Using our epic international tale of coal mining to inspire scientists and engineers of the future has secured Rhondda Heritage Park Museum a place in the finals of a prestigious competition.
The award-winning attraction, built in the footprint of the mighty Lewis Merthyr Colliery in Trehafod, has caught the eye of judges at the Wales STEM Awards 2026.
The awards celebrate organisations that drive innovation, excellence and real impact across the growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector, identified as a key career pathway for young people.
They were impressed with how the museum uses the rich industrial heritage of Rhondda Cynon Taf and applies it to learning today – via school trips, classroom resources, museum visits and group tours.
Every aspect of a coal mine is rooted in STEM. The engineering of the winding machinery. The chemistry of the coal. The geology of the land.
Davy lamps introduce combustion science and risk, underground communication between coal miners explores sound. Coal dust is an introduction to biology and health while the legacy of coal mining opens conversations about our environment and renewable energy.
As an authentic former coal mine, with a huge collection of original machinery and industrial artefacts, plus the living memories of former coal miners who work as guides, Rhondda Heritage Park transforms the way school children, visitors and families experience the site – and are introduced to STEM learning.
Staff at the museum worked with teachers to develop a learning offer that included workshops and learning days, interactive learning stations and detailed loan boxes for classrooms.
Importantly, STEM learning isn’t an additional part of the visit, it is part of the experience. Pupils aren’t just told pulleys were used to lift miners and coals, they investigate pulley systems themselves. They explore combustion, gases, coal dust and respiratory systems, they don’t just read about the dangers miners faced.
They learn through real machinery, hands-on experience and the very real stories and memories of the men who lived (and worked) through coal mining. They are inspired by the heritage they have been told about all their lives, from their parents and grandparents and learn from the landscape they have grown up within.
School engagement has more than doubled compared with the same period last year, with 25 school visits engaging up to 1,179 children and 300 teachers in 2026 to date.
Over 1,000 people enjoyed a great day out while learning thanks to Summer of Discovery and countless young minds experienced science and engineering without even knowing it!
All of the staff who have worked so hard to change the way young minds are inspired are now awaiting the final of the competition on October 1, hoping success in the awards will drive even more innovation and learning at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum.
Cllr Scott Emanuel, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, said: “Coal mining shaped the communities, culture, heritage and landscape of the Rhondda and helped power the industrial world.
“It’s a powerful tale that unfolded right here on our doorsteps and one which has been brought to life at the award-winning Rhondda Heritage Park Museum attraction. Now we are not only preserving our industrial past and sharing our epic stories, we are using it to inspire young minds.”
Cllr Sharon Rees, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, added: “What an incredible achievement by the team at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum. To secure a space in the final of these prestigious awards is a massive achievement and a reflection of the hard work that has been delivered to date.
“STEM industries offer exciting and prosperous career paths for many young people. I think it is brilliant that we are using our past industrial greatness to inspire the industrial greatness of the future.”
If you are interested in the education offer at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum or want to speak to one of the specialist staff about how they can help you and your class, please ring 01443 682036 or email.
Rhondda Heritage Park Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday.
Visitors can book on to a Black Gold Underground Experience Tour with a former coal miner or explore the courtyard, filled with original artefacts and the exhibitions and displays. There is an on-site café and gift shop and large, free visitor car park.
Find out more and book online here
Posted on 01/10/2026