The Darwin Centre, Pembrokeshire, has been named winner of one of education's most prestigious charities - the Education Charity of the Year 2024/25 in the Prestige Wales Awards.
Presenting the award this weekend, judges praised the charity for instilling enthusiasm and inspiring the next generation of young scientists and biologists. They stated the Darwin Centre 'has a passion for science communication', for sharing subject knowledge with pupils and communities and providing access to STEM.
Founded by Professor Tony Campbell and and Dr Stephanie Matthews in 1993, the centre is dedicated to engaging and inspiring young people in STEM subjects through hands-on field trips and workshops, with an emphasis on outdoor learning and work-related experiences.
Since 2005, their educational programme – the Darwin Experience – has been supported by energy company, Dragon LNG, allowing the Darwin team to work with every educational facility in the region for free.
As a result, youngsters can take part in hundreds of hands-on field trips and experiential workshops, engaging over 4,000 participants each academic year. The Dragon LNG Darwin Experience has worked with over 60,000 individuals, resulting in every school in Pembrokeshire having access to free field trips and workshops. The centre is also supported by Pembrokeshire College and Pembrokeshire County Council.
During the school holidays the Centre also runs a series of events for families, home educators, members of the public and the scouting association which includes marine biology days, geology walks, pond dipping and public lectures.
The Darwin Centre conveys an important message regarding contemporary issues such as renewable energy, climate change, ocean plastics, and much more. This past academic year the small team has delivered 198 events with 5,355 participants from 42 primary schools, seven secondary schools, four independent schools and Pembrokeshire College. When not working with schools, the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience delivers sessions to families, community groups, home educators and the Scouting Association.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Darwin Centre was manager Samantha Williams.
"Winning this award means a lot to our small team, as it's a testament to our hard work as we always strive to give participants the best possible experience and access to experts during our field trips and workshops," she said.
"Our core sponsors and partners, Dragon LNG, have been with us for 19 years now, an unprecedented level support from a private company to a charity and we would not have been in a position to win this award without them. We look forward to planning and celebrating our 20th anniversary with them next year with a series of special events.’
Any Pembrokeshire school wishing to book a field trip or workshop linked to their science and technology topics in the upcoming academic year can get in touch with Sam and Amy on darwin@darwincentre.com.
Major award for Pembrokeshire's Darwin Centre
The Darwin Centre, Pembrokeshire, has been named winner of one of education's most prestigious charities - the Education Charity of the Year 2024/25 in the Prestige Wales Awards.
Presenting the award this weekend, judges praised the charity for instilling enthusiasm and inspiring the next generation of young scientists and biologists. They stated the Darwin Centre 'has a passion for science communication', for sharing subject knowledge with pupils and communities and providing access to STEM.
Founded by Professor Tony Campbell and and Dr Stephanie Matthews in 1993, the centre is dedicated to engaging and inspiring young people in STEM subjects through hands-on field trips and workshops, with an emphasis on outdoor learning and work-related experiences.
Since 2005, their educational programme – the Darwin Experience – has been supported by energy company, Dragon LNG, allowing the Darwin team to work with every educational facility in the region for free.
As a result, youngsters can take part in hundreds of hands-on field trips and experiential workshops, engaging over 4,000 participants each academic year. The Dragon LNG Darwin Experience has worked with over 60,000 individuals, resulting in every school in Pembrokeshire having access to free field trips and workshops. The centre is also supported by Pembrokeshire College and Pembrokeshire County Council.
During the school holidays the Centre also runs a series of events for families, home educators, members of the public and the scouting association which includes marine biology days, geology walks, pond dipping and public lectures.
The Darwin Centre conveys an important message regarding contemporary issues such as renewable energy, climate change, ocean plastics, and much more. This past academic year the small team has delivered 198 events with 5,355 participants from 42 primary schools, seven secondary schools, four independent schools and Pembrokeshire College. When not working with schools, the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience delivers sessions to families, community groups, home educators and the Scouting Association.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Darwin Centre was manager Samantha Williams.
"Winning this award means a lot to our small team, as it's a testament to our hard work as we always strive to give participants the best possible experience and access to experts during our field trips and workshops," she said.
"Our core sponsors and partners, Dragon LNG, have been with us for 19 years now, an unprecedented level support from a private company to a charity and we would not have been in a position to win this award without them. We look forward to planning and celebrating our 20th anniversary with them next year with a series of special events.’
Any Pembrokeshire school wishing to book a field trip or workshop linked to their science and technology topics in the upcoming academic year can get in touch with Sam and Amy on darwin@darwincentre.com.