Do you like working with children and young people, or is this something that you would like to try?

Lancaster University Students’ Union offers a range of opportunities for student volunteers to support learners in both primary & secondary education.

Our programme for 2017-18 offers schools a wide range of activities to inform and raise awareness of opportunities in higher education and studying at Lancaster University……but also be a lot of fun in the process!

The opportunities throughout 2017-18 will offer a blend of opportunities available ranging from classroom activities right through to on-campus projects.

What do I need to do next?

Intro Talks

We would love to see you at one of our intro talks to tell you more about what opportunities are available!

Register your interest as a schools volunteer

If you already know that you would like to volunteer then you can join a group already via the link at the bottom of the page! Once the opportunities go live you’ll receive notification and you can start applying! We would still like to see you at the intro talks but by registering your interest we can get the ball rolling once the opportunities are live.

Throughout term one we’ll be supporting students in preparing to volunteer so please do not worry that projects will start immediately. Through term one you will receive the relevant training and support so that projects can start in term 2. This will require one-to-one meeting to discuss placement opportunities and inductions with schools as required.

What opportunities are available?

Reading buddies

This opportunity offers Lancaster University school volunteers an opportunity to support primary school aged children with guided reading time to improve their reading and comprehension skills leading to extending their vocabulary.

Classroom Assistant

This opportunity offers Lancaster University school volunteers the chance to support & reinforce lessons presented by teachers by reviewing material with students one-on-one or in small groups.

Inspiration & Action Days

This opportunity offers Lancaster University school volunteers a flexible one day opportunities for you to work with a range of pupils, both on campus and in the classroom.

These projects will be developed by the Schools team but planned & delivered by students.

The Inspiration & Action Days offer Lancaster University school volunteers flexible opportunities working in partnership with schools aiming to build on the experience and expertise of Lancaster University Students in a variety of topics.

This opportunity is definitely for you if you are a little undecided and just want more information!

What is expected of me?

To become a schools volunteer you need to register as a volunteer so we can keep you updated of potential new opportunities!

The levels of additional training & DBS checks will be determined by which opportunities which you wish to be a part of throughout the year. This will be confirmed on each opportunity but you will be supported fully throughout this process.

If your volunteer opportunity is in a school then it may require a school induction. We will work with you to ensure you are aware of what is required during this phase.

One of the reasons why people may volunteer is to gain experience, employability skills and build transferable skills but your energy and passion could make a huge difference to a local school. You have the ability to inspire pupils to gain confidence, learn new things, find a hobby or perhaps unearth a future career!

How does the students’ union support me?

Did you know that 1 in 5 employers are actively looking for volunteering experience on your CV?

Our Schools Team offers a wide range of opportunities for Lancaster University students to be positive role models and share their university experience with young people. We want to widen participation, raise aspirations and improve awareness of higher education.

We will provide volunteers with:

• DBS check where required

• Training and support

• Support you with your ideas & projects

• Visit you on placement

• Provide evidence as required for the Lancaster Award

• Provide travel expenses

What is the project aiming to achieve?

ENGAGE

Encourage pupils to be motivated, take an interest in learning and ultimately aspire to come to University in the future. If you are passionate about seeing young people succeed in education and think you can be a positive advocate of the Lancaster student experience, then why not get involved?

EDUCATE

All of our outreach activities connect with key aspects of the National Curriculum and provide exciting opportunities that are not readily available in the classroom. If you’re passionate about education, would like to foster a love of learning, or perhaps thinking of a career in teaching, then we would like to hear from you!

ENJOY

Through innovative projects, we aim to provide enjoyable and unforgettable experiences which support the development of transferable skills. Do you think you could facilitate a fun and fast-paced educational session for pupils aged between 2-18 years old? Take the lead or play a supporting role, we have opportunities to suit everyone.