Prep Four enjoyed an inspiring, hands‑on day at the Ancient Technology Centre, exploring Viking and prehistoric life through fire‑making, weaving, fence‑building, games, and visits to reconstructed roundhouses.
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Prep Four enjoyed a memorable and immersive day of hands‑on learning during their visit to the Ancient Technology Centre (ATC) in Cranborne. The centre, known for its remarkable collection of reconstructed buildings ranging from the Stone Age to the Viking Age, and its dedicated team including archaeologists, outdoor education specialists, and skilled craftspeople, offers visitors the chance to step directly into the world of our ancestors and experience history through practical skills and teamwork to enrich their curriculum learning.
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The day began inside the impressive Viking longhouse, where the children took part in a range of activities that showcased everyday life in Viking settlements. Working around the central hearth, they learnt how to make a fire, before trying their hand at sawing and splitting firewood. They also had the chance to explore traditional textile skills by weaving on a loom, developing an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind everyday Viking objects.
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The learning continued outdoors, where the children discovered more about ancient building and farming techniques. Using freshly cut hazel rods, they helped construct a fence using traditional coppicing techniques, gaining insight into the practical skills early communities relied upon, many of which form the basis of traditional heritage crafts still practised today. They also enjoyed playing traditional Viking games, which quickly became a highlight of the morning.
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To round off the visit, pupils explored two spectacular reconstructed roundhouses from the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Stepping inside these immersive spaces gave them a vivid sense of what homes from these eras might have felt like. The chance to try on Viking helmets added even more excitement to an already inspiring day.
It was a fantastic day of discovery for Prep Four. The students threw themselves into each activity with enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions and showing excellent teamwork throughout. They returned to school full of new knowledge, skills, and wonderful memories, making this visit a standout highlight of their history learning this year.