Year 3 discover the secrets of stonehenge
On a crisp November morning, Year 3 pupils from King Edward’s School, Bath embarked on an exciting educational trip to Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments.
Hands-On Learning at the Stonehenge Education Centre
The day began at the Stonehenge Education Centre, where pupils took part in interactive activities that brought history to life. They:
- Created their own prehistoric timeline
- Experimented with lifting and dragging a replica stone, learning how Neolithic builders constructed Stonehenge
- Built mini models of the stones and explored how sunlight aligns during the summer and winter solstice
Pupils also discovered how Neolithic people made clothes and shoes from animal skins, and handled replica flints and arrowheads used for hunting thousands of years ago.
Exploring the Stones and Ancient Traditions
After a delicious packed lunch,the highlight of day arrived: visting the stones themselves! Standing among the towering trilithons, they imagined Stone Age midwinter celebrations and learnt fascinating facts:
- The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, when the sun sets through the great trilithon
- The summer solstice is the longest day, when the sun rises above the heel stone
Immersive Museum Experience
The trip concluded with a visit to the Stonehenge museum, featuring a stunning 360-degree video showing the monument through changing seasons. Artefacts and exhibits helped pupils picture life thousands of years ago, sparking curiosity about the enduring mystery of Stonehenge’s purpose. While the mystery of Stonehenge’s purpose remains unsolved, one thing is certain: it was a truly special place, and Year 3 had a wonderful day.
