Description
ABOUT RSPB
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the UK's largest nature conservation charity. Originally set up in 1889, they began working on their nature reserve at Loch Leven in 1967. You can join their fantastic team of volunteers who are helping to inspire everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife. You will gain skills that give you an invaluable insight into the RSPB's essential work.
'SCHOOLS ON RESERVES' PROGRAMME
Each of the RSPB's reserves offer school groups the opportunity to book outdoor sessions in which they learn about and are inspired by the beautiful and amazing wildlife on the reserve. The RSPB's 'Schools on Reserves' programme aims to give school children the chance to experience nature first-hand, and by helping the group you can be part of that exciting journey of discovery.
You can share in the excitement by becoming a volunteer helping in the delivery of our education programme to visiting schools. Typical activities range from hands on exploration of meadows, woods and ponds to playing environmental games.
THE ROLE
As a Schools on Reserve Leader you can help inspire school children, giving them the chance to experience nature first-hand. By being part of that exciting journey of discovery you will help the Learning Officer in making sure children get the most out of their visit. You will be leading the delivery of high-quality learning activities to school children who are visiting the site with their school. This includes:
- Engage with the participants to inspire them about wildlife.
- Facilitate the participants' learning during the activity.
- Assist with equipment and resource maintenance.
- Assist with feedback and evaluation.
- Attend an initial induction and training session and participate in occasional skills development opportunities.
This opportunity runs during school term time, during the day each week day (dependent on school bookings).
ESSENTIAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- A keen interest in wildlife, conservation and the environment.
- An enthusiasm for outdoor education and willingness to learn new skills.
- A resourceful and flexible approach to be able to cope with a wide variety of ages and abilities of children.
- The confidence and ability to lead or facilitate a fun and active day's education programme with a group of students and their teacher.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children of differing needs and levels of understanding.
- Self-motivated with ability to work as part of a team and alone.
DESIRABLE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- Field teaching experience would be an advantage.
- Some ecological knowledge of habitat types would be an advantage.
- Some knowledge of the local history of the area would be an advantage.
NOTE: If you are interested in supporting rather than leading education sessions, please ask Sarah about Volunteer Learning Support opportunities by emailing: sarah.cooper1@rspb.org.uk
Organisation aims and objectives
The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and other wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all. The RSPB exists to conserve wild birds and the environment. We have more than one million members, over 13,000 volunteers, 1,300 staff, 200 nature reserves,9 regional offices, 4 country offices...and one vision - to work for a better environment rich in birds and wildlife.
Availability
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Sessions can run for as long as one school day.
Restrictions
Minimum age 18, due to safeguarding restrictions on working with children.
Experience required: Interest in wildlife, conservation & the environment.
Passion for outdoor education & learning new skills.
Flexible approach to cope with a wide variety of ages and abilities in children.
Confident to lead/facilitate a fun day's education programme for students/teacher.
Strong communication skills.
Self-motivated with ability to work as part of a team and alone.
Self-motivated with ability to work as part of a team and alone.
Minimum age: 18
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Travel expenses are paid for travel to a volunteering site other than the usual site of volunteering.
Training details: Volunteers receive a copy of their volunteer role description with agreed tasks and expectations.
They will have an appropriate induction from their manager covering:
- An introduction to the role
- Health and Safety
- An introduction to key people, expenses and insurance.
Volunteers may also have an ‘introductory session’ to take part in an educational activity before leading one themselves.
Please give a brief description of induction, ongoing training, and support for volunteers: Volunteers will receive a copy of their volunteer role description with agreed tasks and expectations. They will also have an appropriate induction from their manager, covering an introduction to the role, Health and Safety, an introduction to key people, expenses and insurance. Travel expenses are paid for travel to a volunteering site other than the usual site of volunteering. Volunteers may also have a ‘introductory session’ to take part in an educational activity before leading one themselves. Mandatory and optional training is available; mandatory training includes training on GDPR (data protection) and Safeguarding.
Support:
Named Contact For Volunteer,
Wheelchair Access/Disabled Access Toilet