Digging it at Wessex Archaeology

Wessex Archaeology was the place to be for St Aldhelm’s Academy Level 1 Blue Skies students this week.

Kirsten, Rachael, Si, Phil, Tony and Sue from Wessex Archaeology made the day so interesting for everyone. The need for archaeology was explained before the students donned aprons and rubber gloves and went in search of ‘finds’ at the rinsing section. Everyone enjoyed getting involved with the ‘nitty gritty’ and some people even found some bone. Kirsten showed us a skeleton and explained how they are examined and what information can be gleaned from them before we went to look at artefacts from different periods in time.

The next session was fascinating as Phil Harding (a familiar face from Channel 4’s Time Team) demonstrated flint axes and everyone got to have a go at using the axe on some wood. We also visited the marine archaeology section and got to put on a diving suit.

Callum, 12 said that he had enjoyed the day so much although he hadn’t been looking forward to coming because he didn’t know what archaeology was. However, he found it really interesting and asked lots of questions.

Kirsten Egging-Dinwiddy, Archaeologist and host had this to say:
“It’s such a pleasure to share our experiences with the students. Planning the sessions makes us all realise just how much teamwork is involved in archaeological projects and how essential it must have been throughout the past. Every member of a group has an important role.

“Working with the Jon Egging Trust is so rewarding. It is something quite special when you witness the sparks of interest and ideas in the children’s eyes, the excitement of discovering an artefact, the thrill of a tangible connection with the past – their heritage.”