If you’re a teacher looking for fresh ways to make lessons exciting, an incursion could be just what you need. Whether it’s a science experiment or something hands-on, incursions can bring a burst of energy to your classroom. With the right planning, you can make sure it’s not only fun but also useful for learning. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you plan an incursion that works from beginning to end.
Start by Understanding Why You’re Doing It
Before picking an activity or reaching out to any provider, think about your main goal. Are you trying to back up a topic you’ve been teaching? Do you want to get students excited about something new? Or maybe you’re hoping to break up the routine with something different? When you know what outcome you’re looking for, it helps you find an experience that suits your students and your lesson plans.
Make Sure It Connects With What They’re Learning
Always remember to have a look at what your class is working on and choose an activity that adds to that. So if your students are learning about the environment, something like a recycling workshop visit makes sense. For English or drama classes, a theatre group or storytelling session could fit well. This connection helps students see how classroom topics relate to the real world, which makes learning stick.
Know How Much You Can Spend
Some activities come with everything included, while others might need extra supplies or travel expenses. Check whether the provider charges per student or session, and see what’s included in the fee, like materials, equipment, or travel. Aside from that, it helps you to compare a few different options. You want something that gives great value without stretching your school’s funds too far.
Pick the Right Provider for the Job
Some have loads of experience working with schools and know exactly how to keep students focused and involved. Take time to read reviews or ask other teachers if they’ve used a provider they’d recommend. Additionally, it is a good idea to visit their website to learn more about what they offer. If possible, look at photos, programme details, and examples of how their sessions usually run.
Sort Out the Details Ahead of Time
After picking a provider, the next step is to choose a time and date that fits well into your school schedule and doesn’t overlap with other events. From there, think about the space—will the classroom be enough, or should you go for the hall? You’ll also want to check what the provider needs, since some bring their gear while others might ask for tables, a projector, or even a PowerPoint setup.
Let Parents and Students Know What’s Happening
Make sure to tell parents what the incursion is about, when it’s happening, and if their child needs to bring anything special to keep everyone on the same page and can even get kids excited. At the same time, talk to your class about what’s coming up so they know what to expect. When you explain how it ties into what they’ve been learning, it helps them see why it matters and makes them eager to join in.
After the Incursion, Ask for Feedback
After the activity, take a little time to talk with your class and ask what they liked, what they learned, or if anything surprised them. Also, it helps to chat with any staff or teachers who joined, so you can see if things went smoothly or if anything could be clearer next time. Furthermore, you don’t need anything fancy; just a few notes or quick feedback can go a long way in making the next one better.
Make Learning Stick With Memorable Incursions
When planned well, an incursion is a powerful way to make learning more real and more fun. You give students a chance to engage with the world around them without ever leaving school grounds. From science demos to live shows, incursions add value, spark curiosity, and leave an impression. With a bit of prep, the right provider, and a clear goal, you’ll create something that your students will remember.
