Frequently asked questions!
How much do you charge?
To view our prices for 2007 - 2008 visit here.
How far will you travel?
We travel throughout the UK and abroad. We are based in Cardiff and charge 35p a mile to travel to where you are.
How long does a show take?
The
secondary school shows take approximately 50 mins and the primary shows
approximately 40mins. Please remember when scheduling to allow time for
the pupils to come in and take their seats and to filter out again.
How long do the shows take to set up?
We always allow an hour to set up as we bring a lot of equipment. If the room you will be using is required for a lesson (eg music or drama practice) we can sometimes set up around the activity as long as all those involved are happy to be flexible. We do need to have access to the screen, projector and stage end of the room to set up properly.
How do I book a show?
Go to our bookings page here and follow the instructions.
Is there funding available?
Click here for details of how to get funding for your event
How many people will come with a show?
We normally send one presenter to perform the show.
How many shows can you do a day?
We
usually limit this to a maximum of three shows in a day, but sometimes
an extra show can be accommodated subject to a small extra fee.
How many students can you perform to at a time?
We can perform our shows to as many students as you can fit in the venue as long as they are all of suitable ages for the show being presented. If the audience is sitting in a flat hall, then 100-150 is the optimum number to ensure good engagement and visibility.
Do you have a description of the show?
Yes details of all the shows can be found here.
Are you any good?
We are obviously biased, but schools we have been to since December 2007 can be found here, if you wish to contact someone who can vouch for us.
Half
of all our bookings are repeat bookings with customers coming back for
more. We conduct continuous evaluation of all our shows and are always
updating them to reflect current topics and incorporate feedback.
Why do you charge for your shows?
We get no core funding and have to cover all our costs.
Why not get together with other local schools to reduce the costs?
For funding options click here.
Are you a profit-making organisation?
We're a limited company, but any money made goes back into the company.
How long do you need between performances?
10
minutes is ideal (for most shows) but we can be flexible to fit your
timetable. Some shows require longer to reset, please talk to your
presenter about this when you arrange the performance times.
Can you make the shows longer or shorter?
The
shows in full take 60 minutes. We could extend slightly by giving
students time for questions if that helps fit your timetable. Shows can
also be shortened but 40 minutes would be the minimum and content would
have to be dropped.
Can we get a reference/speak to a teacher who has seen your show?
If you wish to contact someone who can vouch for us a list of schools we have been to previously can be found here.
Time of arrival
We
will arrive one hour before the performance time and if you are
providing the AV equipment we would like to have access to an IT
technician during that time if possible. If we are using our own AV kit
this will not be necessary. Shows take one hour to set up and the room
needs to be available without students in it for the full hour before
the show.
Do teachers have to stay in with the students?
Yes, our risk assessments are based on a teacher to student ratio of 1 to 30, and teachers usually enjoy themselves too!
Lunch arrangements
Our presenters would be delighted to be fed, but can make their own arrangements if required.
If the hall is also used for lunch we need to be aware of that in advance so we can arrange to keep the equipment safe.
Accommodation
If accommodation is required, this is usually arranged by the school but should be discussed with the presenter in advance
What do you mean by a science show?
A
science show is a performance with lots of demonstrations and the
opportunity for volunteers to join us on stage. It's taking science
and engineering and showing how it relates to every day life, and is
based on topics that students are interested in.
How much space do you need?
Your
school hall or gym will be fine - we need space to set up tables and
preferably a screen (from you) and space in front of the tables to
perform experiments. A raised stage is useful for larger audiences but
not essential as long as everyone can see. We generally prefer not to
use classrooms.
Is blackout essential?
All
shows use a projector and screen so bright rooms can be a problem. Some
of our shows have demonstrations that require blackout. We can work
around it but the show will lose some demonstrations, Please discuss
this with your presenter.
What type of tables do you need?
Any tables will do, we need a minimum of 3 metres of table length. We will provide tablecloths.
Curriculum links
Each show has a list of curriculum links, a list of all our shows can be found here. Choose the one you are interested in to view the curriculum links.
Are your presenters CRB checked?
Yes, all our presenters have a valid CRB check.
How many different show topics can you do in a day?
One is optimum but two is the maximum with an added cost for bringing extra equipment and the extra set up time involved.
Can you adapt your shows for special needs?
Our presenters are able to adapt shows but would appreciate as much information as possible in advance to help them prepare
Can you do talks for adults?
Yes - we've found that our shows are also very popular with adult audiences (with or without the children!).
Do I have to pay VAT?
Yes, as we are a VAT registered company. If you are also VAT registered, or a school, you will get the VAT that you pay back.
How many people can you talk to?
We
have spoken to audiences up to 900 in size, but for larger groups (over
250) we would request assistance with making things more visible (e.g.
video cameras for close-ups, or raked seating).
We require at least 30 people in the audience, and it makes for a better show atmosphere as well. If you have three classes of 30 students, why not put them together and have one show for all 90 – it’s cheaper as well!
