Activity Leader

Activity Leader

Glasgow Full-Time No home office possible
St Andrew's College Language Schools

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and organise fun activities for students, ensuring their safety and engagement.
  • Company: Join St Andrew's College Language Schools, a vibrant summer school focused on cultural exchange.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, holiday pay, and meals during supervision duties.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be over 18, with strong communication skills and a passion for working with youth.
  • Other info: Flexible hours, paid induction, and opportunities for personal growth await you!

Positions available in Glasgow, Paisley, Ayr, Edinburgh, Stirling, London, Chatham (Kent), Canterbury, Bognor Regis (West Sussex), Brighton, Colchester, Gloucester and Keele. Accommodation Not Included.

Duration: Summer 2025

Reports to: Activities & Excursion Manager

Essential Requirements

  • Ability to organise and manage own work
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to adapt quickly to change and be flexible
  • Demonstrate initiative towards taking on extra tasks
  • Enjoy working with children and teenagers from different cultures
  • Ability to address large groups of young people
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Pass Disclosure Scotland/DBS/background checking/vetting procedures
  • Maintain a smart personal appearance

* Over 18 hourly rate, holiday pay included

Desirable Requirements

  • Experience of working with children
  • Previous summer school experience
  • Previous activity leading experience
  • Ability to maintain long periods of physical activity

Job Overview

A well-organised and well-implemented activity programme is crucial to the success of a summer school, and proactive, enthusiastic, motivated Activity Leaders are integral to the high standards of service St Andrew's College Language Schools provide to their clients. If appointed, you will be expected to plan, organise, and promote activities and excursions, as well as encouraging and motivating students to participate so that they get the full benefit from their stay.

An outlined activity programme is prepared and coordinated by the Activity and Excursion Manager(s). Activity Leaders are responsible for promoting, organising, and running all activities and events, both on and off campus, under the guidance of the Activity and Excursion Manager(s). They may also need to supervise other staff when leading activities and excursions, encouraging them to take a full and active part.

Activity Leaders work a six-day week and receive one full day off per week. Duties include, but are not exclusive to, the following: planning and leading activities and excursions, welfare and supervision duties, and transfer duties. The time allocated to each of these tasks will be at the discretion of the management team at the centre. You must be flexible and willing to undertake any task as directed.

The Activity Manager will allocate your working times and tasks. Paid hours are direct contact hours with students which may be spread out throughout the day. Non-residential staff receive meals when allocated meal supervision duties.

The employee must also provide an email address and contact telephone number of three referees who can verify their suitability for the post and suitability to work with those aged under 18. All activity staff undergo a paid induction (£12.30/hour) and may be asked to start work after this induction. This payment will be made on completion of the agreed contract and on return of all company resources and property. Both the induction and the work afterwards are paid. Attendance at the induction is an essential part of the employment.

