External Learning Opportunities for 2026

External learning opportunities for 2026 Images courtesy of Queensland Museum Kurilpa

By Gemma Easton, Editor

Students form some of their best school memories through education outside the classroom.

Studies have consistently shown the benefits of external learning on student achievement and overall wellbeing. Outside the classroom, students can observe native wildlife, explore different cultures,

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and visit iconic buildings and landmarks. These encounters provide opportunities to interact with things that are not available within the school grounds, providing new and exciting experiences.

Excursions and field trips have also been found to promote greater social ties for students. Small group work is often necessary during school excursions, providing an opportunity for students to socialise with peers they

may not ordinarily interact with in the classroom.

Whether it’s a trip to your local art gallery, an excursion to a zoo or wildlife park, a visit from an adventure or challenge provider, or a multi-day camp, external learning is a powerful tool for strengthening and reinforcing classroom learning.

Museums and galleries With fake news and misinformation pervasive

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problems, and in an era where online sources dominate museums provide a point of truth. Objects held in a museum’s collection can be confidently viewed and understood by students to be the real thing.

This means incorporating museum visits into your teaching can help students appreciate the value and importance of seeking out real-world sources, particularly primary sources, and not simply relying on the internet.

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SCHOOL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 2026

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Where learning comes to life

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Moss Moss Piglet Piglet Years Years Prep–4 Prep–4

Bat Bat Night Night Market Market Years Years 6–12 6–12

Bright Bright Future Future Careers Careers with with Dr Dr Karl Karl Years Years 7–12 7–12

25–27 25–27 March March 2026 2026 BOOK BOOK NOW NOW worldsciencefestival.com.au

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Croc!

Croc! Lost Lost Giants Giants to to Living Living Legends Legends Exclusive Exclusive access access for for schools schools on on dedicated dedicated days days in in Terms Terms 1–3, 1–3, 2026 2026

Meet Meet the the Expert Expert –– Digital Digital Incursion Incursion Interactive Interactive online online learning learning experiences experiences with with Queensland Queensland Museum Museum experts experts

Museum Museum Meet Meet Up Up Immersive Immersive full-day full-day learning learning experiences experiences that that venture venture beyond beyond the the classroom classroom

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Images courtesy of World Science Festival Brisbane, Photos: Atmosphere Photography

Similarly, educators at museums can be trusted as sources of accurate, reliable information.

Many museum educators devote their professional life to studying a certain topic, becoming experts in their field. Their knowledge will often be deeper than a teacher’s, meaning they can enrich student learning in a way a classroom teacher cannot.

More than this, the dedication of museum staff can help students witness and understand the

value of lifelong learning. In turn, this may spark their own lifelong learning journey.

Located at the Cultural Centre, South Bank, Queensland Museum Kurilpa offers engaging, curriculum-aligned programs designed to spark curiosity and deepen learning.

Through hands-on experiences in SparkLab, encounters with real specimens and guidance from experts, Queensland Museum Kurilpa brings STEM,

StayKCC:

Learning beyond the classroom StayKCC is the ideal destination for school groups looking to learn, connect and grow outside the classroom.

Set in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, StayKCC offers a safe and inspiring environment where students can explore nature, build friendships and develop new skills.

With a variety of comfortable, group-style accommodation options and beautiful natural surroundings, every school camp becomes an adventure. Days are filled with

engaging activities and opportunities for teamwork, while evenings around the campfire encourage reflection and meaningful conversations.

StayKCC’s dedicated team ensures every group feels supported and secure, allowing teachers and students to focus on learning and having fun. Whether you are planning a school camp, outdoor education program or end-of-year celebration, StayKCC provides the perfect backdrop where your students can thrive, make lasting connections and create memorable experiences that will be cherished long after departing.

Image courtesy of EcoZip

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history and culture to life for students of all ages.

In 2026, schools can access exclusive, school-only sessions of Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends – a brand-new exhibition exploring one of the world’s most powerful and enduring animals, the crocodile. Self-led and guided programs are available for Prep to Year 12, supported by teacher guides and activity sheets.

