Archaeology School Visits
Give your pupils the opportunity to step into the world of real archaeology through exciting workshops led by archaeologist Dr Diane.
Drawing on her archaeological fieldwork in Guatemala and other parts of the world, Dr Diane brings archaeology to life through genuine discoveries, expedition stories, artefacts, photographs, videos and hands-on investigation.
Rather than simply learning about the past from textbooks, children discover how archaeologists uncover evidence, investigate clues and piece together lost stories from ancient civilisations. Through real excavation photographs, rainforest footage and artefacts, pupils gain a fascinating insight into what it is really like to work as an archaeologist in remote environments.
A selection of artefacts Dr Diane brings to her workshops
The KS2 archaeology workshops can be delivered as either a half-day or full-day experience depending on the number of classes involved.
Workshops include opportunities for historical enquiry, artefact handling and plenty of time for questions, allowing children to quiz a real archaeologist about discoveries, excavations and life in the field.
Just wanted to say that we absolutely loved Dr Davies visit today. It was inspiring! The presentation was brilliant and the children loved looking at all of the artefacts.
Ben Hollick, St Gregory the Great Primary School, Cheltenham
Archaeology Workshop (One Class)
This highly interactive three-hour workshop gives children the opportunity to step into the world of real archaeology through stories, artefacts, photographs, videos and hands-on activities.
Drawing on her own archaeological excavations and fieldwork, Dr Diane explains how archaeologists uncover evidence from the past and piece together the stories of ancient civilisations.
Children will discover what it is really like to work on remote excavations and explore some of the remarkable discoveries Dr Diane has helped uncover, including ancient Maya murals hidden deep within the rainforest.
Along the way, pupils will learn about excavation techniques, artefact analysis, dating methods and how archaeologists identify materials and interpret clues left behind by ancient people.
A selection of artefacts Dr Diane brings to her workshops
The workshop also includes a hands-on history detective challenge in which children investigate a large collection of artefacts to uncover clues about the past. One child will even receive Dr Diane’s special archaeology expert badge for demonstrating outstanding archaeological skills.
Through authentic expedition photographs, videos and real fieldwork stories, children gain a genuine insight into the challenges, discoveries and adventures of archaeological exploration.
Many of the real-life experiences shared during the workshop have also inspired Dr Diane’s children’s book, The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions and Jungle Discoveries, allowing children to continue the adventure long after the workshop has ended.
From all of us in Year 5 at Arden, we just wanted to say a huge thank you for Thursday’s wonderful session. It was such a fantastic opportunity for the children to meet an archaeologist and discover more about your work. They gained so much from all the knowledge you shared during your presentation. The artefact session was great and really brought to life all those photos and videos we had been showing them as part of our teaching. Great to see the children being analytical too. It’s fair to say our children were inspired and we, the teachers, have already started thinking about how to adapt the planning for next year – we certainly learnt alot too.
Jack Preacher, Arden Primary, Stockport
Archaeology School Visits (Multiple Classes)
For multiple classes, Dr Diane can offer either a half-day or full-day visit. The day typically begins with an engaging presentation for all classes, followed by smaller workshops tailored to individual groups.
The 70-minute presentation introduces children to the fascinating world of archaeology and the work of a real-life archaeologist. Through expedition photographs, excavation videos and stories from her fieldwork, Dr Diane explains how archaeologists uncover evidence from the past and reconstruct ancient civilisations.
Children will discover remarkable archaeological finds, learn how excavations are carried out and explore how artefacts, buildings and ancient writing help archaeologists piece together lost stories from history.
The presentation also challenges common myths and misconceptions about archaeology, helping children separate fact from fiction.
Following the presentation, classes take part in hands-on workshops using Dr Diane’s extensive collection of artefacts. Through activities based on historical enquiry, children investigate evidence from the past, examine artefacts closely and think like real archaeologists.
It was lovely to meet you today. We would like to thank you again for a fabulous morning. The whole experience was just wonderful; the children were so engaged and I think you may have inspired a few future archaeologists! All of the children have commented on how much they enjoyed the morning and they certainly learnt a lot. We hope that we see you again soon.
Sarah McEvans & the Year 5 Team, St. John’s RC Primary School, Manchester
Take the Adventure Home
Many of the stories, discoveries and experiences shared during Dr Diane’s workshops have inspired her children’s book, The Adventures of a Maya Archaeologist: Snakes, Scorpions, and Jungle Discoveries.
Set in the Guatemalan rainforest and based on real archaeological fieldwork, it allows young readers to experience the excitement, challenges and discoveries of a Maya expedition for themselves.
Schools are also welcome to pre-order copies of the book ahead of the visit, allowing Dr Diane to personally sign them for pupils and staff. Signed copies provide a memorable souvenir of the workshop and a lasting connection to the adventure.
You have really inspired me to be an archaeologist, along with my friend Simon, so THANK YOU!!!!!
Emily from St. Peter’s Junior School, Nottingham.