Extra Curricular Activities Teaching?

Xiney

When I was in primary and secondary school, we were often given the opportunity to do short courses and activities after school using a room in the school being taught by a member of the community. Things like art classes, gymnastics, team sports, etc. They were funded by the parents, the school simply provided the room.

This was in Canada, but I think similar things must happen here.

Anyway, I'm a photographer and I'd love to teach kids photography courses - once a week for 8 or 10 weeks kind of deal. I've done teaching in the past so I'm not worried about that aspect of it.

I'm looking for advice as to how to approach local schools. Should I send a letter or should I ring them? What should I say? What is the process for the selection of these courses?

TheColl

I would write a letter and make a follow-up phone call. Sounds like a great idea, plenty of kids would be interested and I'm sure some schools would be more than happy to let you use their premises.

When you say you've done teaching in the past do you mean school teaching or photography teaching? Either one would look good to a principal I guess!

Best of luck with it.

spurious

There are other issues to consider such as insurance after hours, electricity, heating or material requirements, caretaker/porter coverage.
Make sure to get any money paid in fees in advance if you are doing it privately. Kids are notorious for starting something and not finishing it.

Alternatively contact local VEC schools. Most already have a night school programme in existence and another class is always welcome.

implausible

Contact the Transition Year co-ordinator in each school, they may be interested in short modules such as this. Be aware however, that TY budgets have been cut and parents aren't as willing to fork out.

Xiney

Thanks for all the advice!

rainbowtrout

One other thing which hasn't been mentioned, you might need Garda clearance to work in a school on such a project.

cloneslad

rainbowtrout wrote: »

One other thing which hasn't been mentioned, you might need Garda clearance to work in a school on such a project.

Even if you're not doing it in a school you will be required to get one I should think, especially if you are using any building belonging to the local parish / council. I know my dad had to disclose all his information and get a garda check to coach in his boxing club, even though he has been doing it for about 18 years now.

Toto Wolfcastle

Garda Vetting at the moment is taking a long long time so that is something to consider. It's taking 3 months or longer.