Learning
“Archaeology is all about people: past, present and future. It opens up the past … It contributes to a sense of place, community, identity and pride, and enhances our appreciation of the environment in which we live – of what is important and why.” Sue Davies, OBE, Chief Executive
Archaeology is exciting. But there is far more to archaeology than digging up treasure and it is the aim of Wessex Archaeology to help people understand how archaeologists help us to understand, protect and record our past.
Our activities include heritage events, talks to local societies and colleges, community excavations, practical fieldwork courses, site visits, information displays, visits to schools, work experience placements and the development of education materials.
Gallery
Schools
Archaeology can make a very real contribution to learning in the classroom.
In history it provides an excellent context for practising the skills of historical enquiry. Through handling and examining artefacts pupils can learn to consider evidence critically; asking questions, testing assumptions and drawing their own conclusions. Archaeology can also add value and interest to local history studies.
Archaeology can enhance learning in other areas of the curriculum too. The skills of scientific enquiry are closely related to those of history; for example using information drawn from observation and measurement, asking questions and deciding on the best ways to find out the answers, and evaluating evidence.
Literacy can benefit too. A mysterious object can provide the stimulus for children to want to do their own research in books and on the internet. Identifying and cataloguing objects can give a good reason for writing reports, making notes, presenting a point of view, practising impersonal writing and developing an argument logically. Most important of all, perhaps, the wonder of holding something that was used by a real person long ago can stimulate excellent creative writing.
In mathematics recording the position of artifacts or features on a site gives a relevant context for practising the use of plans, co-ordinates and scale, while processing finds gives opportunities for using data handling tools.
Using maps and plans contributes to learning in geography as well, while the study of an area from the earliest times helps in the study of settlement patterns.
Archaeology can help in citizenship too. Thinking about how and why we might want to search out and protect our shared past encourages a sense of roots and responsibility while learning about the beliefs and spiritual life of other societies can help children respect the faiths and principles of others.
Archaeology is a cross-curricula subject which can do as much to enhance learning as it can to excite curiosity and interest.
Key Stage 1 & 2
Handling genuine historical objects is a great way of making a real connection with the past. It’s exciting, it prompts questions, it makes you think. It’s important that pupils have this experience of interpreting the past but it’s not easy to give them the opportunities to do so. Museums are the obvious places to go, but the cost and the difficulties or organising a visit limit the number of times this can be done.
At Wessex Archaeology working with finds and using them to interpret the past is our job. We can visit your school and run workshops using real artifacts, replicas and costumes suited to the period your class is studying. We offer workshops to support history study units on local history, the Egyptians, Romans, Saxons, Tudors and Victorians. Our visits can support work in literacy, numeracy and citizenship as well as history.
We also support schools in more ambitious history topics, helping with preparatory work in school and supporting learning on a site visit.
Key Stage 3 & 4
Because archaeology is inherently exciting it can be a good way of enthusing or rekindling interest in a history topic.
Objects are an excellent tool for learning about the past, firing the imagination and provoking research. But it can be difficult to provide pupils with opportunities to handle them.
At Wessex Archaeology working with finds and using them to interpret the past is our job, but we are also a charity which aims to promote education in arts and heritage through archaeology. We can visit your school and run workshops tailored to the age of your pupils and the period they are studying.
We also support schools in more ambitious history topics like history days and we can help support learning for a site visit.
St Osmund's School Dig
In 2008 Wessex Archaeology helped Year 4 pupils from St Osmund’s Primary School to excavate a small trench on their playing field.
The school is just outside the walls of Salisbury Cathedral Close, close to the heart of the medieval town. In the Victorian period the school was a convent and home to a group of nuns who looked after poor and abandoned children.
Year 4 pupils from St Osmund’s Primary School excavating a small trench on their playing field
The children dug enthusiastically, despite appalling weather. Their earliest finds were bits of medieval brick and tile and a piece of a medieval pottery.
Sherds of medieval brick and tile and a piece of a medieval pottery
The Victorian finds like slate pencils, marbles and a thimble, were particularly interesting to the young excavators because they were once used by children like themselves.
The metal U shape is from the heel of a child’s boot. The other metal object is a button hook.
Two Victorian marbles were found during the excavation. One is made of blue glass and the other once sealed the neck of a fizzy drink bottle. Children would smash the empty bottles to get the ‘marble’ out.
Victorian blue glass "marble".
The children found modern items like pieces of electrical wiring and bits of a credit card. The one they liked best was a small china hippopotamus!
Wade hippopotamus
After the excavation the children researched their objects and presented their findings to the rest of the class . Their discoveries will be a valuable, lasting resource for future pupils learning about their local history.
Community
"Wessex Archaeology’s role is to investigate the past and make it relevant, interesting and important to all stakeholders – to provide access to the past for the public” Sue Davies, OBE, Chief Executive
Britain is very rich in archaeology so new developments can pose a threat to our buried heritage. But they can also be an opportunity to find out more about our past. Since the 1990s local authority planning departments have required developers to pay for archaeologists to assess their site, to record what is there, to advise them as to how buried features might be protected, and if this is not possible, to excavate and record them.
