EAZ Case Study Proforma (Hector Hardwick)
Topic (eg Literacy, ICT); Year 3 Creativity: Archaeology
Please could you answer the following questions:
What was it like before and why was the work undertaken?
Please provide a detailed description of the context, background and the rationale for this work.
In September 2005 all of the Zone Y3 teachers met to discuss creative possibilities for developing children's learning in the Invaders and Settlers History study unit.
The Zone paid for the release of every teacher in year group as a Creativity initiative and these teachers were encouraged to think of initiatives that would enhance children's learning and enjoyment in History, either in individual schools or collaboratively.
Year 3 were targeted due to the success of similar creativity groups in Year 5 and because the year group are sometimes overlooked due to the emphasis placed on attainment later in Key Stage 2.
What was planned?
The group decided to focus on a collaborative archaeology project with a number of smaller creative ideas also implemented on an individual school basis. The initial idea was to create a 'mock' archaeological dig for a class of children to excavate. The idea of visiting a real dig was also put forward to be investigated.
The dig activity was primarily targeted at developing learning in History, but also integrated the use of ICT, drama and thinking skills. The whole event would be designed so that the children could make predictions and deductions about the date, use and story behind the dig site.
A dig for every Y3 class in 4 of the Zone Primary Schools was planned for the Summer Term.
What was done and when?
Please provide a detailed narrative of the work undertaken including examples of the work (ie the stages involved, examples of what did and did not work, how actions were prioritised; timescales of various actions and an assessment of the way in which the pratice has been developed and implemented).
Two dig sites were prepared at Herringthorpe and Badsley Juniors. Turf was removed from a rectangular area and the ground was rotivated and sifted for glass and sharp objects. A range of resources were purchased including a Roman helmet, coins, arrow head, jewellery, etc. Archaeology packs including spade, plate, bucket, gloves, etc. were assembled for each pair of children and a tent was borrowed to house the archaeology ICT research equipment which included a research database of artefacts, digital microscope for analysis and a site plan to record their finds.
In June and July all the Y3 classes visited one of the dig sites and undertook a half day excavation of the recreated Roman site.
With the apparent success of these event, two additional digs were undertaken for children within the Behaviour Improvement Programme and a Family Learning Group respectively.
What has been the impact and how verified?
Please produce evidence about improvements due to this work being carried out.
Examining evaluations from children and teachers during these events the archaeological dig activity has appeared to have a significant effect on children's learning and motivation. Teachers reported increased communication, team work, concentration and enjoyment in their classes. The children were all extremely positive about the practical nature of the activity and the chance to actually dig. Children's independence in the use of the ICT resources was particularly evident when researching their finds.
Is this work sustainable? How is this work embedded?
The project will continue next year with classteachers taking more of a lead role in the event. A meeting is planned for September 2006 to develop and extend the event for this year. All resources are available to schools and a CD resource disk is also available.
What has been learnt and next steps?
Please state how effective this programme has been.
The archaeological dig activity will continue next year with an extended range of resources, artefacts and opportunities in all Year 3 classes.
A similar Key Stage 1 initiative is already planned at Badsley Moor Infants for a Victorian archaeological dig.
A Nuture Group Roman dig is planned for early in the year targeting a group of children identified through BIP.
A family learning event is also planned for all school where parents can accompany and support their children in the excavation.
