Something exciting is happening underground.
Rhondda Heritage Park Museum has a brand-new programme of Curriculum for Wales Learning Days, alongside our new Interactive Model Exhibition designed to bring the science, history and stories of coal mining to life.
These immersive school visits combine real heritage, hands-on investigation and interactive science, giving pupils the chance to explore the past while discovering the science behind the mining industry.
From travelling underground to examining coal under microscopes and testing interactive models, pupils learn through exploration, curiosity and discovery.
Curriculum-Led Learning Days
Rhondda Heritage Park Museum offers a series of Curriculum for Wales Learning Days designed to bring the history, science and stories of coal mining communities to life.
Each Learning Day combines real heritage, hands-on investigation and interactive learning, allowing pupils to explore the past while developing their understanding of science, history and society.
Learning Days are designed for pupils from Nursery to Year 9, with themes and activities carefully matched to Curriculum for Wales progression steps.
What Each Group Will Experience
During their visit, each group rotates through a range of engaging activities designed to keep pupils curious and actively learning throughout the day.
Black Gold Underground Tour
Pupils travel underground through a real coal mine, guided by a former miner who shares first-hand experiences of life and work below ground.
Two 30-Minute Workshops
Each group takes part in two curriculum-linked workshops matched to their Learning Day theme. Workshops combine practical activities, demonstrations and discussion.
Digital Exhibition and Artefacts
Pupils explore the museum’s digital displays and historic mining artefacts using age-appropriate guided investigation resources.
Interactive Learning Models
Pupils investigate hands-on interactive models designed to demonstrate key ideas explored in the workshops, such as coal formation, communication underground and mine safety.
Digital Microscopes
Children examine coal and fossil samples using digital microscopes, allowing them to explore the materials that shaped the mining industry.
Heritage Trail Quiz
Groups take part in a heritage trail activity, encouraging pupils to explore important areas of the heritage park including
· the Aberfan Memorial
· the Anderson Shelter and Women’s Land Army garden
· the Farrier’s and Blacksmith’s workshops
Pre-Visit Mine Map Resource
Schools receive a Mine Map classroom resource before their visit to introduce key vocabulary and ideas, helping pupils arrive ready to explore.
Our Learning Days
Learning Day 1
Little Miners – Life, Work and Play
Nursery – Reception
Curriculum for Wales: Progression Step 1A gentle introduction to life in the past and the communities that grew around the coal industry.
Workshops may include:
· Mrs Washy’s Wash Day – exploring how miners’ clothes were cleaned and how daily life worked in mining homes.
· Childhood Changes (Early Years) – comparing toys, school and daily life for children in the past and today.
Learning Day 2
Life Underground
Year 1 – Year 3
Curriculum for Wales: Progression Steps 1–2
An introduction to coal mining and the people who worked underground.
Workshops may include:
· Childhood Changes – exploring what life was like for children growing up in mining communities.
· Tunnel Talk – investigating how sound and communication helped miners stay safe underground.
· Rocks That Run the World – discovering how coal formed and why it became such an important resource.
Learning Day 3
Work, Risk and Safety
Year 4 – Year 6
Curriculum for Wales: Progression Step 2–3
Exploring the dangers of mining and how science helped improve safety.
Workshops may include:
· Black Lung – examining how mining affected health and why dust was so dangerous.
· Dust & Danger – investigating coal dust explosions and the science behind mining safety.
· Tunnel Talk – exploring how communication and teamwork were essential underground.
Learning Day 4
Coal, Energy and Change
Year 5 – Year 7
Curriculum for Wales: Progression Step 3
Investigating coal as an energy source and how mining powered industry
Workshops may include:
· Energy Explorers – comparing coal with modern and renewable energy sources.
· Mighty Machines – exploring simple machines and forces used in mining.
· Rocks That Run the World (Advanced) – linking coal formation with energy systems and environmental change.
Learning Day
Power, Health and Inequality
Year 7 – Year 9
Curriculum for Wales: Progression Step 3–4
Encouraging deeper discussion about mining, power and society.
Workshops may include:
· Black Lung (Advanced) – analysing long-term health impacts and workplace responsibility.
· Dust & Danger (Advanced) – examining accidents, legislation and worker protection.
· Mighty Machines (Advanced) – exploring how mechanisation changed working lives.
Learning Begins Before Your Visit
Schools receive a free Mine Map classroom resource before their visit to introduce key ideas and spark curiosity about coal mining. Pupils arrive ready to explore, investigate and ask questions.
Cost of a Learning Day
We aim to make school visits to Rhondda Heritage Park Museum high quality and excellent value.
£10 per pupil
This includes:
· Black Gold underground tour with a former miner
· Two curriculum-linked workshops
· Interactive model exhibition activities
· Digital microscopes and investigation activities
· Heritage trail exploration
· Pre-visit Mine Map learning resource
1 adult free for every 10 pupils. Additional adults £10 each.
Book Your Visit
To book or discuss your visit:
01443 682036
✉ RHPReception@rctcbc.gov.uk
For additional information regarding our education provision please contact: heritageservice@rctcbc.gov.uk
To discuss a school visit, please call 01443 682036