21 June 2006

News Release from Aimhigher Essex

Pupils uncover the past for an insight into the future

Fifty pupils from eight Essex schools will join up with former Time Team archaeologist Carenza Lewis this summer to help uncover their county's medieval history.

The Year 10 and 11 students will dig test pits in West Mersea (27 and 28 June) and Thorrington, near Brightlingsea (4 and 5 July) as they contribute to a University of Cambridge research project to identify medieval settlements across the UK.

Carenza Lewis, known to many from her appearances on Channel 4's Time Team, will lead the two-day Higher Education Field Academies, which involve the pupils excavating one metre deep pits to uncover the secrets buried in residents' gardens.

Residents who have offered their gardens or fields to be used as test sites will see them restored to their original condition by the pupils after any finds have been recorded.

In addition to contributing to a significant research project into the development of post-Roman rural settlements, the youngsters will develop a range of study skills and learn more about the opportunities offered by university-level education.

The project is being run in conjunction with Aimhigher Essex, the Government-funded initiative to attract a more diverse body of young people into higher education.

Rachel Brown, Assistant Aimhigher co-ordinator for Essex, said this was the first Aimhigher field study project in Essex. 'It is really exciting to be linking with the University of Cambridge to give Essex students the opportunity to be involved in a research project in a subject they may never have experienced before. It will give them an insight into what university could offer them,' she said.

Carenza Lewis, who is based at the Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, said: 'Archaeology is a great vehicle for making pupils aware of the opportunities offered by studying at university level. It captures people's imagination, covers many academic subject areas, and can make learning about history and the environment truly exciting.'

The pupils will spend a day at the University of Cambridge in September when they will learn more about the results of their research, and have the opportunity to meet students and find out about student life.

Notes to editors:

The schools taking part in the archaeology summer schools are:
- West Mersea (27 and 28 June): Clacton County High School; Colne Community School; Tendring Technical College; Manningtree High School.
- Thorrington (4 and 5 July): Thomas Lord Audley School, Colchester; The Harwich School; Plume School, Maldon; Stewards School, Harlow.

Reporters/photographers/camera crews are invited to attend the West Mersea project on Wednesday 28 June at 12 noon, meeting at Mersea Island Primary School in Barfield Road, West Mersea, CO5 8QX, when interviews (including with participating pupils) and photo opportunities can be arranged.
Alternative times can be accommodated by prior arrangement (although please note high tide, which limits access to the island, is at 3pm that day). If you need to confirm arrangements on the day, please contact Rachel Brown on 07751 522764.

Journalists are also welcome to attend the Thorrington project. Locations are currently being finalised, and more details will be provided nearer the time.

Please contact Rachel Brown from Aimhigher Essex, based at the University of Essex, on 01206 873948, or Jenny Grinter in the University's Public Relations Office on 01206 872400, for further information, or to make arrangements.

Contacts

Media enquiries at the University of Essex
Public Relations Office, telephone +44 1206 872400, e-mail proffice@essex.ac.uk
An online form to request press releases from the University.

Aimhigher Essex
Rachel Brown
Telephone: +44 1206 873948.

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