Introduction to the School Volunteering Scheme

Aims of the Scheme The school volunteering scheme offers you the opportunity to: Test your career Gain practical experience which is needed for teacher training applications Develop new skills We hope that by volunteering you will also benefit the school by: Contributing to the learning of the children Raising the aspirations of children (as a student you may increase their awareness of university, which they may never have considered as an option before)

What It Involves Opportunity to gain experience as classroom assistant in primary or secondary schools This is a volunteering scheme, not work shadowing, therefore you’re expected to be actively involved rather than just observing Time commitment varies depending on the school. Previous placements have been an average of a day per week for 8 weeks (we may also be able to organise half day or week block placements) Due to the length of the application process, placements won’t start until end of semester 1 or semester 2 – consider if you will be able to commit at this time. Placements are no further than a maximum 1 hour’s travelling distance via public transport Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed

Typical Activities Roles vary depending on the needs of schools. The most common activities in the past have included: General across all key stages General lesson supervision Helping students one to one Observation Working with small groups of pupils Reading Aiding lower ability groups Admin (photocopying, laminating etc) Organising bookshelves, resources etc Keeping children focused on task Assisting pupils with anything they don’t understand

Typical Activities Primary Literacy work Numeracy work Art/crafts Supervising/playing at lunch & break times Preparing lesson materials Creating/arranging displays Going on school trips Going to assemblies Playing with children Helping with outdoor activities Secondary Subject specific one to one tutoring Helping with coursework Helping with exam prep Marking/invigilation of mock exams Running afterschool clubs

Application Process 1) Submit application form 2) Attend interview if shortlisted 3) Attend induction session if successful 4) Submit DBS form 5) Two character references checked 6) Bring in DBS check once completed 7) Sign placement agreement 8) I organise placement & provide details of arrangements

What Do Former Volunteers Say? ‘My favourite task that I looked forward to was doing one to one guided reading with the children. I felt I had real responsibilities and that they were learning from me as we read. I really enjoyed it because I learnt more about the personality of the children than would happen in the classroom. If you are considering becoming a teacher please volunteer for this scheme as you’ll discover whether this is the right career. From this I have learnt that I would love to be a teacher and am looking forward to gaining more experience. Participants should be aware that it is very hard work being in a school so should get a good night’s sleep before hand and bring food for the break as it will be needed!’Beacon Primary ‘I was responsible for doing one-to-ones with students who were doing retakes in May. I was tasked with planning through essays and testing them on key terms in order to get their grades up... I have benefitted from working in a ‘hands on’ placement, directly working with students rather than just observing. I have also learnt how to tailor lessons to particular students in the different ways that they learn.’ Birkenhead Sixth Form College

Next Steps Before applying please read the person specification carefully. To ensure that you submit the best application possible, before you fill in the form please read through the guidance on our website, even if you have completed application forms before.guidance Complete and return your application by Sunday 6 th October. We recommend you do this ASAP since applications may close early if we receive a high level of interest.