the-BA : Visiting speakers

Image of Alan Christie doing an indoor firework demonstration.

Visiting speakers are a great change from the norm and provide a link to the world of science and engineering.

Speakers will generally come from universities or industry but you could try conservationists, archaeologists, environmentalists etc. too. Contact your local SETPOINT for more help in finding outside speakers.

A really rich source of outside speakers are the Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs). These are individuals from a wide variety of STEM backgrounds, from all across the UK, who offer their time, enthusiasm and expertise to help schools inspire young people. They are a great way of showcasing real scientists and engineers. Contact your local SETPOINT for more details.

General points for consideration:

Be clear about what you want to get out of the visiting speaker’s session.
Brief the young people in advance of what will happen.
Keep to your timings; speakers can have a tendency to ramble.
Brief your speaker about the group, their interests, ages, abilities etc.
Have a question and answer session.
It can be useful for small groups to discuss questions amongst themselves and then be asked to submit a group question as this can help to prompt discussions.

	Home

	Clubs, CREST Awards and Fairs (5-19 yrs)

	Clubs

	Guide

	Running

	Visiting speakers

	Celebrations

	Linking up

	Monitoring and Evaluating

	Risk assessments and Child Protection