Gifted and Talented
Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology were delighted to be invited to Da Vinci Community School in Derby for a week of Maritime Archaeology workshops for Gifted and Talented pupils at a secondary school in Derby. The case study below gives an example of how the expertise of HWTMA and the subject of martime archaeology can be used to create exciting workshops that focus on raising pupil aspirations and achievement.
Derby is quite a distance from the sea and it was hoped the week would be chance at something new and exciting for the pupils involved. Martyn Cooper from da Vinci originally got in touch with HWTMA. 'This is a great opportunity to enable students to experience a series of activities in their local community that they have never dreamt of doing before. The demand for places has been phenomenal with students relishing the opportunity to engage in learning through new experiences whilst having tremendous fun'.
Pupils learnt all about the fascinating world of maritime archaeology including shipwrecks and sunken settlements from HWTMA Education Officer Alison Hamer. 'This is something new and exciting for HWTMA. We are used to working with schools that regularly interact with the sea but here in Derby we are hoping to offer the pupils something a little bit different! I went to school in Derby and hope to show the pupils that if I can get into maritime archaeology despite living in such a landlocked city anyone can!' said Alison.
Pupils started off exploring the world of Maritime Archaeology in the classroom. Subjects such as 'What is Maritime Archaeology?' 'Shipwrecks and Conservation' and 'Equipment and Skills' were examined through hands on practical sessions. These sessions were complimented by the use of the new HWTMA Loans Box which contains actual artefacts, some 500,000 years old! Then there was the chance for the pupils to try something new - Scuba Diving!! This was made possible through the help and support of local PADI Instructors from GoDive who provided their services and equipment free of charge. Mark Hudson, Go-Dive owner says 'Scuba diving is an exciting experience for everyone. We are excited to be involved in the project and hope to give the youngsters a taste of the sport we love'. Virgin Active were also involved and allowed the scuba diving to take place for free in their pool.
The final exciting aspect of the day was a trip to the new Derventio Heritage Village where the students were given a chance to look round the site which is not open to the public until August. There was then the chance to try some ancient technology skills such as thatching and wattle and daub. The week was a tremendous success and just went to show what can be achieved by different areas in the community working together, donating their time, services and skills for free!! Over fifty pupils took part and most of them now hope to go on and learn to scuba dive and take part on archaeological projects. The initial feedback has been tremendous with comments including 'breathtakingly brilliant'!