Planning a visit

The centre can accommodate pre-booked school parties of up to 250 pupils plus accompanying adults.

To get the most from your visit, we recommend:

  • A clear purpose/focus identifying teaching and learning objectives.
  • Attendance at an INTECH Teacher Preview Evening for all teachers and other adults involved in the visit,.
  • Pre-visit preparation of pupils and guidance for the accompanying non-teaching staff and adult helpers.
  • Look at our health and safety guidelines in preparation for your risk assesment.

Costs

  • Admission to the exhibition is £3.00 per pupil., accompanying adults are free. (Southampton schools have free entry because Southampton LEA provides a grant to INTECH).
  • Admission to the Planetarium is £1.50 per  person, workshops and science shows are individually priced.
  • INTECH can organise subsidised transport to and from the centre which complies with the regulations regarding seatbelts etc. All the drivers have had CRB checks. Costs depend on the distance from the centre.
  • Payment is usually by invoice to the visiting party, however, if it is more convenient for you to bring payment on the day please do so.
  • Should you require anything to be charged to the school, we can add the costs to your invoice.

Facilities

  • There is an allocated area  for school's picnics and personal belongings. Please bring your own packed lunches and drinks.
  • An outdoor area is available in fine weather.
  • There is a coach drop off point at the schools' entrance where a member of staff will meet you.
  • We have a shop where the children can spend their pocket money (and practice their maths!); prices start at 50p. We also sell a range of educational books.
  • Purchases can be placed in bags for each group as they visit the shop and given to the group leader at the end of the visit. 
  • Badge kits at 25p are available from the shop to enable pupils to make their own badges with the guidance of an adult.  They can bring their own designs to make personalised badges. A template is included in the visit pack. Many schools add 25p to the cost of the visit so that all the children make badges and the cost is added to the invoice. 
  • We recommend that you schedule badge making and visits to the shop into your programme, to avoid bottlenecks.
  • Planetarium shows, curriculum linked workshops and  science shows can be included in your visit.
  • A programme of specialist lectures runs throughout the year.
  • Resource materials, including trails and pre and post visit activities, are available to download or supplied on request.
  • Floor plans are available to locate exhibits.

Special Needs

  • Please let us know, in advance, if your group includes anyone with special needs as we are happy to discuss particular requirements to make your visit as rewarding as possible.
  • The centre has full disabled access and amenities for all, including a designated car park and a lift between the two floors.  

We advise a generous adult/pupil ratio of 1:6, to enable the pupils to focus on the full opportunities they can gain from the exhibits.

Group leaders are responsible for the behaviour and supervision of the party during the visit, when 'normal' classroom management techniques ensure that your pupils obtain the maximum benefit.
 
For further information and bookings, contact Jane King on 01962 891900 (email janeking@intech-uk.com)

Last Modified: 17/06/2008