What to expect when K'NEXT Generation visits your school

The presenter arrives at your school approximately one hour before the start of the first workshop. There is usually quite a lot of preparation before the workshops start; this always goes smoother when accompanied by a nice cup of tea (a little milk and no sugar- thank you!). Requirements for space, furniture and electrical sockets would all have been discussed and arranged beforehand so should present no problems on the day. All that is needed from you at this stage is a quick confirmation of the pre-arranged timetable and pupil numbers.

If you book two workshops they will usually take place in the morning, one before break and one after (with a nice cup of tea (a little milk and no sugar- thank you!) in between). If a third workshop is booked it usually takes place after lunch. Fitting four workshops in a day is possible but may mean that morning break will be affected for some pupils. Depending on the duration and level of the workshops chosen, four workshops can be timetabled for 3 before lunch and one after, or two workshops either side of lunchtime.

Classes, with their teachers, and possibly helpers, should come to the hall at the allocated time. Often, turn-around times between workshops and the number of workshops booked in the day mean that there is no slack in the timetable; workshops have to finish at the time stated. So, classes arriving late will, regrettably, have to experience a shortened workshop.

The content and level of the workshop varies greatly but all workshops start with a short group introduction to the subject, including clear information about what will happen during the workshop. Pupils are then divided into groups (with the assistance of the class teacher) to carry out the hands-on activity. The activity is reviewed, using one of a variety of methods, before the pupils pack all the equipment away and come together for a group re-cap. The workshop concludes with stickers for all pupils (and teachers) and an optional evaluation form.

Frantic re-setting usually takes place between workshops, meaning there isn’t time to visit the staff room except at lunchtime. However, a nice cup of tea during re-setting is always appreciated (a little milk and no sugar- thank you!). During lunchtime the presenter is always happy to discuss the workshops, ideas for classroom activities or challenges, or to advise on the purchase of K’NEX for your school.

Once the workshops are completed, all of the equipment will be removed from the hall and the hall will be left as found. An invoice will be left in the office, but don’t worry, payment is not expected on the day; you have 30 days to settle your account. Once paid, a receipt will be sent to your school.

That’s it really, and all carried out with the aim of providing maximum benefit for your pupils and minimum disruption to your school day.

Thanks for reading this, all you have to do now is call me on 01779 813 097 to discuss which workshops you would like and to make your booking!