With their classroom learning focused on Prehistory and the Stone Age this term, the visit offered a wonderful opportunity to bring the past to life through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration and a little archaeological detective work.

Taking on the role of 'Ufton Archaeologists', pupils journeyed back to 3000 BCE to discover how our prehistoric ancestors lived, survived and made sense of the world around them.

Their adventure began with a Hunter Gatherer Walk, exploring the natural environment to discover how Stone Age communities relied on the land for their survival. Pupils learned to identify useful plants and natural resources, considering how these could be gathered and used to make food, clothing and tools. It was a fascinating insight into the resourcefulness and ingenuity needed for everyday life thousands of years ago.

Next came the challenge of making fire – without the convenience of modern matches or lighters! Year 3 explored ancient fire-lighting techniques, experimenting with tools including flint, pyrite and bow drills. They soon discovered that creating a spark required considerable patience, perseverance and skill, gaining a new appreciation for just how important fire was to prehistoric communities.

The 'Stones and Bones' session brought another exciting challenge, as pupils worked together to investigate how prehistoric people might have transported and raised enormous stones to create ceremonial stone circles. Through teamwork and practical problem-solving, they explored the ingenuity behind these remarkable ancient structures.

There was also an opportunity to become archaeological investigators, uncovering two simulated prehistoric burials and examining the clues they revealed about the lives, customs and beliefs of people who lived thousands of years ago. It was a wonderful way to discover how archaeologists piece together the past using the evidence left behind.

Throughout the day, Year 3 demonstrated fantastic curiosity, enthusiasm and teamwork, embracing every opportunity to explore, experiment and ask questions.

The visit provided an invaluable extension to their classroom studies, helping pupils understand not only how people survived during the Stone Age, but also how communities developed, adapted and expressed their beliefs.

A huge thank you to the team at Ufton Court for bringing Prehistory to life in such an engaging and memorable way.

From hunting and gathering to stones and bones, Year 3 discovered that the best way to understand history is sometimes to step right into it!