Education Office | Jersey Heritage

What does a typical day look like for you? 

There isn’t really a typical day which is why it is fun! My day can start with a school group at a historic site such as the castle, the Victorian house or even La Hougue Bie. We help school groups get the most from their visit by making it informative and fun. We research different topics, create resources for teachers and exhibitions, and are making our education offerings more accessible.  I’ve attended and presented at conferences, and even helped organise a walk around La Cotte de St Brelade for our Young Archaeologists Club. What other jobs could you go from holding fossils that are millions of years old to dressing adults up as knights (with chainmail and a sword)?

How did you get your job? / What training, degree, education do you need? 

I have a Masters in anthropology and evolutionary anthropology and have also studied Island Conservation and Biodiversity (MSc) through JICAS. I have experience from volunteer and casual roles in museums, as well as informal and formal education experience. I believe you should take any opportunity you get to advance your skills. Having a mixed work experience has been helpful – I have previously worked as an ecologist and in conservation – making me appreciate Jersey’s landscapes and wildlife from both a historical and environmental perspective.

What are the most important skills needed for your role/job? 

My role involves engaging with different audiences from reception age to adults. You need to be able to adapt your communication skills to suit who you are talking to. A willingness to learn is needed as every day I learn something new, which is why I love this job! We taught 31 different topics last year- so a good memory for facts can also help.

Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role? 

I am currently gaining more experience in archaeology through JICAS and the Société Jersiaise. Virtual Reality (VR) tours and new technology are also being utilised in the heritage sector. Research skills are helpful, although in archaeology there are some things we may never know!

What is the best part of your job? / What motivates you in this role?

It is fun to pass on this sense of wonder and appreciation for what we have in Jersey, as we are fortunate to live on such a special island with an abundance of history. Hopefully, the more people that know about this the more people will care and protect it for future generations.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession? 

Its really valuable to get experience through volunteering and seeing which part of the heritage sector suits you the most. It can be quite difficult to get into the heritage sector but there has been investment into it, and preserving our heritage and environmental heritage is more important than ever- so persevere!

Tell us a fun fact… 

My favourite Pirate is Zheng Yi Sao- she commanded a pirate federation, scared the East India Company, and even managed to retire with great wealth and her life! Rare for a pirate.