Formal Induction
I arrived at Magna, the massive steel works turned activity centre for children with enough space for several small businesses at the back of the building, to find Swamp Trusts office. Soon as I walked through the door I was helping in small tasks and chatting to co-workers, I felt at ease straight away. The atmosphere in the office was one full of high energy people dedicated to the work they were undertaking.
In the afternoon we began packing the new 'Space Circus' packs, designed to promote children learning science through circus skills, I wish science had been that much fun when I was in school!
My first day shadowing some one as they lead a Swamp Circus workshop at a high school was an enjoyable experience. The children who were signed up were a lively bunch with some behaviour issues, but when they began the circus activities, their attention was captivated by working physically and learning new fun skills. The immediate gratification the children gained from achieving a trick with the flower/ devil sticks kept them focused on the leader of the workshop and willing to learn more. It was a pleasure to watch them enjoy themselves in productive activities that also boosted their self esteem.
The second day was similar to the first with the addition of introducing some of the children to the tight rope. They loved this, as did I!
In the office Friday, sorted details over time sheets and invoices then read over the procedures and safety guidelines for Swamp. Talked about PAYP (positive activities for young people)scheme and what services Swamp offers to fulfil that criteria.
I like the idea Swamp have for their "ABC Circus" activity packs, with my experience working in primary schools supporting children with different learning difficulties I think I may be able to come up with some ideas for this project. Will work on them this weekend.
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Training Before the Start of the Internship
I looked forward to the two weeks of training, I expected that each program would be relevant to my time with Swamp Circus and future career.
* 01/07/2010 ABC First Aid & Safety Training ltd. Emergency First Aid at Work
A day of learning through practical exercises basic first aider knowledge, always useful to refresh knowledge of First Aid. Though I do wish I had been sent on a full three day course so that I could be a recognised First Aider, think that may be more valuable to teams I work for and myself in the long term.
* 03/07/2010 Good Workshop Practice
Several hours of discussing and experimenting with approaches to getting children warmed up to working creatively together. The session was led by a member of Swamp Circus, their presentation was professional and passionate this made me feel at ease with my internship as it appeared we had similar practices and mentality of approach to working with children.
* 13/07/2010 ABC Equality & Diversity
Not as keen on this training as the others, seemed to skim lightly over different topics, laws for rights of diversity in the work place were briefly mentioned.
* 14/07/2010 ABC Safe Guarding Children
Having grown up in a house where my parents cared for children and then working in drama schools and as a teaching assistant, my eyes have been open to issues of child protection for quite awhile, keeping self safe and acting appropriately around children is something I am quite confident in. This course was a good place to check that I definately was acting in the best interest for myself and children I will be working with.
* 16/07/2010 ABC Creative Evaluation Training
By far the course I feel I gained the most from taking part in. I gained many different ideas for how to record evaluative information from the people that take part in my future workshops without leading them too much. And how the information collected can be used to validate work to employers and clients, also valuable for planning future workshops, highlight what areas participants want to work on further.
* 01/07/2010 ABC First Aid & Safety Training ltd. Emergency First Aid at Work
A day of learning through practical exercises basic first aider knowledge, always useful to refresh knowledge of First Aid. Though I do wish I had been sent on a full three day course so that I could be a recognised First Aider, think that may be more valuable to teams I work for and myself in the long term.
* 03/07/2010 Good Workshop Practice
Several hours of discussing and experimenting with approaches to getting children warmed up to working creatively together. The session was led by a member of Swamp Circus, their presentation was professional and passionate this made me feel at ease with my internship as it appeared we had similar practices and mentality of approach to working with children.
* 13/07/2010 ABC Equality & Diversity
Not as keen on this training as the others, seemed to skim lightly over different topics, laws for rights of diversity in the work place were briefly mentioned.
* 14/07/2010 ABC Safe Guarding Children
Having grown up in a house where my parents cared for children and then working in drama schools and as a teaching assistant, my eyes have been open to issues of child protection for quite awhile, keeping self safe and acting appropriately around children is something I am quite confident in. This course was a good place to check that I definately was acting in the best interest for myself and children I will be working with.
* 16/07/2010 ABC Creative Evaluation Training
By far the course I feel I gained the most from taking part in. I gained many different ideas for how to record evaluative information from the people that take part in my future workshops without leading them too much. And how the information collected can be used to validate work to employers and clients, also valuable for planning future workshops, highlight what areas participants want to work on further.
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