Higher Education Placement Student Review

The role varied daily, some days I was outside assisting with teaching groups, other days I was in the office working on my own projects, or helping other staff members across the whole staff team. I was often on duty in the evenings or at the weekend, where I would be on call if any issues occurred with customers. I often went to other centres for training or courses.

I completed a Level 3 Outdoor First Aid course and Water Safety training, which was a requirement at the beginning of the placement. As I spent a lot of time outdoors, I developed my identification skills across a range of plants, mammals and invertebrates. I developed my teaching skills as there were lots of opportunities to go out with visiting groups.

I had the choice to be involved with teaching, which I wanted to do. By the end of the year, I had solo-taught groups of KS2 children to adult and university level. I was often responsible for customer care during the weekends and evenings, and felt competent with resolving most issues which occurred.

I had a mentor and line manager who I could always turn to for support, and I knew who to go to higher up in the company. I had monthly meetings with my mentor to assist with any issues and track my progress. I felt that there was a great support system in place.

Due to most of the education staff being young and living on-site, the atmosphere was very friendly and sociable. I had a lot of interaction with the different staff teams, and generally felt the environment was great to work in.

I really enjoyed my year and got everything that I wanted out of the placement. There was a good balance of working outdoors and working in an office, and I could decide what I wanted to get out of the year. I took the year as an opportunity to help with teaching, but to also do some data collection and develop my identification skills.

Yes

Think about what you want to gain out of your placement year before applying. There is a push for placement students to be involved with the teaching and the delivery at the field centres, although the placement is aimed at students studying Biology/ Geography and related subjects. The placement differs from location as well, so your experience is likely to be different depending where you go.