Education Volunteer

Down House belonged to the great scientist Charles Darwin, who lived here for 40 years. Darwin and his wife, Emma, remodelled the house and its extensive gardens, which Darwin used as an open-air laboratory. It was here that Darwin developed his theory of evolution by natural selection and wrote his groundbreaking work On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859). We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to support and deliver interactive activity sessions to school children (aged 11-14).

You will lead or assist the Darwin's Daring Discoveries, Discovery Visit. During the session, students investigate Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, both inside the house and in the gardens. Students will get to grips with scientific equipment and be taken through key rooms of the house and parts of the garden. You will need to prepare the resources for each session, which includes setting up and tidying away. We are always trying to improve the education workshops, so evaluating the effectiveness of the session is an important part of this role. This session is designed to be an immersive experience for pupils and so volunteers may be required to be in a costume, which will be provided.

Schools can book workshops on weekdays during school term-time. Each session will last for around one and a half hours and you will be given plenty of notice of a workshop booking.

This role would therefore suit someone who has; 

• Enthusiasm for working with children and young people
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to deliver the sessions to pupils of different ages and abilities, asking and answering questions from school age children
• Ability to work in a team with site staff and volunteers

To prepare you for this role you will receive full training and ongoing support, which will include; 

• Induction and familiarisation with the site and staff
• Guidance on the content and delivery of the education workshops
• Guidance on school requirements
• Bespoke training when appropriate
• Shadowing current volunteers/staff

Our volunteer teams are dedicated, welcoming and fun. We kindly ask all of our volunteers to; 

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service.
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided.
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public.
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage.
• Observe organisational policy and procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial. 
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

As an English Heritage volunteer, you can expect; 

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support.
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits.
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers.
• You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer.