Careers

Job title: Education and Public Programmes Manager

Employer: Eureka! The Museum for Children - education department

Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire

Duties

Eureka! is the UK's first purpose-built children's museum for nought to 12-year-olds. It aims to teach children about themselves and the world around them by using a hands-on multisensory approach.

I am responsible for education and public programmes, and also for schools, groups, families and outreach education. It is a fantastic job and no two days are the same.

A large part of my remit is creating Theatre in Education workshops and shows for all ages and developing activities that focus on science, technology, English and maths for KS1 and KS2 visits and outreach programmes.

I write all the supporting resources for activities and workshops and train Eureka! staff in all aspects of delivery, including presentation and customer care.

I have input into the development of new exhibitions at the museum, specifically in their educational interpretation. This means I was closely involved in the recent development of two new galleries for under-fives, SoundGarden and Desert Discovery. These recognise the principles of the Birth to Three Matters framework and Foundation Stage curriculum by providing safe, comfortable environments in which babies and young children can explore at their own pace and let curiosity and imaginative play lead the way.

In July we launched the outdoor interactive maze of illusions, which invites visitors to investigate the world of optical magic amid its network of trails, turns and dead ends.

We also feature CBeebies' Gordon the Garden Gnome as guide to Eureka!'s indoor environmental gallery and he is currently making surprise appearances during 'Let's get mucky' days to help toddlers learn about nature and the garden. These activities will run through to September and include digging and planting games for little gardeners, mini-beast investigations, scarecrow building, garden-themed storytelling and giant outdoor art activities.

Eureka! also has plenty of indoor options to entertain families this summer, with more than 400 'must-touch' exhibits in six themed interactive galleries.

Another important part of my job is developing Eureka!'s educational and marketing strategies and co-ordinating research and evaluation, and I often talk about Eureka!'s educational programmes and philosophy at conferences.

Start date

I've been with Eureka! for ten years and am still counting.

Likes/dislikes

I love the fact that I can be creative in so many ways, and for so many ages, and that I have great colleagues. Hate isn't in my vocabulary, but deadlines can be stressful at times.

Best achievement

This has to be my Theatre in Education projects, particularly the pantomimes I write, which combine traditional panto comedy with educational themes in a light-hearted way so children learn through having fun. It makes me proud to see the enjoyment and laughter of the children and adults watching them. I also set up the Eureka! Schools Debating Competition, an annual educational challenge for local schools, which compete and enjoy themselves as they develop new skills.

Training

My teaching qualification and experience has been extremely helpful, although it is possible to progress to this kind of job through the museums route, as colleagues in other museums have done.

Career path

I was a primary teacher, teaching children in the seven to 11 age range, and also an expressive arts co-ordinator. Experience of working as a residential social worker helped by enhancing my patience and listening skills, and with finding creative solutions when under pressure.

Career progression

My current position is one level down from the senior managers (in learning, marketing and business, and finance). In five years' time I would hope to see myself as learning or education director. To achieve this I think it's important to 'get out there' even more, enhancing both the museum and my own reputation within the field of education. I am also keen to learn anything new that will enhance my knowledge of children's learning, and interpretation and strategy.

Advice

This position suits creative individuals who think holistically and are well organised. They need to be able to work well under pressure and to manage deadlines. They also need to be able to communicate confidently at all levels. Training and presentation skills are essential.

Interests/hobbies

I enjoy travel, walking, playing the guitar, watching films and reading Harry Potter.

Further information:

* www.eureka.org.uk

* The Group for Education in Museums www.gem.org.uk

* Museums Association www.museumsassociation.org

* British Interactive Group www.big.uk.com

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