The role

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) is responsible for the curriculum architecture and quality assurance of course content for English First Additional Language (Grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12). This role ensures that the course structure and module content are accurate, pedagogically sound for an online environment, and fully aligned with NSC/SACAI requirements.

The role brings qualified teaching expertise into the content development process. The purpose of the role is to ensure that the final course material is accurate, complete, aligned to SACAI requirements, and fit for delivery in a fully online course environment, where learners engage with content, activities, and assessments digitally rather than in a face-to-face classroom setting.

Key responsibilities

1. Curriculum Design

• Build a detailed course outline for English First Additional Language for each grade (8, 9, 10, 11, and 12), ensuring logical progression and alignment with CAPS/SACAI requirements.

2. Quality Assurance

• Review and QA one term’s worth of module drafts for each grade (8, 9, 10, 11, and 12), ensuring language accuracy, clarity, and fitness for a digital learning environment.

Skills and experience required

Essential knowledge and experience

• A relevant teaching qualification (B.Ed, PGCE, or equivalent) and proven experience teaching English First Additional Language at the FET and/or Senior Phase level.
• Understanding of the NSC/SACAI English FAL curriculum and assessment requirements.
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify inaccuracies, gaps, weak explanations, or linguistic nuances in digital content, and correct these effectively.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned deliverables within the September–December 2026 window.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new systems, platforms, and digital tools, including AI-enabled workflows.

Desirable knowledge and experience

• Familiarity with instructional design and learning science principles.
• Experience in reviewing, developing, or quality assuring learning content.

Key attributes

• Reliable and professional in managing commitments.
• Proactive communicator who raises questions, risks, or delays early.
• Detail-oriented and quality-conscious.
• Organised, responsive, and able to follow agreed ways of working.

What success looks like

• The SME can quickly understand the qualification structure and build robust course outlines for all five grades.
• The SME spots when content is wrong, incomplete, or linguistically weak and improves it in ways that add clear value.
• The SME ensures that content is not only accurate but also well-structured and visually clear to support an engaging online learning experience.