UoE Aspiring Teachers Programme (September start)
University of Exeter - Aspiring Teachers
Are you interested in learning how to teach children about history in a museum setting?
To participate in the Aspiring Teachers Programme at RAMM, you must be enrolled at the University of Exeter for the 2026-27 academic commencing at least your second year, and be already considering enrolling in a PGCE course or other recognised teaching programming following the completion of your undergraduate study.
This opportunity involves learning how to engage pre-booked primary school groups with educational activities related to Ancient Egypt, Romans in Devon, and the new Prehistory topic that will be piloted during the autumn term before its full introduction in January 2027. You will join a team of volunteers responsible for leading, assisting with, setting up, and packing away each of the activities. Additional information on these museum-led school activities is available at Museum-led visits - RAMM
Commitment: This opportunity requires a minimum in-person commitment of 3 hours twice a month, ideally you would attend at least 4.5 hours three times a month, allowing for holidays and other responsibilities.
Assessment: You will complete an assessment form in advance of starting at RAMM, choosing the subject areas you prefer to learn. You set goals and each term you will assess your own progress and then receive feedback from your supervisor at the museum.
Schedule: You will select your preferred attendance dates in advance of each school visit. Your availability for at least two terms in an academic year is required. School visits to RAMM typically occur Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the first three weeks of each month, during school terms Each day lasts approximately 2.5 hours for half-day sessions (09:45 to 12:15) and 4.5 hours for full-day sessions, including a 30-minute lunch break (09:45 to 14:15).
Training: Mandatory training includes:
- A one-hour general museum induction via eLearning.
- A 30-minute Museum safeguarding and child protection via eLearning.
- A 30-minute in-person orientation walk around the museum covering safety protocols and procedures.
- In-person training sessions on how to deliver school activities, including subject content learning.
- On-site training involving shadowing and assisting during school visits.
Your goal: is to achieve proficiency in leading a school group of 8 to 10 children through a thirty-minute activity. You will learn to deliver between two and four activities over two terms.
Skills Required: Candidates should have a broad interest in at least one of the subjects and a willingness to learn. Clear communication skills with schoolchildren and the ability to work as part of a team is essential. Present a smart appearance.
Future reference requests We ask you to complete a minimum of 40 hours so that we can provide you with a detailed reference to any organisations you may apply to work for in the future.
How to Apply: Your application will be shortlisted and if selected you will be invited to an introductory session from which the final successful applicants will be chosen.
Applications close at 6 pm on Friday 26 June, 2026. Please note that the opportunity may close earlier if we receive a high number of applications.
Applications are only accepted online. For reasonable adjustments or assistance with the recruitment process, please contact the Volunteer Manager at 01392 265984 or ramm.volunteer@exeter.gov.uk.
We are dedicated to safe recruitment practices to attract and appoint suitable individuals for roles involving children, young people, or adults at risk. If there are any concerns regarding your suitability for the role, please contact the Volunteer Manager using the details provided above.
