Year 3 Travel Back in Time at Butser Ancient Farm

Our Year 3 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable day at Butser Ancient Farm, stepping into the fascinating world of the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. This immersive experience brought history to life and gave the children a hands-on understanding of how early humans lived, worked, and thrived.

Guided by a member of Butser’s award-winning education team, the children explored reconstructed ancient buildings and took part in a range of practical activities that deepened their historical knowledge.

Highlights of the Day

• Archaeological Excavation
  Pupils became archaeologists for the morning, learning excavation techniques and uncovering hidden artefacts. Working together, they interpreted their finds and placed them in historical context.

• Ancient Rock Art
  Using flint tools and natural resources, the children carved and coloured designs into chalk, discovering how early humans expressed beliefs and creativity through art.

• Fire-Making
  One of the most memorable experiences was learning how to safely create fire – a skill essential for cooking, warmth, and metalworking in the ancient world. Working in teams, pupils successfully produced flames and gained a real appreciation for this vital achievement.

The winter sunshine made the day even more special, and the children returned full of enthusiasm, eager to share what they had learned about life thousands of years ago.

What the Children Said

“I loved making fire! It was hard at first, but when we saw the smoke, everyone cheered!”
“Digging for artefacts was amazing. We found bones and pottery – it felt like real archaeology!” 
“The rock art was my favourite because we got to use chalk and flint like people did thousands of years ago.”

A Word from Mrs Roach, Year 3 Lead

“This trip was a fantastic way to bring our history topic to life. The children were completely engaged and learned so much through hands-on experiences. It’s days like this that make learning memorable and meaningful.”

It was a truly inspiring experience that connected classroom learning with real-world history.