Collaged sign-post by Susan MacKell
Susan MacKell
Museum Information & Education Assistant - Prescot Museum
Learning Assistant - Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
Job Overview
I work at Prescot Museum as an Information & Education Assistant. I am currently developing a Natural History exhibition, incorporating family-friendly activities and events, school workshops, participation in local and national nature projects, and partnership work with BioBank, Knowsley Safari Park and Knowsley Ranger Services.
I also respond to local history enquiries, work with school and community groups, develop object boxes for schools and deliver half-tem activities, amongst many other responsibilities that come with working in a small museum.
At Norton Priory I work for the Learning & Community team, delivering sessions to visiting school groups. The sessions cover a range of historical, art and environmental subjects.
I am also involved in developing and planning school sessions, including a new Early Years 'History Adventure' and workshops for Key Stage 3, making use of the archaeological collections and priory site. Later on in the year I will be developing the 'Get Growing' family exhibition, bringing together the team's education and outreach work with schools and the local community.
Biography
I originally trained at Liverpool Art College as a Graphic Designer and subsequently worked as a designer in the commercial sector. After 3 years I returned to higher education in Suffolk to study graphic design for film and television, with illustration and animation.
I returned to Liverpool as a Graphic Designer for The University of Liverpool where I worked for 9 years producing educational television and multi-media programmes. A wide ranging experience including working with Vets at Leahurst, venomous snakes at the Tropical School of Medicine, filming operations at Royal Liverpool Hospital and observing the behaviour of Chester Zoo's monkeys! I was sorry to leave when the department closed down.
I continued at The University of Liverpool as a professional development student, studying Multimedia Technology; designing and programming web sites, integrating video editing and Flash animation for the web. I am also a qualified teaching assistant and have worked in primary schools and a local art college. Other courses studied include; life-drawing, printmaking, ceramics and stained glass.
Seven years ago I began a new career at Prescot Museum, also working for Knowsley's Art Service in the galleries, setting up exhibitions and working on art projects with school and community groups. More recently I took up my post at Norton Priory.
Motivation and Aims for undertaking the PDP
By participating in the Professional Development Plan I hope to gain recognition of my aspirations, commitment and experience as a museum practitioner. Achieving a solid foundation for personal development and progress in my future career in the museum & heritage sector.
I am particularly interested in the development, delivery and evaluation of education, family learning and interpretation in museums and galleries, looking at best practice within other museums.
I am also very interested in examining the role of museum exhibitions and objects, how objects are displayed, viewed and interpreted. I would like to take a closer look at other museum exhibitions and associated education workshops, events and activities.
As part of my ongoing development work with the collections at Norton Priory, I would be particularly interested in issues relating to the ethics of displaying human remains, with an evaluation of visitor's opinions and reflections.
I would also like the opportunity to integrate my experience as a Graphic Designer, utilising my ICT and design skills to design digital content for museums & galleries, whilst gaining a greater understanding of the use & role of digital media applications in museums & galleries.
Contact: susanmackell@hotmail.com