Press Releases

Having described his experience at the National Roman Legion Museum as ‘history at its best,’ lead judge, Eric Steed has awarded the Museum the Sandford Award for the second time.

Valid for five years, the Sandford Award is regarded as an independently judged ‘Quality Assured Assessment’ of heritage education. The Awards are presented annually and recognise quality and excellence in the educational services and facilities offered.

There is no doubt that Roman Caerleon is of national and international importance. However, The Sandford Award celebrates the way the Museum presents this story to visitors.

The Museum, which offers free entry and welcomes over 26,000 school pupils a year, was commended for the way in which it considers its varied audiences and provides for both the Welsh and English curriculum.

The relationship between the staff and teachers was also praised:

“The award has been well earned owing to the enthusiasm, care and knowledge displayed by the Education Officer and all members of staff,” said Mr Steed.

“However well informed visitors are on arrival, they leave having learned to observe more closely, to interpret with more understanding because they have been privileged to work closely with very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides whose ability to work at the levels most suited to the groups in their charge is outstanding.”

Ceri Black, Head of Learning at Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales is pleased with the outcome of the report. She added:

"Congratulations to the National Roman Legion Museum on this achievement which demonstrates the high quality of our museums. The fact that the Sandford Award has been granted for a second time is a tribute to the dedication of our staff who go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome and to enhance the richness of their experience.

“All our sites have now achieved the award and the Museum's education programme continues to be very busy and well received by schools from all over Wales, the UK and overseas.”

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven museums across Wales National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.  

Entry to all Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales sites is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government. 

Ends

For more information and photographs please contact Catrin Mears on 029 2057 3185/07920 027067 or email: catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.

Notes to Editors

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales is the largest provider of Learning Outside the Classroom in Wales. Each year over 230,000 students visit our museums in formal education groups.