History and archaeology

Stone Age, Romans and Saxons (Key stage 2)

Available September to May

Archaeology - see and print our poster

Set within our woodland and wider gardens, a day’s programme consists of practical hands-on archaeological activities and time for exploring the natural “playground” by clambering on logs and building dens. Schools are encouraged to enjoy a picnic lunch around an open fire.

Please note: we can only accommodate one class per day on this programme.

The list of activities can be adapted to suit individual needs and requirements. Normally we fit in three to four activities in the morning (including the archaeological dig), and we set up a carousel of three to four activities in the afternoon.

Morning activities: Stone Age, Romans and Saxons
Activities Learning objective: the children should learn...
Introduction:
What is archaeology?		 To understand what archaeologists do and what they want to find out
Artefact analysis To look at real and replica finds from the Stone Age, Romans, or Saxons to learn about the people that made them and what they used them for
Timeline To appreciate how far back in time our ancestors lived by walking an interactive timeline
Archaeological dig To use real archaeological tools and skills to find, clean and sort into eras, artefacts retrieved from our purpose-built trench in the woods
Afternoon Activities: up to 4 carousel activities
Activity 1 and 2 Learning outcomes Stone Age, Romans, Saxons
Fire Lighting Test ancient fire lighting techniques and reflect on what has changed/stayed the same over time All
Ancient snacks Cook a tasty snack over a campfire All
 
Plus choose two more Learning outcomes Stone Age, Romans, Saxons
Roman Craft (Mosaics or pottery) Explore how and why the Romans created intricate items to use and to decorate their shops and villas. (Activity to be finalised at pre-visit) Romans
Roman Maths Play a matching game to learn and use Roman numerals. Why were accounts important?; Romans
Roman Food on the Move Identify common plants that were brought to England by the Romans Romans
Saxon Codebreaking Decipher Saxon runes and create messages and stories Saxons
Saxon Craft (Weaving or dyeing) Bring colour and creativity to the “dark ages” as you make a keepsake. (Activity to be finalised at pre-visit) Saxons
Prehistoric Painting and Hunting Use materials from nature (clay, charcoal, chalk) to create pictures for a pre-historic hunt Stone Age
Stone Age Craft (Elder bead bracelets or chalk carving) Develop new skills to explore the creative side of prehistoric life by making something to take home Stone Age
Plants then and now Identify and gather seasonal common plants. Think about what’s missing and why Stone Age
Session length

Sessions are fulling guided and most schools are here from 10am to 2:30pm (approx.) with a break for a picnic lunch at 12:30pm. Weather permitting this is around the fire at our woodland site and students are given time to explore while clambering on logs and thinking about shelter and what would have protected our ancestors from the elements.

Suggested pre-visit activities

General: Begin to explore archaeology by talking about what it is and what an archaeologist does. Start thinking about timelines.

Stone Age: Define and discuss the three different Stone Ages (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic).

Romans: Find out who the Romans were, and when and why they came to Britain.

Saxons: Find out who the Saxons were, and when they were important.

Suggested post-visit activities

Using knowledge gathered from the day, think about how life changed during these eras and build your own prehistoric or historic village. Add appropriate artwork. Create a food feast plan or menu. Ask “What jobs did people have?” and “Who did them?” Create a poster showing what people wore and annotate it showing what would rot and what would not.

Important information

Please see the "Before you visit" section of the booking form and share this information with parents and other members of your team.
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