Also launching in 2026, Meet the Expert: Digital Incursions connects classrooms across Queensland with museum experts and collections, through interactive presentations and Q&As. Delivered on selected days in Terms 1 to 4, the program is suitable for primary and secondary schools located throughout all of Queensland.

The museum’s popular Museum Meet Up series will also return for Terms 2 to 4 2026, offering students in Year 5 and above unique opportunities to meet professionals and explore real-world examples of Science and HASS.

The 2026 World Science Festival Brisbane (WSFB) school program returns from March 25 to 27, 2026. This year WSFB has aligned with the Australian Curriculum Version 9 and expanded the program to offer educators and students an unparalleled opportunity to connect with leading science experts and new approaches to learning.

Since 2016, WSFB has welcomed more than 30,000 students and educators to explore the wonders of STEM—from launching rockets and building bridges to uncovering microscopic worlds.

In 2026, festival highlights will return, including Australia’s favourite science communicator Dr Karl, alongside handson activities and resources designed to spark imagination, ignite curiosity and connect your students with the fascinating science shaping our future.

Whether you’re looking to energise your lessons or immerse your students in the wonders of STEM, WSFB empowers them to thrive in our ever-changing world.

Image courtesy of World Science Festival Brisbane, Photo: Justin Nicholas

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Nestled in the northeast of Victoria, Alexandra Adventure Resort provides adventure activities and camp experiences, making it a popular destination for schools.

Located less than two hours from Melbourne, the accredited camp boasts large facilities with more than 200 beds in five lodges, with central heating and cooling in all rooms.

Image courtesy of Alexandra Adventure Resort

Camps and outdoor adventures School camps bring together the benefits of many EOTC activities—providing handson learning opportunities, helping to build teamwork and communication skills, and giving students access to education experts beyond their classroom teachers.

Camps can be tailored to suit your school group, with age appropriate activities, and suitable accommodation

Programs include a combination of instructor led activities and teacher led activities. Outdoor programs are tailored to each school and more onsite activities can be organised to enhance your stay.

With over 16 onsite activities on offer, the instructor led activities are guided and supported by the team, taking students through activities ranging from flying fox, rock climbing, high ropes, leap of faith, giant swing, crate stacking and canoeing. Activities are suitable from Years 3 to 12, challenging students and building personal development while participating in a safe, fun outdoor environment.

Image courtesy of Alexandra Adventure Resort

Offering an unmatched and diverse range of facilities: with a focus on comfort, community, and natural beauty Providing a wonderful learning environment and unforgettable experience for school groups and camps.

Located in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.

Flexible accommodation options.

Indoor & outdoor programs that are designed to inspire and engage.

Variety of event spaces and onsite catering.

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katoomba@kcc.org.au

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Images courtesy of StayKCC

Choose from a variety of teacher led activities such as archery, gaga ball, low ropes initiatives, raft building, orienteering, disc golf and beach volleyball.

an immersive outdoor classroom experience where students are surrounded by native bushland and endless opportunities for discovery.

At the resort, spacious campgrounds include a swimming pool, grassed oval and campfire area overlooking the lake. The recreation area includes a large undercover space with tables and seating as well as table tennis, foosball and a tennis/basketball court for some down time.

StayKCC offers a dynamic mix of activities and experiences— both onsite and in collaboration with partners across the Blue Mountains— that cater to every level of adventure. From energising team challenges and bush survival skills to uncovering local history and marvelling at the night sky, each program is thoughtfully designed to engage students physically, mentally and

Set within the breathtaking World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, StayKCC offers

M U S I C A V I VA A U S T R A L I A E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M BOOKINGS NOW OPEN Packed with exciting new shows, professional development workshops, and comprehensive teaching resources for every classroom, our program is sure to inspire teachers and students alike.

Head to our website to discover the full lineup and book now! musicaviva.com.au/education

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Images courtesy of Bendigo Heritage

socially. These experiences not only support education and recreational curriculum outcomes but also foster resilience, teamwork and a deeper connection to nature, while creating lasting memories.

