Museum Workshop

Into the Drift: An underground experience

What is coal and how was it mined? What was it like to work underground? Discover the stories of the men, women, children and animals who mined coal here in Wales.  

A guided tour of our simulated mining experience, King Coal. Set into the hillside above the colliery, the King Coal: The Mining Experience shows the story of how the Welsh mining industry evolved. 

Pupils will be kitted up as miners and guided through our replica ‘Drift Mine’ by a member of our learning staff. 

This workshop is available daily between 10:00 – 11:00.

Duration: 30 minutes
Dates: This workshop is available daily between 10am – 11am. To enquire about available dates and cost, please send your school’s name, number of pupils, year group and preferred dates to bigpit@museumwales.ac.uk or call (029) 2057 3650
Cost: Free of charge as this session is being piloted.

Curriculum

Humanities: Enquiry, exploration and investigation inspire curiosity about the world, its past, present and future. Our natural world is diverse and dynamic, influenced by processes and human actions. 

Learning Objectives 

  • Build up a body of knowledge and skills to discover the story of coal from its beginnings to its use as an energy source. 
  • Find, evaluate and use evidence to form views and understand the lived experiences of coal miners. 
  • Engage with contemporary issues and learn about the environmental impact of coal mining. 
  • Use role play to develop the confidence to participate in performance and recognize the impact of mining on a miner’s health and wellbeing. 
Big Pit National Coal Museum

Booking information

To make a booking and talk to someone about this session phone (029) 2057 3650