Wednesday 11 July 2012

News - Children really dig their new school project (South Yorkshire)

Youngsters discovered buried treasure dating back to Roman times in the grounds of their Sheffield school during an event organised by city-based archaeologists.


The Hunter Archaeological Society is celebrating its centenary by visiting a series of schools around South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, and arranging digs in the grounds.

Pupils at Dobcroft Junior School, Millhouses, were the first to have a go.

They found pottery dating from Roman, Stuart and Victorian eras, plus metalworking slag.

One pupil discovered a clay marble, presumably lost during a game by another child long before the school was built in 1972.

Pupils had the chance to see the finds once they had been washed, before discussing what clues the items gave about the area’s past.

Archaeologist Bill Bevan, who is managing the project, said: “This is a great chance for children to get a hands-on opportunity to be young archaeologists in their own school grounds.

“They dig alongside professional, student and community archaeologists so really find out what it’s all about.

“The test pits will also tell us about the history of the areas where the schools are, so the children are contributing to our knowledge of our past.”

Children are also taking part in digs at Dronfield Juniors, Sacred Heart, Hillsborough, Athersley South, St Andrews, Dronfield Woodhouse, The Hill Primary School, Thurnscoe, and Dalton Listerdale School, Brecks, Rotherham.

After all the test pits are finished, a writer and author will create a comic based on the discoveries. Copies will be sent to the pupils and be available in libraries free of charge.

The Hunter Archaeological Society studies and reports on the archaeology, history and architecture of South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.

It was founded in recognition of the work of Joseph Hunter in researching and recording the history of the region, and runs talks and visits to excavations and sites.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/children-really-dig-their-new-school-project-1-4716971

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