Dominican School for the Deaf visits Maropeng

By Kate Rau

Learners from the Dominican School for the Deaf visited Maropeng recently, joining the ranks of some 500 000 learners who have grown their understanding of human origins and the Cradle of Humankind since Maropeng opened its doors five years ago.

The school visit was supported by the Cradle of Humankind Trust, which is part of the Maropeng Educational Programme. The initiative affords learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience Maropeng and learn about humankind’s origins.

On their November 11 visit, the 93 Grade 4 to 6 learners spent the day discovering how humans evolved and learning about the nature of our early ancestors.

Zodwa Mathebe, an educator at the Hammanskraal school, joined the learners on the outing, which was her second visit to Maropeng. She insists that learners from her school will continue to visit the heritage site to make the most of its experiential learning offering.

“The day’s learning forms part of the school’s curriculum, so it is imperative that the students understand the displays and the guided tours,” says Mathebe. “To support the educational cause of the day, the 93 learners were split into groups of 30, each with four interpreters.”

Maropeng’s fossil displays, underground boat ride and two visitor centres make for an interactive learning experience, says Mathebe. “Although the students are deaf and hearing impaired, their learning at Maropeng is enhanced because they experience while learning. They see and touch the displays. This cements the learning process.”

As part of their final exams, learners will be tested on aspects of what they learnt on the day, including the concept of human origins, fossils, early human life and the Sterkfontein Caves.

The learners and educators involved in the visit submitted a letter to thank Maropeng for the wonderful day. “As both teachers and learners we learnt a lot,” they wrote. “We will share what we learnt from this experience with other learners at the Dominican School. It was a wonderful experience to learn about human origins …”

Educational pack

Educators are reminded that school visits are supplemented by a free-to-download educational pack supplied by Maropeng. The pack, endorsed by the National Department of Education, is integrated with the education curriculum and learners at any level are able to engage with appropriate content in each of the exhibitions and displays. The pack prepares the learners for the school visit to Maropeng and offers follow-up activities to reinforce what was learnt on the visit.

The pack contains practical educational materials, including worksheets, suggested activities and ideas for follow-up assignments. Click here to download.

School rates for 2011

Educators are urged to book their 2011 school visits to the Cradle of Humankind as soon as possible. The 2011 school rates are:

• Maropeng guided tour – R64 per learner
• Sterkfontein Caves guided tour – R64 per learner
• Combined ticket price for Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves – R100 per learner

The venue also offers overnight accommodation for up to 120 learners or adults, with separate rooms for educators or leaders in the Hominid House. The 2011 school rates are:

• Learner accommodation in Hominid House, dinner, bed and breakfast (no lunch provided) – R227 per learner per night
• Teacher and driver accommodation in Hominid House, dinner, bed and breakfast (no lunch provided) – R167 per person per night
• Lunch pack – R50 per person

Call +27 (0)14 577 9000 or email info@maropeng.co.za to book.