum frameworks guide instruction?
Teachers implement the British Columbia curriculum through the lens of the IB MYP and IB DP, emphasizing inquiry, conceptual understanding, and global citizenship. Learning is interdisciplinary, challenging, and focused on developing independent thinkers and compassionate leaders.

What teaching philosophy defines the Middle & Senior School?
Our philosophy centres on student agency and authentic learning experiences. Teachers inspire curiosity, help students connect ideas across disciplines, and prepare them for post-secondary success. Each educator is a mentor who cultivates both academic excellence and personal growth.

What is the typical class size and teaching environment?
Classes are intentionally small to encourage meaningful relationships and responsive instruction. Teachers enjoy modern facilities, dedicated collaboration spaces, and access to technology that enhances inquiry-based learning.

How do teachers collaborate across grades and subjects?
Middle and Senior School teachers participate in regular departmental and interdisciplinary meetings, aligning assessment practices and project-based units across grade levels. Collaboration fosters continuity between the MYP and DP and supports the development of key learner attributes.

What professional development is offered?
Southpointe invests heavily in professional growth through IB training, subject-specific workshops, and leadership pathways. Teachers are encouraged to pursue advanced learning, research-informed practice, and opportunities to present or participate in IB educator networks.

Do teachers need prior IB experience to join?
Previous IB training is an asset but not a requirement. We provide comprehensive onboarding and mentorship for new faculty to become confident in the IB framework and inquiry-based pedagogy.

What co-curricular expectations exist for faculty?
Teachers contribute to at least one co-curricular activity each year — such as athletics, arts, service initiatives, or academic clubs — reinforcing our belief that learning extends beyond the classroom.

How does Southpointe support student well-being and teacher involvement?
Advisory programmes, wellness initiatives, and counselling services promote balance and belonging. Faculty play a vital role as advisors and mentors, ensuring that every student is known, supported, and challenged.

What qualities define an outstanding Middle & Senior School teacher at Southpointe?
Successful educators are inquiry-driven, collaborative, and reflective. They model integrity, creativity, and global awareness while maintaining high expectations for themselves and their students.

How do I apply to teach in the Middle & Senior School?
Submit your résumé through our Careers Portal, indicating your teaching area and grade-level interests. Selected applicants are invited for interviews, teaching demonstrations, and reference checks.