Sometimes the job must be done very quickly but when the site is safe and accessible and the client gives permission, Wessex Archaeology arranges open days, information panels and leaflets so that local residents can see work in progress and find out what has been discovered from the investigation.
For every project a report is written for the client who commissioned the work and the county archaeologist. Copies of these reports are lodged with the relevant county Sites and Monuments Records and so they are accessible to the public.
When the discoveries warrant it, the information is published. Often it appears as an article in a professional journal and in magazines like British Archaeology and Current Archaeology. Information also appears in the press and media, and of course, on the pages of this web site.
Our archaeologists are pleased to be asked to give talks about the sites they have excavated. They give lectures to local societies, students and other professionals.
To book a lecture for your local society, please contact:
Andrew Fitzpatrick, Head of Communications, Wessex Archaeology, Portway House, Old Sarum Park, Salisbury, SP4 6EB
Tel: 01722 326867
Email: a.fitzpatrick@wessexarch.co.uk
Exhibitions
At Wessex Archaeology as part of our commitment to public learning we produce exhibition material for many of our more long-term projects. On this web page you can view the display panels from several of our most recent exhibitions.
 | Beddington (London) A prehistoric landscape and Medieval field systems. |
 | Blenheim (Oxon) Archaeologists trace back 6,000 years of the estate's history. |
 | Bridgwater (Somerset) Excavations have unearthed the history of Bridgwater from its Medieval Franciscan friary, to the seige of the town in the Civil War. |
 | Cambourne (Cambs) Settlement old and new – over 2,000 years. |
 | Dorset Coast Historic Environment Survey Protecting and recording important sites and mapping coastal change. |
 | Fascinating Flint Produced for National Archaeology Day, these posters give an excellent introduction to the history and techniques of flint tool production. |
 | Forbury Gardens (Reading) Learn more about Reading's Medieval Abbey and the Forbury Gardens. |
 | GIS in Archaeology Find out more about the use of Geographical Information Systems within archaeology. |
 | Holywells Park (Suffolk) Archaeologists reveal clues about the park's former glory. |
 | Jewry Street (Hants) Discover the past of numbers 19-20 Jewry Street in the historic core of Winchester. |
 | Lydiard Park (Wilts) A park with a story to tell – Archaeologists help the local community to literally uncover their own local history. |
 | Marine Aggregates Find out how the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) is allowing archaeologists to learn more about our maritime heritage. |
 | Ramsgate (Kent) – Cliffs End Farm A Bronze Age and Saxon ceremonial landscape. |
 | Seascapes England's Historic Seascapes is a pilot historic landscape characterisation (HLC) project commissioned by English Heritage. |
 | Testwood Lakes (Hants) Bronze Age boat, bridges and rapier blade discovered during excavation of reservoir and lakes. |
 | Wreck in the Thames Underwater archaeology pieces together the story of the 16th century wreck. |
Resources Page
Keep an eye out for new resources you can download.
Photo Gallery
The Wessex Archaeology Gallery is a quick and easy way to find images to use on your class whiteboard. The images are free for educational use.
Kingsmere Development - Introduction to Archaeology
In 2008, Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Countryside Properties to excavate at Whitelands Farm, the site of the new Kingsmere Development in Bicester. In 2011 the following teaching resources and a display about the excavation were developed for the local school, St Edburg's.
- Introduction to Archaeology (PowerPoint)
- Display Posters (PDF)
- Leaflet (PDF)
- Teacher Pack (PDF)
New Forest National Park - Introduction to Archaeology
Produced by us for the New Forest National Park, this set of activity packs explains the jobs and activities that archaeologists may do in their day-to-day work.
South Dorset Ridgeway Virtual Tour and Education Pack
The following resources were produced by Wessex Archaeology for Dorset AONB
- A virtual tour of the archaeology along the South Dorset Ridgeway
- South Dorset Ridgeway Education Pack (PDF, 2.1MB)
The Avebury Monuments Teacher's Kit
The Avebury Monuments Teacher's Kit will help schoolchildren heading for Avebury and the surrounding monuments make the most of their trip to the World Heritage Site. It is a downloadable resource for teachers of Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils. As well as information sheets for teachers there are on-site investigation sheets, puzzles, maps, treasure hunts and other games and activities to help pupils to learn about the history of these historical sites in an entertaining and engaging way.
How do heritage sites inform us about our local area in prehistoric times? (Years 3/4)
This is an adapted unit on the Innovating with History site which complements QCA/DfES history scheme of work Unit 18: What was it like to live here in the past? It has been produced and piloted in partnership with English Heritage and local schools.
