Top Dundee Visitor Attractions Receive Prestigious Education Award
Dundee Heritage Trust is thrilled to announce that its Education Team have won the coveted Sandford Award for Heritage and Education. The only Scottish venues recognised in this year’s Awards, Verdant Works and Discovery Point have each held a Sandford prize since 2003.
The renowned Sandford Awards focus on formal, curriculum-aligned, heritage learning programmes that take place in historical settings or the natural environment and use the history and collections (or natural resources) to engage, inform and inspire visitors. Recognition is also given to informal learning, such as family programmes and self-guided provision.
The achievement represents the organisation’s high standards and quality learning opportunities.
Ali Gellatly, the Director of Ship and Facilities at Dundee Heritage Trust, said, “We are delighted that we have retained these prestigious awards for both of our museums. It is great to see our commitment to a quality standard of educational programmes being recognised. These awards are an endorsement of the hard work which goes into making sure our school visitors have a fantastic and fun learning experience“.
The team of Dundee Heritage Trust has worked incredibly hard since reopening after the pandemic to update and add to their learning offer, ensuring that site visits are both value for money and an enriching, fun experience for students aged 5 to 85. Our under 5’s class, Wee Explorers, is always a welcoming space for the smallest adventurers!
RRS Discovery delivers education programmes in a manner that engages, informs, and inspires visitors through a combination of age-appropriate workshops, interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences.
In particular, Dundee Heritage Trust is exceptionally proud of new secondary and higher-level workshops, which introduce primary and secondary stories to explore Art and Design, Fashion and Textiles, Empire and Migration, and the Industrial Revolution; a practical way to introduce students to critical research skills. Primary workshops draw on themes of the Victorians, Exploration climate, local history, and much more.
Kim Turford-Mowat, Education & Communities Coordinator at Dundee Heritage Trust, said, “We have worked incredibly hard since reopening after the pandemic to update the offer, ensuring that visits to our sites are value for money and an educational, fun experience. Having Sandford recognise the effort of our team of two and our exceptional volunteers has been a real boost, and we can’t wait to continue sharing our love and knowledge of both of our sites.”
Of Discovery Point, the Sandford Award assessors noted: “RRS Discovery delivers education programmes in a manner that engages, informs, and inspires visitors through a combination of age-appropriate workshops, interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences. Knowledgeable volunteers and staff members are present throughout the site to provide information, answer questions, and offer insights into the ship’s history and significance. They are trained to engage visitors of all ages and create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.”
The assessors were impressed by Verdant Works as a “fantastic opportunity for visitors of all ages to discover the unique story of Dundee’s jute industry and its impact upon local communities and the wider world. The friendly and knowledgeable team of staff and volunteers make imaginative use of the stunning 19th-century mill building, its authentic working machinery and nationally significant collections to provide a thoroughly engaging and memorable learning experience tailored to the interests and needs of visiting groups.”
All at Dundee Heritage Trust are very proud of this accolade, and are thankful to all who support its Education programme; from the William S Phillips Fund, the Alexander Moncur Trust and Museums & Galleries Scotland; to visitors; to volunteers; and more.
With visits from as little as £2 and travel bursaries available, Dundee Heritage Trust has availability throughout the year, including the ever-popular Victorian Christmas at Verdant Works. Or, if you’re after something a little chillier, Captain Scott’s Royal Research Ship Discovery is always ready to welcome new adventurers.
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