Classroom Support
Volunteer in Schools
Many, although not all, of the previous volunteers have found this to be a great way of getting invaluable experience in the classroom before they apply for teaching courses. The Faculty of Education is very supportive of the scheme, and the SRC is looking at ways of enhancing opportunities for volunteers.
Of course, you may not be thinking that far ahead, but fear not – this is still a great way to improve your interpersonal and communication skills (if you’ve ever stood up in front of a classroom full of teenagers, you’ll know what I mean) and put what you’ve leant into practice.
As a volunteer, you’ll be heading along to Primary, Secondary or Additional Support Needs schools and help the students out with lessons. You will not be expected to lead any lessons, as you won’t be a trainee teacher or a classroom assistant and by law you can’t actually be left in charge of a class, but you will work with small groups of children or on a one-to-one basis with them.
So, whatever the subject – Maths, English, Chemistry, even Drama – we can (usually) help.
Modern Languages
The SRC has teamed up with Glasgow City Council’s Modern Languages Support & Development Team to give langauge students the chance to practice their skills in local schools. As with the other subjects that students can volunteer with, you won’t be expected to teach a whole class, but with many Glasgow schools now offering languages from P1 onwards, there is a great deal that you can do to impart your knowledge.
Whether you’re brushing up on the basics before your finals or want some prep before your jaunt to France (or Spain, Portugal...) in year 3, this is a great way of getting that additional practice.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in any of these areas, please e-mail volunteer@src.gla.ac.uk. The SRC are required to ask all students who will go on to work with children under the age of 18 or vulnerable adults to complete a Disclosure Scotland form, and you collect one of these from the SVSS Coordinator on the first floor of the John McIntyre building.
* Please note that although we try our best to find a placement for all students who are interested in volunteering, demand from students often outweighs the number of places available in certain subjects. In these circumstances we would therefore encourage students to try contacting schools themselves.