Formal Learning and Engagement Officer
Formal Learning and Engagement Officer

Formal Learning and Engagement Officer

London Full-Time 32739 - 32739 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Horniman Museum and Gardens

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Facilitate engaging workshops for learners and develop innovative projects.
  • Company: Join the Horniman Museum, a unique cultural attraction in London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and be part of an award-winning team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on learners while promoting equity and inclusion.
  • Qualifications: Experience in delivering workshops and working with diverse learners is essential.
  • Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 32739 - 32739 £ per year.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a unique attraction in south east London where global cultures and the natural world are brought together for everyone to enjoy. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and Aquarium. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and offer stunning views across London. Awarded M+H Learning Programme of the Year 2024, the Formal Learning team delivers an ambitious, high-quality programme for c.40,000 learners each year, from EYFS to University level in mainstream, specialist and alternative settings.

Our programme is engaging, learner-led, and constantly evolving, making the most of our exceptional Handling Collection, and learning from our colleagues and partners. We encourage curiosity, and strive to engender appreciation, care and respect for the planet and its people. We work in partnership, and proactively pursue opportunities to listen to, represent and amplify the voices, views and needs of children and young people through consultation, coproduction and presence across the Museum and Gardens.

About the Role

The Horniman is looking for a driven, creative and self-reflective Formal Learning and Engagement Officer to join our award-winning team. Our Formal Learning and Engagement Officers are integral to the delivery of our Learning Programme. One of 3 Officers, in this role you will co-develop and facilitate engaging, inspiring workshops across a broad range of topics for our learners (typically teaching 1 day per week) whilst delivering innovative projects in partnership with our audiences, and in response to their need. You will lead on our evolving work with specialist schools and support for learners with additional needs in mainstream settings. You will co-develop and deliver a new strategy for our work with these audiences and nurture partnerships with local schools, whilst drawing upon our learnings and programmes so far.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver engaging, accessible workshops for school and home-educated learners (EYFS to Post-16), using the Handling Collection and Gardens
  • Set up and pack down sessions and outdoor learning spaces (involving manual handling)
  • Lead the development and delivery of our specialist schools strategy and programme
  • Build and maintain partnerships with local specialist schools, working with colleagues to support and grow the offer
  • Collaborate with teams and audiences to evaluate and improve workshops and resources
  • Stay up to date with best practices in museum learning, particularly in relation to decolonial and climate-focused programming

About You

We are looking for someone who shares our passion for connecting learners to the natural world, dedication to decolonising the curriculum, and commitment to community-led practice. At the heart of your work must be the drive to ensure equitable access to Museums for all children and young people.

What You’ll Bring

  • Significant experience delivering workshops to school-aged learners in museums, galleries, or community settings
  • Experience working with learners with additional needs
  • Experience using objects or collections to support learning
  • Ability to create inclusive, accessible learning environments through partnership and consultation
  • Knowledge of specialist education approaches and strategies
  • Ability to manage multiple strands of work and meet deadlines
  • A demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Closing date: 10am on Monday 21 July 2025

Interviews: Friday 1 August 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for this role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. The Horniman is an equal opportunities employer and we value and celebrate diversity. We want to better represent the communities in which we work but recognise that there is still much work to do in this area. We welcome and encourage all applicants and particularly encourage you to apply if you are from a community that is often disadvantaged by society or of minority background.

Become a member of a supportive and resourceful network of museum and heritage educators.

Formal Learning and Engagement Officer employer: Horniman Museum and Gardens

The Horniman Museum and Gardens is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on equitable access to learning, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of our 16-acre gardens in south east London. Join us to be part of an award-winning team dedicated to inspiring curiosity and respect for the natural world and diverse cultures.
Horniman Museum and Gardens

Contact Detail:

Horniman Museum and Gardens Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Formal Learning and Engagement Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Horniman Museum's collections and current educational programmes. Understanding their unique offerings will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the museum education field, especially those who have experience working with diverse learners. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've created inclusive learning environments in your previous roles. Highlighting your experience with learners who have additional needs will show that you are well-equipped for this position.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends in museum education, particularly around decolonial and climate-focused programming. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only enhance your interview discussions but also align you with the Horniman's values.

We think you need these skills to ace Formal Learning and Engagement Officer

Workshop Facilitation
Experience with Additional Needs Learners
Curriculum Development
Community Engagement
Partnership Building
Inclusive Learning Environment Creation
Knowledge of Decolonial Practices
Climate-Focused Programming
Evaluation and Improvement of Educational Resources
Manual Handling Skills
Time Management
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commitment
Creativity in Educational Delivery
Adaptability to Learner Needs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in delivering workshops and working with diverse learners, especially those with additional needs.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role of Formal Learning and Engagement Officer. Emphasise your experience in museum education, workshop facilitation, and community engagement.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for connecting learners to the natural world and your commitment to equity and inclusion. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the job's requirements.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.

How to prepare for a job interview at Horniman Museum and Gardens

✨Show Your Passion for Learning

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for connecting learners with the natural world. Share specific examples of how you've engaged students in previous roles, especially in museum or educational settings.

✨Highlight Your Experience with Diverse Learners

Discuss your experience working with learners of all abilities, particularly those with additional needs. Be prepared to share strategies you've used to create inclusive and accessible learning environments.

✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit

The role involves building partnerships with local schools and communities. Talk about past collaborations and how you’ve successfully worked with others to enhance educational programmes.

✨Stay Informed on Best Practices

Familiarise yourself with current trends in museum learning, especially around decolonial and climate-focused programming. Bring up any relevant knowledge during the interview to show your commitment to continuous improvement.

Formal Learning and Engagement Officer
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Location: London
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