School Visit Information 2008
Email Telephone: 01326 573 173 extension ‘0’
Set in the picturesque surroundings of the Wendron Valley within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site Poldark offers a range of activities and experiences to compliment the National Curriculum at all levels, from understanding the past to advanced geology.
The Mine Tour: Poldark Mine is a complete 18 th century tin mine and the scene of tin production from prehistory until the late 19 th century. The guided mine tour, described by the Chairman of English Heritage as ‘one of the two most atmospheric mine tours in Europe’ takes approximately one hour. Learn about mining methods, the life of miners who started working underground as young as 9. Stand where there was once an earthquake that split the granite, experience the atmosphere of a real mine that has not been ‘over sanitised’.
The Poldark Cornish Beam Pumping Engine: Once the power provider for the world’s mining industry these giants of the steam age dominated our landscape in the 18 th and 19 th centuries. The last Cornish Beam Pumping Engine to work commercially the Engine is once again working pumping water from the Poldark Mine. The giant pump rod has a platform attached where the operation of a Man Engine is demonstrated.
The Museum: Tin mining from prehistory until the Age of Steam; the fascinating story of the Cornish miners, unparalleled in British history, their unique military regiment and their travels around the world.
Illustrated Talks & Film: Tailored to compliment the study subject of your group the talks last approximately 30 minutes. 10 minute film of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.
School and Project Room: Available for school groups by prior booking.
Outreach: (we can visit you, contact the site to discuss)
Craft Activities: Pottery Throwing; Candle Making; Ceramic Painting; Wood Turning; Searching for Gems; Gold Panning. For Group prices contact the site.
Educational Facilities: * Project information available for teachers * Teachers are welcome to undertake pre-arranged risk assessment * Maximum Group size: There is no maximum group size however for the Guided Mine Tour groups of over 30 are split into groups of up to 30 and enter the Mine between 15 and 30 minutes apart.
* Visits are tailored to suit the age / curricula needs of the group
* Sensible clothing is advised for the Mine Tour, flip flops, open backed shoes and high healed shoes are not permitted in the Mine for safety reasons. * Qualified first aider's on site * Gift shop and Craft Shops
* Disabled facilities - Wheelchair accessible toilets – all surface buildings accessible to wheelchairs – Mine Tour is not suitable for those in wheelchairs or with some other disabilities, please contact the site to discuss.
Educational Group Charges 2008: Students: £3.50 each Subject to a Minimum Group Charge of £50.00, Teachers and assistants free
* covered picnic area and Café facilities * Children’s Play Area
More Information
Age of Children / Pupils: 5 – 16 years; College; University