Notes for teachers and adults helpers visiting Rockbourne Roman Villa

You will be visiting Rockbourne Roman Villa to support the delivery of a session called Exploring Romans. This session explores both the site of the Roman Villa and looks at the wider Roman context. You will be leading a small group of pupils as they try a range of activities at the museum; an Interpreter-Demonstrator will oversee the session and support you.

On arrival the Interpreter-Demonstrator (ID) will meet you and introduce you to the museum and give you a brief introduction to the activities you will be involved in. The ID will also advise on fire alarm procedure and taking care while walking around the site.

Adult helpers are asked to remind children to stay back from roped areas and be aware of small holes in the ground created by rabbits. Staff at the villa check the site daily for rabbit damage, but some rabbit holes are difficult to see.

Please be aware that this is primarily an outdoor site with grass and mud, and so appropriate use of sun/rain protection should be brought with the class. If you wish to know more about facilities please call the museum-01725 518541.

The session consists of a rotation of activities around the site. After a whole class welcome, the class will be split into groups, dependant on how many are on the trip, usually being two or three.

For ‘Exploring Romans’ there are three activities,

1. A led discussion tour around the internal museum. An ID will ask children questions to get them thinking about the exhibition. Adults are asked to monitor behaviour during the tour.
2. A self led tour of the villa remains. Laminated guides will be provided for adult leaders. The guides have been designed for non historian adults to read out questions for the children. Photos in the guide show how to move around the villa site.
3. Handling and activities. An ID will lead the group through a Roman artefact handling activity, a mosaic activity and taking rubbings and making drawings. All materials provided. Adults are asked to help the children in these activities.

At the end of the session, the Interpreter-Demonstrator will gather the class together to discuss what they have found out during their visit.

Picnic benches are available, and it is possible to accommodate children on the floor indoors for lunch during wet weather.

The villa is open to the public during school visits. Adults are asked to monitor children to allow other parties movement around the museum and outdoor site.

We look forward to seeing you at Rockbourne Roman Villa.