Download the Scheme of Work (PDF, 74KB)
Teachers’ Notes for Activities 1-9 (PDF, 160KB):
1)Play the archaeologist game online! Or simply download and print out the activity sheet (PDF, 1.6MB) |
2) Skeleton game (PDF, 804KB) |
3) Dustbin game (572KB) |
4) Time line (PDF, 2.8MB) |
5) Bronze Age picture (PDF, 344KB) |
6) Match the Monument (PDF, 1.7MB) |
7) What did I look like? (PDF, 1.4MB) |
8) What am I? (PDF, 1.3MB) |
(PDF, 1.7MB) |
Other Activities and Games
Can you help archaeologists to match the broken pieces of pot together?
Download "Match the Pot Sherds" to your computer to play offline (for Windows)
Flint
Learn about flint tools and flint knapping in our Flint activity sheet (PDF 2.7MB)
Decorate a pot
The Amesbury Archer was buried with 3 pots, archaeologists call them Bronze Age Beakers. Print out your own Beaker (PDF, 30KB), then choose the patterns you like the best to decorate it.
An extract from a reconstuction of medieval Windsor by Liz James.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Wessex Archaeology is delighted to support the Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, which was launched by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on 28 November 2006.
The Manifesto is a ‘movement’ or joint undertaking that many different stakeholders have helped to create and to which anyone can sign up. We support the Manifesto because we believe it will help to ensure that all children and young people have a variety of high quality experiences outside the classroom environment, as an essential part of their learning and development.
Wessex Archaeology recognises the value of Learning Outside the Classroom and supports the Manifesto’s vision and aims. We have therefore already endorsed the Manifesto along with over 330 other organisations, schools and individuals by becoming a signatory.
We will therefore be offering our support and working with schools, local authorities and the many other organisations committed to providing an exciting range of teaching and learning opportunities outside the classroom.
To find out more, get details of all signatories and pledges received so far, and to order or download a copy of the Manifesto, visit: www.teachernet.gov.uk/learningoutsidetheclassroom
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about what we do – or see if we can do something for you – please contact:
Andrew Fitzpatrick, Head of Communications, Wessex Archaeology, Portway House, Old Sarum Park, Salisbury, SP4 6EB
Tel: 01722 326867
Email: a.fitzpatrick@wessexarch.co.uk
Learning Links
South Wiltshire Young Archaeologists' Club
Training opportunities at Wessex Archaeology Website for the Practical Archaeology Courses run by Wessex Archaeology since 2004. The site includes photos, videos and podcasts of the courses.
http://www.archaeology.co.uk/ The Current Archaeology web-site has an education section which gives guidance on careers in archaeology and advice about how to get involved.
http://www.archaeologydirectory.co.uk/ A list of archaeological trusts and societies in Britain.
Heritage Explorer New website with over 360,000 images, plus teaching activities, interactives and whiteboard resources. Images are grouped into cross-curricular themes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/archaeology/ BBC History, Archaeology programmes, plus games and quizzes are featured on this large and colourful site.
http://www.britarch.ac.uk/cba/educate.html The website of the Council for British Archaeology, is the first stop for information on the subject. Their online fact sheets are a ready source of information on courses, qualifications and careers in archaeology.
http://www.britarch.ac.uk/yac/ The Young Archaeologists Club has 69 branches across the country. Their website is a mine of information written for the younger browser.
http://www.canterburytrust.co.uk/ Canterbury Archaeological Trust has an excellent Education section with a wealth of information and suggested activities linked to the National Curriculum. It is part of the National Grid for Learning.
http://www.channel4.com/history/ The Channel 4 web-site features Time Team and recent archaeology programmes, with plenty of background and further information, including guidance on distance learning courses.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ English Heritage have a well established education department and produce a selection of useful resources for teachers.
http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/ A very good way of finding out more about the Vikings. Look particularly for the ‘Artefacts Alive’ pages of the resources section in the Archaeological Resources Centre.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/startup.htm This on-line encyclopedia of Roman emperors is a very useful reference tool. It also has a catalogue of Roman coins.
http://www.roman-britain.org/ A useful resource on the settlements and tribes of Roman Britain.
http://www.arch-ant.bham.ac.uk/shottonproject/default.htm The Shotton Project: The Shotton Project is an exploration of the Ice Age landscapes of the English Midlands and the early humans who occupied them from more than half a million years ago.
http://www.sussexpast.co.uk/ A large site with useful links and helpful information for teachers and students as well as the general public.
http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/ Offers links to many other sites of interest to teachers.
Show Me Show.me.uk is the children's section of a website called the 24 Hour Museum.
http://www.ukarchaeology.org.uk/ An independent list of volunteer projects, courses and work experience in the UK and Ireland related to Archaeology.
YAC South Wilts
DummyTeacher's Packs
These teacher’s packs contain activities and suggestions to complement the teaching of local history, Tudor seafaring and WW2 at KS2 and KS3. They were developed from the HLF-funded Time Travelling by Water Project as part of the project legacy and are free for you to use. Each pack contains everything you need to begin work and extra copies of all of the resources can be downloaded from the Time Travelling by Water website.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Local History Teacher’s Pack (PDF) | 3.06 MB |
| Tudor Seafaring Teacher’s Pack (PDF) | 2.15 MB |
| WW2 Aircraft Teacher’s Pack (PDF) | 1.02 MB |