Archaeology Visit to Leicester — Solihull Sixth Form College

Archaeology Visit to Leicester

Learners at Solihull Sixth Form College, who have chosen the Archaeology Academy enrichment were given an insight into opportunities in higher education and careers this half term, when they visited University of Leicester’s School of Archaeology and Ancient History and Leicester cathedral.

Professor Sarah Scott gave learners a tour of the department, during which they had taster sessions with academic staff. They learnt about Osteoarchaeology (the excavation of human skeletons) and research work that the university is currently undertaking, as well as the ethical issues concerned with the study of human remains. They were given an insight into what the discipline of Zooarchaeology can tell us about the relationships between people and animals in the past and had the opportunity to examine prehistoric, Roman and Medieval pottery and learn about their characteristics.

Students then visited the excavations currently taking place at Leicester Cathedral and enjoyed a tour of the site with Mathew Morris, Project Officer at University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

Jane McCard who leads on the Archaeology Academy said:

“It was a fantastic opportunity for our young people to not only experience what studying Archaeology is like at university, but also to see the sort of work that archaeologists do in the commercial sector. We’re really grateful to Sarah and Mathew for hosting us.”

The College offers the Archaeology Academy as one of its enrichment options. Jane McCard added:

“The course allows learners who are interested in Archaeology or Ancient History the chance to get an insight into the discipline. Exam Boards stopped offering A Level Archaeology several years ago, so it is great to be able to offer our young people the chance to study this fascinating subject.”

This term the students have enjoyed several sessions led by academics and experts, including talks on the Portable Antiquities Scheme by Finds Liaison Officer Teresa Gilmore, Mesolithic Mobility by Steph Piper of the University of York, the Rutland Roman Villa and Trojan War Mosaic by John Thomas of University of Leicester Archaeological Services and The Archaeology of Death by Howard Williams of the University of Chester. Learners in the Academy then have the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification by doing some research of their own.

8 December 2022