National Showcaves Centre School Trip
Swansea Powys SA9 1GJ
We have prepared a number of booklets to assist teachers and pupils. The Teachers' Pack aims to assist teachers in planning, preparing for a visit, and organising further activities for class. The pack covers both Key Stages, (5-7 and 8-11), with information on Caves, Iron Age Farm, Shire Horse Centre, Farm and Victorian Kitchen, and Stone Circles.Each topic has:
- Links to the National Curriculum.
- Background notes.
- A brainstorm of possible areas to explore in class as part of a project.
- Suggested further activities to follow up the visit.
As well as the teachers' pack, the pupil booklets are ready to view on our website.
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Access for visitors with disabilities
Due to the natural layout and mountainous location of the complex, a number of very steep natural inclines and declines have to be negotiated when moving around the site (in addition there are over 100 steps in the first cave), this applies both above and below ground. With this in mind access for wheelchair users has to be restricted for Health and Safety reasons in high-risk areas. Also, any visitor using a walking aid, may find the terrain unsuitable.
Visually impaired visitors should note that lighting levels vary greatly within the showcaves, reflecting conservation issues regarding flora and fauna underground. Further to this strobe lighting is also used in some areas. As the underground environment is created by Nature, it must be noted that the cave walls and floors are very irregular � it is not like walking in a shopping centre! Throughout their entire visit an accompanying adult must remain with any person with impaired vision, to ensure that persons safety.
People with hearing difficulties should note that all the interpretation underground (and the majority above ground) is undertaken via audio commentaries that play at various points throughout the site. As well as general information, warnings are also relayed by this audio system relating to forthcoming terrain. Any person who is hard of hearing must be accompanied by a person who is able to pass on this safety information, whilst visiting the complex.
Visually impaired visitors should note that lighting levels vary greatly within the showcaves, reflecting conservation issues regarding flora and fauna underground. Further to this strobe lighting is also used in some areas. As the underground environment is created by Nature, it must be noted that the cave walls and floors are very irregular � it is not like walking in a shopping centre! Throughout their entire visit an accompanying adult must remain with any person with impaired vision, to ensure that persons safety.
People with hearing difficulties should note that all the interpretation underground (and the majority above ground) is undertaken via audio commentaries that play at various points throughout the site. As well as general information, warnings are also relayed by this audio system relating to forthcoming terrain. Any person who is hard of hearing must be accompanied by a person who is able to pass on this safety information, whilst visiting the complex.
Who are National Showcaves Centre?
The National Showcave Centre, Wales, is a group of ten attractions, centred on the magnificent show caves Dan-yr-Ogof, Bone Cave and Cathedral Cave. The caves cover many miles of amazing geology and provide a wonderful resource for education in geology, and earth sciences.
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Inspection Visits Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs
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