The Romans at Rockbourne Roman Villa session plan

• A 2 -hour session for one class of KS2 (or 1 hour session for KS1)
• We request an adult: child ratio of 1 to7
• Supports QCA Unit 6A and the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings in Britain section in the National Curriculum

Organisation
During the session you will need to divide into first 2 or 3 groups. When doing group work, the Interpreter Demonstrator (ID) will oversee the session but adult helpers will be asked to assist groups. If possible, it’s useful for the ID if your pupils are wearing name stickers

Objectives

• Using a range of resources including museum objects and activities.
• This session enables pupils to explore key Roman themes and to handle real Roman artefacts.
• Pupils will see the kind of objects Romans would have used.
• Close examination of artefacts through measuring and drawing.
• A fun exercise looking at Roman design and the time taken to produce a mosaic.

Outline

Introduction
Welcome to Rockbourne Roman Villa, and outline of the day’s activities. Brief health and safety for the site.

Visiting groups will be divided in two or three, depending on size, and separated around the site to rotate around three activities:

Indoor Tour
An ID will lead groups through the museum, looking at artefacts, Roman life and specifically the story of Rockbourne Roman Villa. Discussion and observation are encouraged from the group.

Outdoor Tour
Adult leaders will be provided with laminated photo guides for the outdoor part of the site. The guides are designed for a non- historian to be able to lead children around the site by asking observation questions. Includes looking at original mosaics and hypocaust system.

Hands on.
As archaeologists for the day, individuals measure and draw real Roman artefacts.

Drawing - charcoal pencils provided for site or artefact observational drawings.

Rubbings - using our Rockbourne rubbings boards, children can make their own rubbings from a variety of Roman images.

Mosaics - using a template, small groups are set the task of building a mosaic with coloured stones. Can they finish a small section in the set time? (a great opportunity to photograph the finished artwork and artists)

Finally
The Rockbourne murder mystery. (time allowing)

Two Saxon skeletons were discovered at the site, both in suspicious circumstances. Hear the facts then see for yourself.

We would be very grateful if you could complete and return the evaluation form you are given on arrival at your earliest convenience