The day began with an engaging workshop led by an expert (and very entertaining!) tutor, who guided pupils through the incredible world of fossils. The children explored a wide range of artefacts using all of their senses, including a replica of the very first dinosaur fossil ever discovered and a real ammonite fossil. Their curiosity and sharp thinking shone through — so much so that they even worked out they were being handed fossilised dinosaur poo before the reveal!

During the session, pupils also learnt about the different types of prehistoric creatures, discovering that only land-dwelling animals are true dinosaurs, while aquatic creatures such as plesiosaurs and flying reptiles like pterosaurs belong to different groups.

After the workshop, the children had time to explore the museum’s remarkable collections, which linked beautifully with their recent work on rocks and minerals. There was something to capture everyone’s imagination. Amber was thrilled to see the first dinosaur fossil found near Oxford in 1824 and loved meeting the wolf, her favourite animal. Walter was fascinated to learn that dinosaurs walked with their legs beneath their bodies, unlike crocodiles whose legs stick out to the side. Martim and George were captivated by the scale models of the Sun and Earth, while many pupils were drawn to the sparkling crystals and semi-precious stones — especially a glittering piece of pyrite that looked just like gold.

The trip was a wonderful blend of discovery, excitement and learning, and the enthusiasm shown by Year 3 is sure to spark many more questions and conversations as they continue their exploration of the prehistoric world back in the classroom.