Herschel Girls School, located in the heart of Claremont, Cape Town, is offering a fantastic opportunity for aspiring sports scientists through a temporary internship. The school, which has been a cornerstone of education in Cape Town since its founding in 1922, is looking to appoint a Sports Scientist Intern to join its dynamic sports department from August to November 2025.
This internship is designed specifically for final-year students or recent graduates in Sports Science who are eager to gain hands-on experience in a vibrant, forward-thinking school environment.
About Herschel Girls School
Herschel Girls School is an independent Anglican school for girls, welcoming pupils from Pre-Nursery to Grade 12. The school takes pride in being inclusive and diverse, catering to students and staff from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Herschel is known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, and it encourages both personal and academic growth.
The school has always embraced transformation and strives to provide a supportive, nurturing environment for all its students. As an equal opportunity employer, Herschel Girls School adheres to a strict Employment Equity Plan, ensuring that all candidates are considered fairly, with preference given to designated groups where appropriate. This commitment underscores the school’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and transformative environment.
Internship Overview
The Sports Scientist Intern role is a short-term position that offers a unique opportunity for those who are passionate about sports science and youth athletic development. This internship is ideal for individuals who want to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, specifically in the context of school sports.
Interns will be required to assist with various aspects of sports science, including performance testing, conditioning, recovery, injury prevention, and athlete development. They will also play a role in observing, analyzing, and supporting the school’s athletes during training and competitions.
Key Responsibilities of the Internship
The successful candidate will work closely with the school’s coaches and sports staff to ensure optimal athlete performance and development. The intern will gain hands-on experience in multiple areas of sports science. Below are some of the key responsibilities:
1. Assisting with Fitness Assessments
Interns will support in conducting fitness assessments for athletes, helping to determine their current physical condition and areas for improvement. This may include monitoring cardiovascular fitness, strength levels, flexibility, and other performance metrics.
2. Supporting Injury Prevention and Recovery
A key aspect of the role will be monitoring injury prevention strategies and recovery protocols. The intern will assist in implementing strategies that reduce the risk of injuries, such as warm-ups, cool-downs, and post-exercise recovery techniques.
3. Performance Analysis and Training Programmes
Interns will observe and analyse pupil performance during training sessions and matches. They will collaborate with the coaching staff to enhance existing training programs, ensuring that the athletes’ development is optimised. This could involve offering feedback on technique, stamina, and strength.
4. Engagement with Pupils
As a member of the sports department, the intern will engage with students, helping to inspire and motivate them in their athletic pursuits. This aligns with the school’s values of holistic education, where the development of character, alongside academic achievement, is highly valued.
5. Data Collection and Reporting
Interns will assist in gathering and analyzing data related to athlete performance and development. They will also help compile reports on the progress of the students, offering valuable insights into their physical development and athletic achievements.
Key Qualifications and Skills
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet specific academic and personal criteria. The school is seeking candidates who possess a strong foundation in sports science and are eager to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.
- Academic Requirements: Applicants must be final-year students in a BSc Sport Science Degree or an equivalent qualification, or recent graduates looking to gain experience in the field.
- Knowledge of Sports Science: A basic understanding of performance testing, conditioning, injury prevention, and recovery is essential for this role.
- Strong Communication Skills: Interns should possess good interpersonal and communication skills, which are crucial when engaging with athletes, coaches, and staff.
- Organisational Skills: Strong administrative, organisational, and time-management abilities are important to handle the various responsibilities that come with the internship.
- Proactive Attitude: Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to learn and an adaptable attitude, which is essential for success in a fast-paced school sports environment.
- Availability for Weekly Practices and Events: The intern will need to be available for weekly practices, fixtures, and occasional weekend or holiday events.
School’s Values and Ethos
Herschel Girls School places a strong emphasis on its Christian Anglican ethos, and applicants must be comfortable working within this framework. The school also encourages applicants to reflect its values of inclusivity, equity, and belonging, which are central to its strategic objectives. Interns will be expected to embrace and support these values in their day-to-day work, ensuring that every pupil has a safe and enriching environment in which to develop both academically and athletically.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit a letter of application along with a comprehensive CV, proof of qualifications, and a police clearance certificate. Three contactable references should also be included in the application. Applications should be submitted through the school’s online portal by Friday, 11 July 2025.
Herschel Girls School will review applications with care and respect for each candidate’s personal information, in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
Apply Now!
This internship at Herschel Girls School is an exciting opportunity for aspiring sports scientists to gain real-world experience in a supportive and forward-thinking school environment. The role promises to offer valuable insights into the practical applications of sports science in youth development and is an excellent way to build a strong foundation for a career in sports science.
If you are passionate about youth development and sports performance, this internship could be the perfect stepping stone to launch your career.
Check also: Kagiso Trust Graduate Internship Programme 2025
