Research Assistant

This role will involve co-ordination of the initial stages of a Languages mentoring programme, between May and July/August 2024 (12 weeks). The programme will be rolled out in 2024-2025 and will be led by Languages at Queen’s, in collaboration with NICILT. This is a research impact programme, aimed at supporting year 12 students of Languages in schools in NI, primarily through mentoring but also through talks and a taster event at Queen’s, such that those with an interest in taking a language at A level feel confident and empowered to take a positive decision. The mentors will be final-year languages students at Queen’s.

The 12-week internship will involve 140 hours of work, working with staff and students in Languages, and with NICILT, to undertake the following:

• Coordination of the recruitment of mentors


• Working with Queen’s to organise Access NI checks


• Coordination of the recruitment of participating schools


• Liaising with the selected schools to ensure all paperwork is completed by late June


• Completing a first draft of the baseline questionnaires for pupils and for teachers


• Planning the training session for mentors

Criteria

Essential

A completed degree including French, Irish or Spanish.

Ability to use Microsoft programmes such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

Experience in questionnaire design and basic quantitative analysis.

Experience of working as part of a team (in any field).

Demonstrable organisational skills (in any field).

Desirable

An understanding of the CCEA GCSE curriculum in French, Irish or Spanish.

Experience in teaching or tutoring at GCSE or A level.

A period of residence working or studying abroad or in the Gaeltacht.

Experience of working with young people under 18.

Criteria

Essential

A completed degree including French, Irish or Spanish.

Ability to use Microsoft programmes such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

Experience in questionnaire design and basic quantitative analysis.

Experience of working as part of a team (in any field).

Demonstrable organisational skills (in any field).

Desirable

An understanding of the CCEA GCSE curriculum in French, Irish or Spanish.

Experience in teaching or tutoring at GCSE or A level.

A period of residence working or studying abroad or in the Gaeltacht.

Experience of working with young people under 18.

Are you intrigued by global perspectives? Do you thrive in collaborative environments? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

We are currently seeking a group of enthusiastic students for a short-term contract to participate in testing and supporting the development of resources and activities for a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Resource Hub.

COIL offers students the chance to collaborate with peers from diverse geographical locations on course-related projects, utilising digital tools to engage in virtual experiences that enrich their learning journey.

Working in collaboration with members of the Education Project Development Team for Strategy 2030, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of online learning and the internationalisation of education. This position presents a unique chance to work closely with our team, contributing to the creation of innovative educational materials that will enhance the learning experiences of students not only at Queen's University but also across the globe.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in testing and providing feedback on course materials and activities for the COIL Resource Hub.


• Collaborate with staff members to explore and develop online activities aimed at building connections among students from different locations.


• Contribute ideas and insights to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of COIL resources.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in educational project development and online learning initiatives.


• Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals and students.


• Make a meaningful impact on the internationalisation of education.


• Flexible work schedule to accommodate student commitments.

If you are excited about the prospect of creating connections across the world through online learning and are eager to contribute to this dynamic project, we want to hear from you!

Time commitment: up to 8 hours per week for approximately 4 weeks. An extension may be possible, depending on project needs.   

To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience.  

Qualifications

We are open to receiving applications from any student at Queens (regardless of subject discipline or level). However, it is vital that the successful candidate complies with the following:

• Candidate must be a current student at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Essential Criteria:

• Enrolled as a student at Queen's University.


• Passionate about online learning and global collaboration.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills.


• Knowledge and/or experience of using digital tools in education.


• Interest in shaping the future of education.

Desirable Criteria:

• Candidates from Education and/or International Studies disciplines

Queen’s University seek to recruit a number of Activity Leaders to deliver safe, progressive and enjoyable activities to children of all ages and abilities in the Queen’s Sport Summer Activity Scheme.  You will assist the Co-ordinator and Team Leaders in planning and implementing a programme of activities that will include teaching/coaching a variety of sporting and non-sporting activities. 

You will assist in the supervision and safeguarding of children participating in the scheme, overseeing the general safety and behaviour. You will be provided with training prior to the scheme starting and the role will involve an element of manual handling, assembling and dismantling the equipment as required for use in activities. 

You will be customer orientated with good communication skills and you will have the ability to use initiative and work unaccompanied.  This is a full-time position from 24 June – 16 August 2024 (inclusive to staff training) and successful candidates will be expected to have availability throughout this period. The post meets the definition of regulated activity and requires an enhanced disclosure check and references.

The Summer Scheme at Queen’s Sport is a popular programme that offers children aged 6 - 14 years old a high-quality activity experience. Children can learn new skills that promote an active lifestyle by providing opportunities to try new sports in a fun and supportive environment. You will also be supervising and safeguarding our Junior Leader Programme which is for 15-17 year olds. 

Further information about the Directorate can be found at – http://www.queenssport.com/

JOB PURPOSE:

 Assist the Co-ordinator and Team Leaders as required in planning and implementing a programme of activities that will include teaching/coaching a variety of sporting and non-sporting activities.

MAIN ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the Co-ordinator and Team Leaders as required in planning and implementing a programme of activities that will include

Assist in the supervision and safeguarding of the children participating in the scheme, overseeing the general safety and behaviour of the children and directing activities to prevent injury, misuse and damages to facilities or equipment.

Assemble and dismantle the equipment as required for use in activities.

To carry out duties in a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and profile of the Queen’s Sport.

Any other relevant duties as may be required for the period of the summer scheme.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING:

Assist with planning and organising a weekly programme of sporting and non-sporting activity for 7 weeks.

Plan and organise coaching / instructional sessions on a daily basis.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (e.g. People, Finance, Equipment):

Ensure the safety and well-being of children through the delivery of an enjoyable programme of sporting and non-sporting activity.

Responsible for set-up and take down of equipment required for programme delivery.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Liaise with parents on a daily basis.

Communicate / work effectively with Queen’s Sport staff on a regular basis.

ESSENTIAL

A minimum of 3 GCSEs (Grade C or above) or equivalent, including English Language and a mathematical based subject plus a teaching or coaching qualification in sport(s), physical education, or arts and crafts.

DESIRABLE

Qualified Primary School Teacher.

Level 1 National Governing Body Coaching Award.

Current First Aid qualification.

Safeguarding in Sport Qualification 

Recent relevant experience of teaching or coaching children (paid or voluntary) on a part time basis for a minimum of 6 months OR 3 months experience of teaching children in a structured environment on a full time basis. Note that those whose experience is gained as part of a teaching qualification must demonstrate a minimum of 3 months i.e. 12 weeks experience within a classroom.

DESIRABLE

Cleaning experience.

Experience in teaching/coaching swimming, rugby, Gaelic games, soccer, basketball, dance, netball, hockey or other sports activities.

Recent experience of working as an activity leader at a Summer Activity Scheme.

Recent experience of implementing safe sporting and non-sporting activities to young people following health & safety and safeguarding guidelines within an education and/or sporting context.

Other Skills/Knowledge

Sporting or cultural interests.

Presentation

Demonstrate good communication skills.

Personal Qualities

Ability to respond clearly to direction.

Customer oriented.

Ability to use initiative and work unaccompanied.

Desire to contribute and demonstrate commitment to team.

Ability to work flexible hours.