On 19th November, Year 4 enjoyed an incredible trip to Butser Ancient Farm, located in the stunning South Down National Park, for a day of hands-on learning and creativity to enhance their understanding of life in the Bronze and Iron Age.
The children began with ‘jewellery making’, skillfully shaping metal wire with pliers to create items like rings. They then engaged in some ‘chalk carving’ and used flint tools to carve detailed relief designs onto chalk, which they decorated using natural materials like leaves to add beautiful colours.
In another activity, the pupils learnt the technique of ‘cordage’; they twisted natural raffia fibres to make strong cords, which they turned into personalized bracelets by adding wooden beads.
The children really enjoyed exploring the primitive fire-lighting techniques, testing their skills with two pieces of wood before comparing this method to using a modern flint and steel tool.
The highlight of the day was being inside a Bronze Age roundhouse as well as an Iron Age roundhouse and learning about changes that happened throughout the two times.
The trip was a fantastic opportunity for Year 4 to explore ancient crafts and survival techniques, leaving them with unique creations and memorable experiences!
