David has just finished a placement with Lancaster & Morecambe College as part of his Music degree and as a result the college has offered to pay for his PGCE fees and have offered him employment when he graduates.
“My placement in the music department at Lancaster & Morecambe College was brilliant: I learnt how to deal with young people and it really helped me to develop my confidence. I really enjoyed working with the students and working alongside them and the teachers allowed me to get to know the local community. I relished the position of authority given to me.
I volunteered as part of my course which allowed me to not only gain a great experience but it meant it was relevant to my studies and my passion for music. I was able to gain academic credit for my efforts while also hopefully raising the aspirations of the young people I worked with. I would recommend the Music in Enterprise module to anyone!
Without a doubt I feel that the whole experience has increased my employability massively
Without a doubt I feel that the whole experience has increased my employability massively. In fact, the college have offered to pay for me to do my PGCE and have offered me employment when I graduate!”
——————————————————————————————
Sarah Shorrock, current volunteer
“I got involved with as many school projects as possible because once I graduate I hope to work with young people, so wanted to build up as many skills as possible before hand, such as communication, leadership and the confidence to talk to large groups.
Volunteering with schools makes a change from my university work. With the skills I have gained and still gaining, I hope to stand out from other applicants, but more importantly it has given me a real insight into working with young people (year 1 to year 11) and more determined to work hard so I can do the job I want to, hopefully youth rehabilitation.
Anyone who is considering volunteering through LUSU involve I would say to throw yourself into it, because once you do, you will not look back! There are projects for everyone and the skills and doors it does open are those that are often hard to find, such as so much actual classroom time.”
——————————————————————————————
Luke Demetri, current volunteer
Primary School Volunteer Luke tells us about his experience with involve:
What is the best event you have taken part in for involve? Explain why.
The Torrisholme Maths day! There was lots of fun activities and we had to the whole school which meant a good range in ages. They all seemed to enjoy it a lot.
The look on a child’s face when they finally understand something, or when they are doing something fun whilst learning something new is amazing.
Luke Demetri
Have the experiences you have had with involve helped you work towards your career goals? And how?
Well I started volunteering because I am considering applying for a PGCE next year for after graduation and the volunteering events have helped me confirm that teaching is definitely what I want to do. The volunteer days have helped provide me with experience in schools and with children.
What kind of impact do you think our volunteer work in schools has for pupils involved?
I always remember, when I was in school, volunteers who used to come in and do similar things and you look up to those people and think ‘I can do that too’. I definitely think that by going into a school as a student we can give children and young adults high aspirations regarding university or whatever field they may wish to follow.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering as a schools volunteer but wasn’t sure if it was for them?
Definitely do it, even if you have no intention of going into teaching. The look on a child’s face when they finally understand something or when they are doing something fun whilst still learning new things is amazing. It really is a fun way to get away from all your worries at uni and to help others. You will not forget it.
Ellel Science Day Experience
The day at Ellel was really fun, my job was to lead the glass stained windows activity which was really enjoyable watching them paint christmas tree’s and birds and father Christmas. They all seemed really impressed that they were making glass stained windows (which light could shine through) especially Christmas related ones. Mind you, most of the paint didn’t end up on the paper but rather me. My favourite moment of the day, though, has to be when, after saying that I come from London, one boy asked me if I was around to see the great fire of London in 1666.
