Education Visits Leader

9:00.
Arrive at Losehill Hall, the National Park’s Environmental Education Centre in Castleton.

Frantically charge around pulling together all the bits of equipment and handouts we need for the day plus first aid kit, sun cream?!, packed lunch. Chat through the activities with the rest of the team. Then the essential part - go to the loo, it may be my last chance until the end of the day!

Drive to Burbage Valley and wait for the coach to arrive.

10 ish.
Meet the group at the site

Sixty children pile off the coach – some have never been to the countryside before. They are so excited about the day – this is what it’s all about!

Quick chat with the teachers to make sure they are ok and check what their expectations are. Ooops, sounds like there has been a bit of a change of plan and the coach needs to leave early – bit of quick thinking between the leaders to decide how to shorten the day.

Now, how well prepared are the group? Mmmm that little girl looks like she might need an extra jacket – think I’ve got one in my car that might just fit her.

10:15.
Finally we’re off!

Welcome the children to the Peak District National Park. Lots of happy and enthusiastic faces. Slight disappointment that they can’t go rock climbing but all re-invigorated by the fantastic view.

Trying to learn 60 names can be a challenge!

Start the activities with ‘sticky elbows’ just to get everyone together in a circle. Have I remembered the prop bag for that second stop? Oh, I‘m sure I have. Anyway, it's the experience of being out here that’s most important – away from classrooms, desks.

“Now then, we’re all going on a voyage of …discovery…”

3:30.
Phew! Wave goodbye to the coach. The children really enjoyed themselves. They got involved in all the different activities – the role-play seemed to go really well. The teachers were pleased – they want to come again next year.

Wonder how the others got on?

4:00.
Back at base. Catch up with the team and have a cup of tea! Some of the team are working with some A-level students and have just dropped in to pick up some quadrats for tomorrow’s ecology day on the moors.

It’s a great job – being outside all day, seeing children and teenagers enjoying learning about the Peak District National Park.

What qualifications and experience do I need?

• Degree or equivalent or teaching qualification.
• Experience of leading groups in an outdoor environment.
• Team working skills.
• Working with young people in environmental education.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of groups.
• Presentation skills and use of audio visual equipment.
• Basic navigation skills – including using a map and compass.