Year 3’s Journey Through Prehistory
15th November 2024
Last half-term, Year 3 embarked on an exciting journey through prehistory, exploring the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. As part of this history topic, pupils tackled key questions such as What is prehistory? and What do we know about the Iron Age? They discovered that prehistory refers to the time before writing was invented, with evidence like artefacts and ancient structures offering valuable insights into life thousands of years ago.
A highlight of our learning was Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village uncovered by a storm. Studying this site, the children learned about life during the New Stone Age and how early communities used tools, pottery, and other resources to survive and thrive. They also explored important differences between the prehistoric periods, such as the transition from stone tools to bronze and eventually iron, which brought significant advances.
Our topic was brought to life with a visit to Butser Ancient Farm, just before the end of the half-term. This immersive trip allowed Year 3 to step back in time and experience aspects of Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age life. At Butser, the children explored replica roundhouses, sat around a roaring fire, and handled Stone Age tools.
The hands-on activities were equally exciting. The pupils crafted and decorated clay pots, fashioned their own rings, and even took on the role of archaeologists, excavating a small area of land. They uncovered a range of fascinating artefacts, including bones, flint tools, and fragments of pottery.
Back in school, the children showcased their learning through creative home projects. From detailed models of Skara Brae to replicas of Stonehenge, their work reflected a deep understanding of prehistoric life. Each project demonstrated their curiosity and growing historical skills, helping them to piece together the story of our distant past.
This topic has been an incredible journey for Year 3, blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences to bring prehistory to life!
