In developing this document, Sydney Observatory consulted with the NSW Department of Education & Training (school excursion policy). Teachers making risk assessments as part of school excursion planning should be aware that Sydney Observatory cannot make the assessment for you. You must make your own risk assessment based on the information provided. To assist, we have included a Risk Assessment Table which answers all the questions asked by the Department of Education & Training.
Risk Assessment Table (pdf document)
+ VENUE INFORMATION
Arrival & departure
Schools should plan to arrive 15 minutes before their allocated session start time. With multiple school and public tours every day, lost time cannot normally be made up for late schools. We recommend teachers carry a mobile phone to let the Observatory know if they are held up due to traffic or other delays. Phone (02) 9241 3767.
Access to Sydney Observatory
Group should enter and exit via the rear door down the path past the main door of the Observatory. The stairs inside the Observatory are steeply raked and students should keep their pace to a walk at all times. Observatory staff are available to assist entry of students with a disability. Please advise of any special needs at the time of booking. All Observatory staff leading school groups are trained astronomy educators. Student tours typically take 1½ hours but may be shortened on request or by late arrival.
Bag storage
The Observatory has storage facilities for small bags. We recommend that school bags be left in these storage facilities or on the bus. Please ensure that hats and other loose items are stored in bags to avoid lost property.
Lost property
Any items found at the Observatory are handed to a security officer, who may be contacted at the front desk or through any staff member. Please encourage your students to leave school hats and jackets in their bags and remind students to check they have all belongings before leaving the Observatory.
Refreshments
A cold drinks machine is located outside the Observatory in the rear courtyard. Drinks cost $1.20 for a soft drink or bottle of water. No food is sold at the Observatory and food cannot be consumed within the building. Note: there is also a water bubbler in the grounds of the Observatory.
Toilets
Toilets are located at the rear of the building and can be accessed from the grounds, near the group entry. A toilet for students with a disability is located in the same building.
Shade protection
A temporary shade marquee is available and is opened when it is very hot, cold or wet. Areas suitable for lunch or short breaks are also available.
Accessible entry
The 3-D Space Theatre, Bean Bag Planetarium and ground floor exhibitions are fully wheelchair accessible. Please alert Observatory staff of your special entry needs at the time of booking and on arrival.
Seating
Individual seats are not allocated to audience members in the 3-D Space Theatre or Bean Bag Planetarium. Staff will instruct students on the best seating arrangements depending on the size of the group. Some age ranges or behaviour types are not suitable for the Bean Bag Planetarium. Entry is determined at the discretion of Observatory staff.
Fire exits & evacuation
The Observatory has clearly marked exits throughout the building. Observatory staff have been formally trained in emergency evacuation procedures. You will receive a fire evacuation plan when you book.
First aid
A first aid box is located in the Observatory reception area. All security staff, as part of their licence, are senior first aiders as are several astronomy staff. Please ask any staff member for assistance if you require help with first aid.
Insurance cover
Sydney Observatory, as part of the Powerhouse Museum, has the appropriate Public Liability Insurance in place to cover injury and damage. Sydney Observatory can supply a Certificate of Currency of Insurance upon request. Please call Geoffrey Wyatt on 02 9217 0481 for details
+ SUPERVISION
Supervision levels
Teachers should maintain direct supervision of their students at all times during their visit to the Observatory. One teacher (or adult/parent helper) per 20 students is admitted free. Note: every adult accompanying students is required to be in a supervisory role and must have adequate authority and experience (as determined by the school) to handle groups alone for risk assessment purposes. Please ensure that teacher supervision is evenly spread throughout your group while at the Observatory.
Working with children
Sydney Observatory staff conduct astronomy tours consisting of four main components:
1. The 3-D Space Theatre where students are ushered into seats for an interactive digital presentation.
2. The Bean Bag Planetarium which consists of a simulated night sky projected onto the interior of a large umbrella structure in a darkened room. Children, teachers and Observatory staff sit on bean bags during the program. It is essential that everyone remain seated during the program and follow instructions when entering and leaving the room.
3. Beneath the southern skies exhibition. Guides take students through the exhibition on the ground and first floors. and are advised not to run or leave the building unless accompanied by a supervising adult. The exhibition is open to the general public at the same time and children need to be aware of ‘stranger danger’.
4. Telescope domes. Our telescopes have special filters and can be used to look at the sun in complete safety. However it is essential that children and adults are made aware, prior to the visit, of the dangers of looking directly at the sun without the correct solar filters. Heavily greased chains are also in both domes and should not be touched by anyone under any circumstances.
Observatory staff engaged in child-related employment are screened to cover the requirements of the Child Protection Policy. The Department of Education and Training has registered the Observatory as a child-related employer for the purposes of employment screening.
Government school teachers who have questions about excursion policy should contact the DET Schools Operational Coordinator on (02) 9561 8514. For information on employment screening, teachers should contact the Manager, Employment Screening Unit at DET on (02) 9836 9200.
PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE
+ STUDENTS CODE OF CONDUCT
Students should be aware that there will be members of the public in the Observatory during their excursion. As such, we ask that teachers outline the following Student Code of Conduct and monitor student behaviour on the day.
Students should:
* behave in a courteous and responsible manner at all times
* keep their pace to a walk inside the Observatory
* keep their feet on the ground while seated in the 3-D Space Theatre
* refrain from inappropriate behaviour in the auditorium during the screening
* not talk or disrupt the viewing of other audience members in any way
* return 3-D glasses at the end of the session
Sydney Observatory reserves the right to remove any student/s from a session if their behaviour is deliberately and consistently disruptive. A teacher will be required to supervise the student/s outside the observatory until the session had ended.
Other schools
There may be other schools and members of the public at the Observatory during your visit. We expect teachers to ensure that the above Student Code of Conduct is followed. If other schools disrupt your experience, please notify Observatory staff immediately.
