George Watson’s College wishes to appoint an Adventure Learning Professional to help develop and lead the Adventure Learning Programme for the School and the offer to pupils in conjunction with the Adventure Learning Manager.
This is an important role in our Adventure Learning team. With the new Adventure Learning Manager and the other members of their team, the post-holder will agree on a year-by-year basis the activities for which they are specifically responsible. This will vary but is likely to include one of our major undertakings such as S3 Projects, S1 Orientation or S2/3 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. An annual role review is envisaged to allow for the best use of time and to enable long-term planning and continuity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the Apply for this Job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Gordon Boyd, Head of Senior School.
Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be emailed to vacancies@gwc.org.uk
If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Thursday 24 October 2024
Interview date: Friday 8 November 2024
Package DescriptionLocation: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: 0.6 FTE, Permanent
Hours of Work: 0.6 FTE working pattern with flexibility required due to the nature of the role
Salary: £35,651 - £40,619 (based on 36.25 hours and 52 weeks) which equates to £21,390 - £24,371 for 0.6 FTE
Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
Main ResponsibilitiesD of E
To develop and share in the leadership of the DofE Bronze Programme and support the DofE team.
To effectively use eDofE systems to manage and support pupils through the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
To organise expeditions including route planning and allocation of assessors, organising kit, assessor expenses, booking and driving minibuses, and organising pupil transport.
To book accommodation well in advance (about 1 year) including Youth Hostels, campsites, and contacting landowners where necessary.
To use existing school systems for trips to ensure that expeditions and Adventure Learning opportunities are safely and appropriately managed.
To share in the effective management of the budget for DofE Expeditions to maximise the cost-effectiveness of funds for resources and provide the best overall experience.
To support the Gold and Silver training team by supporting training sessions in school and attending expeditions as an assessor, supervisor and trainer.
Adventure Club
To develop the strategy for the delivery of adventure learning through Adventure Club as an extracurricular activity, including the opportunity to develop pupil agency as a key component of this work.
To lead and manage the expanding Adventure Club programme including:
Delivery of activities on day trips and extended expeditions; weekly climbing sessions at EICA, Eden Rock and local Outdoor Crags.
Delivery of a range of adventurous activities and training including skills courses, Mountain Days, and residential opportunities for pupils and staff.
Administer and deal with all bookings, consent forms and extras payments for Adventure Club trips. To use existing school systems for trips to ensure that expeditions and Adventure Learning opportunities are safely and appropriately managed.
Liaise with pupils, parents and staff over opportunities and information.
Aspire Curriculum
To develop and deliver a coherent programme of activities in line with the aspire curriculum vision including activities such as climbing, orienteering and hillwalking sessions as part of senior school games and activities.
To develop and deliver an outdoor-based educational pathway for senior school pupils providing them with formal qualifications and NGB awards in their chosen activities.
Nurture
To develop, manage and deliver outdoor-based nurture sessions for children with additional needs across the senior school to increase confidence, self-esteem and develop positive behaviour and social skills.
In conjunction with the Educational and Community Partnerships Manager liaise with state schools in the area to provide access to Adventure Learning opportunities such as Nurture, D of E Expeditions and the wider adventure programme. This activity is predicated on further funding becoming available or the ability to timetable it with our existing activities.
S3 Projects and S1 Orientation
To support teaching staff on Projects by delivering activities and providing technical support throughout.
To develop and share in the leadership of S1 Orientation by developing and agreeing the detailed programme with the outside provider and the Head of Lower Years and their team.
To liaise with project leaders and assist with the planning and administration of S3 Projects.
Adventure Learning Development
Assist the Adventure Learning Manager with the development of Adventure Learning across the senior school.
Staff Training
To develop a programme of training and development which raises staff skill and confidence in the outdoors and in turn increases participation in D of E, Projects and other adventurous activities at GWC.
The Ideal CandidateEssential Criteria:
Previous successful experience of working as an Adventure Learning professional in a secondary school or Adventure Learning Centre
Current Scottish or National Governing Body (SGB or NGB) award(s) in land based mountaineering type activities e.g. Mountain Leader, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor awards (ML, MCI, MICW etc), Climbing Wall Instructor or Rock Climbing Instructor, Single Pitch Award, Winter Mountain Leader, or similar
Current First Aid certificate
Full clean driving licence
Evidence of flexibility and imagination in developing their practice and keeping abreast of the latest developments in Adventure Learning
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the proven ability to work with parents, volunteers and colleagues from different disciplines across both Junior and Senior Schools
Previous understanding and knowledge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
Demonstrable personal commitment to Adventure Learning
Prepared to make a significant contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school
Desirable Criteria:
Current water-based Scottish or National Governing Body (SGB or NGB) awards would be an advantage (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, or paddle sports instructor qualification)
Full clean driving with D1 entitlement
NB: D1 training and further NGB training is available for the successful applicant.
About the school/organisationGeorge Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.
We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.
Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.
Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.
Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
