Heritage Interpretation (Applied) Course, Bristol

If you want to develop your understanding and application of interpretive good practice, then this course is for you!

Famous heritage interpreter Freeman Tilden believed that interpretation is an art, but one which can be taught. In this engaging course we will share the skills of this “art” and explore Tilden’s other principles of interpretation through hands-on learning. You will discover the background and context for interpretive theory and be supported to put it into practice in a meaningful way.

“It’s been really helpful to have a framework to work within and to gain a better understanding of the principles that lie behind good interpretation” – Past participant

Who is it for?
This course is designed to give participants a thorough understanding of the practice of heritage interpretation and how to apply it to their sites, collection or interests.

The course is suitable for:
• Professionals with responsibility for planning, delivering or managing interpretation and the visitor experience across the natural and cultural heritage sector.
• Associate members of AHI seeking to apply for Full membership - the course is specifically designed to help with gaining the interpretation competencies required to become a full member.
• Students and those starting out in their career in interpretation are also welcome.

Who runs the course?
The course director is Sarah Oswald. Sarah is a creative coach with over 20 years’ experience in heritage interpretation, which she shares as the course director for Heritage Interpretation. She has worked in consultancy, on projects large and small, and in community heritage and loves to use that experience to help coach, mentor and train others in the sector.

When & where is it?
The course will combine a one-day workshop with personal work and ongoing peer discussion to give you the most beneficial learning experience possible. The one-day workshop will be a mix of discussion and sharing of perspectives/experiences, practical working in pairs and small groups and some presentation of theory by the course director. It will also facilitate the building of a peer group to support you through the follow-up activity.

The course is taking place in The Clifton Pavilion, Bristol Zoo Gardens

What are the benefits and what will I gain?

Heritage Interpretation will provide practitioners with the opportunity to develop their understanding and application of interpretive good practice. Participants will share skills and explore the principles of interpretation through hands-on learning. The course will explore the background and context for interpretive theory and support participants in putting it into practice in a meaningful way.

During the course participants will have the opportunity to:
• Work in small, passionate peer groups to apply theory in practice.
• Develop understanding and skills using a “live” project.
• Network and work with others at a similar stage in their careers.
• Expand professional skills in a creative, hands-on way.
• Evidence professional development against GEM and AHI's competencies.
• Have some fun with practical applications of theory.

By the end of the course participants will:
• Have an understanding of how to prepare an interpretive plan.
• Appreciate and be able to apply the theory that underpins interpretation.
• Have produced an interpretive plan.
• Upon completion, participants will be awarded a certificate of achievement.

What is involved?

The course will combine a one-day workshop with personal work and ongoing peer discussion to give you the most beneficial learning experience possible. This will include:
• A pre-workshop activity and online conversation two weeks before the workshop.
• A full day workshop with practical activities.
• A post-workshop activity and online conversations.
• An assessed piece of work to show that you have achieved the competencies.

The one-day workshop will be a mix of discussion and sharing of perspectives/experiences, practical working in pairs and small groups and some presentation of theory by the course director. It will also facilitate the building of a peer group to support you through the follow up activity. The output from the one-day workshop will be the basis of an interpretive plan which participants will complete, using the tools and techniques learnt, and submit as part of the post-workshop activity.
Course fee.

This course was developed in 2017 in partnership with GEM with thanks to Arts Council England funding. This course is also known when run by GEM as the Intermediate course in Interpretation. The Course fits with GEM competencies as well as the AHI full membership competencies.