To achieve one in four schools in Worcestershire taking action for nature we will be working with schools to help their pupils develop a deep emotional relationship with nature, which is also termed ‘nature connectedness’.  We want to move our programmes and sessions from being purely knowledge and fact based to incorporating other ways to experience nature, such as using art. We have been developing and running our ‘Creative Science’ sessions for the last two years, which incorporates learning about classification and evolution through collage and mono-printing. We also run a collaborative art project with 16 schools, exploring a nature theme through different art processes.

Purpose of role

To assist us in designing and delivering art-based nature activities for primary schools to encourage childrens’ observation and emotional connection to their natural surroundings.

Type of work

You will assist the school engagement team to design and deliver art-based nature activities. The role will include –

• Planning art-based nature-themed activities to trial based on learning criteria given to you by the Wilder Schools team.
• Supporting the delivery of our existing ‘Creative Science’ art-based sessions for YR4 and YR6 (these are delivered in schools).
• Supporting the delivery of nature-themed art collaboration projects with multiple primary schools resulting in exhibitions.
• Creation of props and resources to spark imagination for our range of school trips.
• Provide feedback on how the activity went and any amends required.

Experience/skills needed

• Strong communicator with proven experience working collaboratively in a team.
• Experience of delivering art-based activities with ideally primary school children using a variety of different techniques.
• Experience of working with multiple partners on an art project and/or large scale projects for an exhibition.
• Reflective practitioner, open to feedback.
• Able to work flexibly and use initiative
• Able to demonstrate good organisational skills
• Understanding of child safeguarding and health and safety procedures.
• Willingness to work outside in variety of habitats and weathers!
• Interest and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and aims of the Wildlife Trusts

This position will require you to provide details of two referees and maybe subject to a DBS check if appropriate. We will also invite you to an informal chat.

Time/days per week

Once a week. The volunteer will undertake a combination of:
Office days - typically on a Wednesday from 10 – 3pm based at Lower Smite Farm.
School days – flexible. You will have the option to pick the school bookings you can do and you are not committed to doing all the bookings that come in. Sessions are based at Lower Smite Farm and in school settings. A school day is 8.30am – 1pm approx.

Benefits

As a Wild Art volunteer you will have the support of the wilder schools team and the wider engagement team. You will also work with other wild art and school volunteers. You will have the chance to learn new skills including opportunities to learn more about wildlife identification through our volunteer training days. You will receive health and safety and safeguarding training as well as any other training needed such as first aid.

Manager and contact

Senior Wilder Schools Officer. 

We’re Wild About Inclusion

To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.  It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

Enquire now