Comfort and nourishment are also top priorities with a selection of accommodation options tailored to suit groups of all sizes and delicious catering, ensuring students and staff sleep soundly and are well-fed with nutritious meals that fuel active days and support wellbeing.

Whether you are planning a

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multi-day camp or a focused outdoor education program, StayKCC provides the perfect balance of adventure, learning and comfort. StayKCC offers a place where students grow, connect and thrive in the great outdoors.

Bring Victoria’s golden heritage to life with an excursion to Bendigo, once the richest gold-producing city in the world. This remarkable legacy lives on, and students can experience it first-hand through Bendigo Heritage’s immersive and educational excursions.

Bendigo Heritage coordinates

school group visits to both the iconic Central Deborah Gold Mine and Bendigo Tramways.

At Central Deborah Gold Mine, students descend 61 metres underground, stepping into the shoes of past miners to see how 929kg of gold was extracted. Above ground, they’ll explore the original buildings and machinery essential to the mine’s operation, including the Blacksmith’s Shop, First Aid Quarters, Carbide Lamp Room, Engine Room, and Gold Treatment Area. Afterwards, students can try their hand at panning for real gold.

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At Bendigo Tramways, students board a Vintage Talking Tram to uncover Bendigo’s fascinating history and discover the city’s key landmarks and monuments.

Together, these experiences provide rich cultural and historical context that connects directly to classroom learning.

Bring history to life with immersive, curriculumaligned programs designed to captivate and educate. With custom itineraries, Bendigo Heritage offers a safe, engaging, and unforgettable learning adventure for school groups.

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This hands-on activity promotes deeper thinking, enhances technology skills, and makes learning more enjoyable.

Whether retelling a chapter, creating an alternative ending, or animating a favourite scene, stop motion workshops facilitated by Toonworld Education help bring reading to life in the classroom.

Image courtesy of Musica Viva, Photo: James Henry

Incursions Incursions bring the fun and learning benefits of external learning to your school.

Often, programs can be tailored to suit different group sizes and learning goals.

For educators, incursions relieve the pressure of planning, setting up, and delivering lessons. Incursions facilitators will most often bring their own equipment, and set up and pack down activities.

Incursions can be lower cost than an off site excursion, and

often require less paperwork and administration to organise.

a live performance presents an important learning opportunity.

A wide range of activities can be brought to your school, including adventure activities, interactive literacy and numeracy lessons, STEM workshops, outdoor adventure activities, and theatre performances.

Students studying drama may benefit from seeing a live play, while music students can learn through orchestra performances and musicals.

Seeing a live show—for example a play, musical, orchestra performance or choir—can have strong learning outcomes for students. Many students will not have enjoyed these cultural experiences previously, and a school excursion to see

Image courtesy of Toonworld

Toonworld’s vision is to encourage, empower, educate, and entertain kids through interactive workshops that are both fun and creative.

These incursion workshops, hosted at your school, aim to improve communication and literacy while fostering creativity and imagination.

The stop-motion animation sessions are a fantastic and engaging way to boost comprehension, creativity, and teamwork—particularly when linked to units or books students are currently studying.

Integrating stop motion in book units is a fun and innovative approach to help students better understand the stories they read.

By bringing scenes or characters to life through animation, students can demonstrate their understanding while practising storytelling and collaboration.

Bring the thrill of live performance directly into your school with Musica Viva Australia In Schools, an all-inclusive touring program offering 14 culturally and musically diverse shows featuring Australia’s finest performers, available nationally in 2026.

Each booking includes at least 12-weeks of curriculumaligned lesson activities, as well as comprehensive teaching resources designed to enrich classroom music and cross-curricular engagement.

Teachers also benefit from online professional development webinars, where musical specialists guide you through learning activities and tools, and introduce you to your touring ensemble.

With financial assistance available for small, low-ICSEA, or remote schools via the Equal Music program, MVAIS ensures that access to quality music education is equitable and inspiring for all students.

Whether it’s telling stories, creating songs, learning new languages or making new friends, Musica Viva Australia In Schools 2026 has something for all schools.

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