Teachers - why you should choose a Sandford Award site
The Sandford Award is the quality mark for heritage learning and validation for heritage organisations large and local, urban and rural across the UK (including the Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man) that offer a formal learning programme which supports the relevant curriculum across the home countries. Recognition is also given to informal learning such as family programmes and self-guided provision.
Hundreds of heritage sites have received the Sandford Award since they were first made in 1978. They include museums and galleries, castles, churches, and historic houses, cottages, palaces, archaeological sites, archives and zoos.
It’s an assurance of the highest standard of learning provision
At Sandford Award sites, you can be assured of exciting, immersive and accessible experiences for your class, and expert advice and learning resources to help you plan your educational visit. They include museums, galleries, castles, churches, historic houses, cottages, palaces, archaeological sites, archives and collections and zoos.
As a result, you can use the Sandford Award to support your application within school to help convince colleagues and senior leaders that the site you have chosen for a visit has an educational provision which has been assessed to be effective and meets the award criteria. This assessment includes an onsite visit, and the award lasts for five years. Find out more about the Sandford Awards.
What teachers can expect at each Award site:
Learning programmes delivered in ways that engage, inform and inspire visitors.
Learning that helps children and students understand their local, national heritage or natural environment.
Sessions developed through consultation and evaluation with teachers and learners.
Attention to good management and administration during all aspects of the visit.
Quality learning resources and services which enhance the visit.
A safe, welcoming and accessible environment.
Find out more about the Sandford Award and the six criteria that applicants have to meet to be successful in achieving this endorsement.
Banner image: Englefield Estate Schools Days, Sandford Award holder