Plans are now well advanced for the second season of excavations at St Leonard's Hospital. Some Tasters and Modules are already almost fully booked, so anyone interested in taking part is advised to make their bookings sooner rather than later.

Archaeology and children's education

Bone Jones leads a group during the 2001 season

The focus of this update is the provision of archaeological activities for children. York Archaeological Trust has long been aware of the importance of providing stimulating archaeological activities for children, the next generation of archaeologists. Countless school parties and individual families have been inspired by visits to the Trust's award-winning JORVIK, the reconstructed Viking town, and Archaeological Resource Centre. Now, as last year, schools and families can take part in archaeological activities at the St Leonard's site through a programme organised by YAT's tireless Education Officer, Andrew (Bone) Jones, in partnership with staff of the City of York Council and English Heritage.

What we have to offer in 2002 …

Group visits
From 12th June 2002 school and other groups are welcome to visit the dig on Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am-3.30 pm. Each group will be met by an 'Archaeological Demonstrator' who will guide the group around the excavations, stimulate discussion, answer questions and show the group finds and other objects.

Visits cost 50p per child and £1 per adult, with one adult admitted free with every 10 children. Teachers may make a preliminary familiarisation visit free of charge from 12th June. Booking is recommended to avoid overcrowding. Contact: Rachel Court, JORVIK, Coppergate York YO1 9WT. Telephone 01904 543402 or email groups@vikingjorvik.com

Hands-on Archaeological Workshops
for school and youth groups

Hands-on Archaeological Workshops will be held on Tuesdays, beginning 25th June 2002. Children will be able to help sieve earth, and wash and identify finds as they are uncovered. The workshops will last for approximately one hour and will cost £3.00 per child. Book early to avoid disappointment - places are limited. Contact: Rachel Court, JORVIK, Coppergate York YO1 9WT. Telephone 01904 543402 or email groups@vikingjorvik.com

Archaeological Activity Days

On Tuesdays 6th, 20th and 27th August we will be running half-day and full-day courses for children and young people up to the age of 16. Activities will include sieving earth, washing and identifying finds, and guided explorations of the Museum Gardens. Activities will be led by experienced demonstrators under the supervision of a qualified teacher.

The cost is £20 for a half day and £40 for a full day. Contact: the Archaeological Resource Centre, St Saviourgate, York. Tel. 01904 654324. Or email icarlisle@yorkarchaeology.co.uk

National Archaeology Days 20th-21st July 2002
As last year, there will be two action-packed days of quizzes and archaeological activities on site to celebrate the National Archaeology Days - put the date in your diary now, and just turn up to join in the fun! Adults are also welcome.

August Bank Holiday weekend 24th-26th August 2002
More days of entertaining education, with all sorts of activities and demonstrations.

York in the War

Air-raid shelter excavated during the 2001 season

The City of York Department of Educational Services and York Archaeological Trust developed a pilot project 'York in the War' in 2001 because a Second World War air raid shelter was excavated on the site in 2001. Jenny Popplewell, an Advanced Skills Teacher based at Headlands Community School, Haxby, developed this topic as an after-school activity for year 6 children, looking at evidence for civil defence, air raids and everyday life experiences of York's citizens during the years 1939-45. The project can readily be adapted for younger or older students, and Jenny is willing to visit any York school interested in running it in 2002. Contact: Jenny Popplewell, Telephone 01904 762356.

To find out more about all of these projects and more, you are invited to a

Teachers' Open Evening,
16th April 2002
4.30-6.00pm at the ARC, St Saviourgate, York
This will be an opportunity to see the ARC and find out more about what is being planned at St Leonard's this summer. You will also be able to view the ARC's new Sensory Garden and the JORVIK and ARC Education Packs.

If you require further information, contact Andrew K. G. Jones, Head of Education, York Archaeological Trust, 13 Ogleforth, York YO1 7FG. Email bone@yorkarchaeology.co.uk

Young Archaeologists' Club

Those children and young people with a continuing interest in archaeology might like to join the Young Archaeologists' Club, whose honorary president is Tony Robinson. It currently has 65 branches throughout the UK, produces a lively newsletter and runs regular Young Archaeologist awards.