In today’s dynamic education landscape, teachers and school leaders are constantly searching for fresh ways to engage students and bring learning to life.
One of the most effective and memorable methods is through incursions for schools, in-school activities where experts visit to deliver engaging, hands-on programs without the logistical challenges of excursions. But with so many options available, how do you select the perfect incursion for your school? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice.
Understand Your Educational Goals
Before browsing through incursion providers, clearly define what you want students to gain from the experience. Are you aiming to:
- Enhance understanding of a particular subject (e.g., science, history, environment)?
- Foster creativity through arts, music, or drama workshops?
- Encourage teamwork, leadership, or resilience?
- Provide cultural enrichment or promote inclusivity and diversity?
When your goals are clear, it becomes much easier to narrow down your options and select incursions that align with curriculum outcomes and student needs.
Know Your Audience
Different age groups have vastly different needs and interests. What excites a group of kindergarteners may fall flat with Year 10 students. Consider:
- Student age and stage: Ensure the incursion is designed for the right developmental level.
- Learning styles: Are your students more engaged by hands-on activities, performance-based learning, or interactive talks?
- Special needs: Make sure the provider can accommodate students with learning, mobility, or sensory needs.
By keeping your specific student cohort in mind, you can choose an incursion that is both age-appropriate and inclusive.
Check Curriculum Links
The best incursions aren’t just fun — they support learning objectives. Look for programs that link directly to your curriculum or support broader educational themes like STEM, sustainability, Indigenous culture, or well-being. Many providers will offer details on curriculum alignment, making it easier to justify the incursion to leadership teams or budget holders.
Research Providers Thoroughly
Once you have a shortlist, spend time researching providers. Look for:
- Experience and reputation: How long have they been running incursions? Do they have positive reviews or recommendations from other schools?
- Qualified presenters: Are the people running the sessions experienced educators or subject matter experts?
- Resources and materials: Will they bring everything needed, or will your school need to provide equipment or space?
It’s also worth checking if they hold appropriate insurance and meet any child safety regulations required in your area.
Consider Logistics
Even the most exciting incursion can become stressful if the logistics don’t work. Check details such as:
- Group size and session length: Can the provider accommodate your entire class or year level? Will they run multiple sessions?
- Space requirements: Do they need a hall, classroom, outdoor space, or specific setup?
- Cost and funding: Ensure the incursion fits your budget. Look into grants or funding programs if needed.
Good communication with the provider will help ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
Seek Feedback
If possible, speak to other schools that have hosted the same incursion. Ask about:
- The engagement level of the students
- How well the incursion met learning goals
- Any logistical challenges they faced
First-hand recommendations can be invaluable in confirming you’re making the right choice.
Involve Students in the Decision
Where appropriate, involve students in selecting the incursion. This could be as simple as a class vote between two options or a discussion about what they’d love to learn more about. When students have a say, they are often more invested and excited about the experience.
Final Thoughts
A well-chosen incursion can spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and create memories that last far beyond the classroom. By focusing on your educational goals, understanding your students, checking curriculum alignment, researching providers, and planning the logistics carefully, you can confidently select the perfect incursion for your school.
With thoughtful preparation, incursions become more than just a break from routine — they become powerful learning moments that inspire and motivate students to explore the world around them.