Other Important Information

  • You may be required to work in excess of 48 hours per week. Evening and weekend work will be required.
  • All staff accrue pro rata paid holiday during their period of employment.
  • Holiday pay in lieu of untaken holiday is paid at the end of the contract.
  • Pay will be processed for work undertaken until Sunday 20th July on Friday 25th July.
  • Pay will be processed for work undertaken until Sunday 24th August on Friday 29th August, plus all holiday pay accrued across the period of employment.
  • Company t-shirts, lanyards, and ID badges are provided and must be worn at all times whilst on duty.
  • Salaries are paid in arrears into a UK bank account on the last Friday of every month.
  • Staff do not receive any overtime payment unless this is expressly agreed with the Managing Director.
  • All staff must be employees of St Andrew's College Language Schools.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • To have read and understood the staff handbook and be fully conversant with our policies for the welfare and protection of children. At all times whilst on duty, staff are responsible for the care, welfare, and safety of students whilst ensuring they are following the school's rules.
  • Thoroughly preparing for activity sessions; preparation time can be considerable if you are to ensure the success of the timetabled session. This involves:
  • Planning and promoting the activity
  • Considering all potential hazards concerning Health & Safety according to the guidelines laid down, making necessary provisions to avoid accidents
  • Knowing necessary instructions/directions before session start time
  • Having all the equipment and materials, if appropriate, set up before students arrive
  • Packing away all equipment and materials, and tidying up the activity space
  • Actively encouraging the involvement of students in activities/events and leading by example
  • Ensuring events are promoted effectively and that students sign up in advance
  • Looking after the materials/equipment and ensuring they are returned at the end of each activity
  • Ensuring that listed students are present at activity programme sessions and maintaining accurate registers of their attendance
  • Providing feedback on the programme for the Activity/Excursion Manager
  • Generally caring for the welfare of all students, particularly our younger students
  • Escorting groups on local walks and excursions and ensuring the safety and welfare of the students, as well as providing them with information to help them get the maximum benefit from their stay
  • Familiarising yourself with the Excursion Guidelines booklet to provide students with information whilst on excursions. If necessary, undertake local travel research
  • Assisting with airport transfers for student arrivals and departures
  • Assisting with centre administration and other general tasks on the course as directed
  • Assisting in closing the centre and returning equipment
  • Participating in the Staff Induction Day (paid)
  • Ensuring that all St Andrew's College Language Schools Health & Safety policies are implemented and monitored
  • Assisting with the supervision of lunch/dinner and interacting with the students
  • Additional duties as required
  • In accordance with British Council accreditation criterion S4, you must provide a Disclosure (PVG in Scotland/'Enhanced' DBS in England) and that this must be dated within three months from the start date of employment. If you have been working abroad, you must provide the equivalent 'police check' from that country. Whichever one you choose to supply; it must be specific to your suitability to work with under 18s. Disclosure checks made through St. Andrew's College Language Schools are payable by the employee (£18 to £59) and will be deducted from your salary. The Company reserves the right to deduct the cost of these checks as soon as the process has started and regardless of the completion of the process. The company reserves the right to carry out PVG checks for all employees who don't provide a suitable disclosure, unless otherwise requested by the candidate on acceptance of the job.
  • Please bear in mind that the procedure of receiving a disclosure check usually takes 14 days (but could take up to a maximum of 18 weeks). In the event that the disclosure is still pending at the commencement of employment, the employee agrees to comply with St Andrew's College Language Schools, Safeguarding and Recruitment and Selection policies.
  • Activity Leader employer: St Andrew's College Language Schools

    St Andrew's College Language Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where Activity Leaders can thrive while engaging with children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds. With opportunities for professional growth, competitive pay, and a supportive team environment, employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute creatively to the success of our summer programmes across various locations, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.
    St Andrew's College Language Schools

    Contact Detail:

    St Andrew's College Language Schools Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Activity Leader

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific locations where the positions are available, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. Understanding the local culture and activities can help you connect better with the students you'll be working with.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Showcase your ability to adapt and be flexible during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed unexpected changes in previous roles, especially in a dynamic environment like summer schools.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Highlight any experience you have working with children or leading activities. If you’ve organised events or led groups before, be ready to discuss these experiences in detail to demonstrate your capability.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills by thinking of specific challenges you've faced in past roles. Being able to articulate how you resolved issues will show your potential as an effective Activity Leader.

    We think you need these skills to ace Activity Leader

    Organisational Skills
    Effective Communication
    Adaptability
    Initiative
    Group Management
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Experience with Children and Teenagers
    Activity Planning
    Health and Safety Awareness
    Team Leadership
    Motivational Skills
    Supervisory Skills
    Time Management
    Flexibility

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with children or previous activity leading roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to organise and manage activities.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for working with children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds. Mention your adaptability and problem-solving skills, as these are essential for the role.

    Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your communication skills and ability to address large groups. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged young people in activities in the past.

    Provide References: Include contact details for three referees who can vouch for your suitability to work with under 18s. Make sure they are aware they may be contacted for a reference.

    How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew's College Language Schools

    ✨Show Your Passion for Working with Young People

    Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and teenagers during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have, whether it's through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal anecdotes that highlight your ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills

    Prepare examples of how you've successfully planned and executed activities or events in the past. Discuss your approach to managing time and resources effectively, as this role requires strong organisational abilities to ensure a smooth-running activity programme.

    ✨Be Ready to Adapt and Problem-Solve

    The ability to adapt quickly to changing situations is crucial for an Activity Leader. Think of instances where you've had to think on your feet or solve unexpected problems, and be prepared to discuss these scenarios during your interview.

    ✨Understand Health & Safety Protocols

    Familiarise yourself with basic health and safety guidelines, especially those related to working with children. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure the safety and welfare of students during activities and excursions, as this is a key responsibility of the role.

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