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. 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.

Up to 3 workshops can be run in one day, depending on the duration of the workshops chosen (see Pre-school, Primary or Secondary for details of workshop duration). If you book two workshops they will usually take place in the morning, one before break and one after. If a third workshop is booked it usually takes place after lunch, again this will depend on the workshops chosen.                                                                                                                                                                                               A typical timetable for three 60 minute workshops is as follows:                                                                              0915-1015     Workshop 1                                                                                                                                       1045-1145     Workshop 2                                                                                                                                        1345-1445     Workshop 3.                                                                                                                            The 90 minute workshop (Weather Investigators) usually takes place before morning break or in the afternoon.                                                                                                                                                             The 180 minute workshops (K'NEX Enterprise) needs to take place during the morning, usually 0915-1215 including a 20 minute break.                                                                                                  These times are given as a guide only and your timetable will be arranged to suit your requirements.

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

The content and level of the workshops differ 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.

Re-setting usually takes place between workshops, meaning there isn’t usually time to visit the staff room except at lunchtime, when 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 and the room left as found. An invoice will be left in the office, but 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 contact me (link below) to discuss your workshop choice and to make your booking!