Settings Other Than Schools (SOTS) Placement from York St John University

What is the SOTS Placement?

SOTS placements are offered in partnership with York St John University for students of the BA (Hons) Primary Education course. As part of your placement, you can expect to observe the delivery of tours, talks and workshops, and learn more about how educators use our services to enhance the learning of primary-age children.

The placement will take place across The JORVIK Group of attractions, part of the York Archaeological Trust. It will include time in non public-facing roles undertaking tasks alongside our Interpretation & Engagement team as well as public-facing roles observing school visits and workshops. Placements may involve some research or project-based tasks. The exact content and location of placements will vary to match the available projects and suitability of venues.

When are SOTS Placements available?

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 our placement programme is closed to new applicants as we assess how to safely involve volunteers and placements in our attractions. We are in frequent communication with our partner universities, and when we were able to welcome back SOTS placements this will be announced to students on relevant courses as well as on these web pages.

To ensure a well-supported and useful placement experience, placements are restricted to certain dates. We cannot offer placements at weekends or during school holidays as we do not have learning programmes running at those times. Placement days usually run approximately 9:30am – 3:30pm.

How do I apply?

When we are open for applications, you will be asked to apply through our online volunteer management system, Better Impact.

You will be given a chance to read our Privacy Notice before applying to volunteer/undertake a placement with us. You can also click here to read this.

Please be aware that if we offer you a place you will be asked to provide further details regarding identification and visas (where applicable) and your preferred dates before your application can proceed.

Closing date for applications

We will advertise our closing date when we reopen placements for applications.

How to complete your application form

Please use the ‘Skills & Experience’ section to detail any relevant background training or interests (e.g. history, science, preferred Key Stage).

What happens after I apply?

Once the application period closes we will consider all the applications submitted. We regret that due to the volume of enquiries we receive, we may not be able to accommodate everyone that applies. We will respond to every application to let you know whether your application has been successful.

If your application has been approved, you will then receive an email which will enable you to confirm your placement dates and well as links to any further reading or paperwork we need you to complete. Offers of a place are pending the completion of this paperwork.

Training

This is a shadowing placement which offers you a chance to observe elements of our Learning Programme in action, as well as time to speak to and gain experience from our Education Team. Your current studies will offer you a good base of preparation for this: anything you need to know will be covered as part of the placement.

Dress code

As some activities may be public facing, we ask that students dress in smart trousers or skirts teamed with a smart top and shoes. Please avoid jeans and trainers. We will provide you with a placement badge to wear during your time with us.

Questions

If you have any questions about, or problems accessing the application, please contact our Volunteering and Placement Team at [email protected].