News

Peer Learning Scheme: applications for guest learners now open!

Sound Connections is looking for London-based individuals to take part in a peer learning placement (lasting no longer than one day) at a project or activity for young people facing challenging circumstances.

The Peer Learning Scheme is a development of a pilot ‘work shadowing’ scheme Sound Connections ran for its Challenging Circumstances Music Network (CCMN) members in spring 2015. Four music leaders took the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a CCMN organisation. Thanks to funding from Youth Music we are delighted to be able to develop the scheme, opening it to more organisations and practitioners, during 2015-2016. We are redefining it as ‘peer learning’ to emphasise that this is an opportunity for people of all levels of career experience – equally beneficial to those starting out in their music leading career; experienced teachers and practitioners interested in moving into work in challenging settings; or those with years of experience in the challenging circumstances field keen to gain new ideas and perspectives. This reflects Sound Connections’ commitment to delivering high-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the music education workforce.

The potential benefits of being a guest learner are:

• Gaining insight into a new challenging setting.
• Experiencing and learning from a different leader/organisation, and their approach, and inspiring new ideas/activities to take into your own practice.
• Developing new relationships and networks, and potentially building your pool of contacts.

Guest learners in the pilot work shadowing scheme reported the following benefits:

“These techniques [learnt on the placement] will translate easily and very effectively into the workshops I already run.”

“[The placement] encouraged me back into my direct practice as I have had a break due to illness. I found it enjoyable to be in the atmosphere and it renewed my interest in the younger age group as I have been away from it for a while.”

Find out more about the Peer Learning Scheme and the current placements on offer by downloading the application forms below:

Click here to download the application form in word doc. format.

Click here to download the application form in pdf. format.

NB: Some of the placements are due to begin in October half term – read the application form for further details.

If you have any further questions about the Peer Learning Scheme, please contact Zoë on zoe@sound-connections.org.uk.