Year 5 and 6 pupils enjoyed an exciting and inspiring visit to Manchester Museum recently, where they took part in a fascinating workshop focused on Ancient Egypt.
Before we even stepped foot on the coach, the museum curator set the children an important mission: to find the most interesting artefact in the entire museum! This might be the most valuable, the most beautiful, the oldest, the one with the best story… the choice was ours.
To complete this challenge, pupils had the opportunity to handle a selection of real ancient Egyptian artefacts. They had to:
- Look closely at each artefact, examining details and clues (did you know the average adult spends less than 10 seconds looking at an artefact in a museum?)
- Make connections to their existing knowledge
- Share their ideas and interpretations with the people around them
- Wonder by asking thoughtful, curious questions that deepened their understanding
The children showed fantastic enthusiasm and imagination as they investigated everything from amulets and pottery to tools and statues. Their discussions were thoughtful, lively, and full of wonder—just as a museum mission should be!
To celebrate their hard work and curiosity, each pupil shared some information about their chosen artefact in celebration assembly. I was incredibly proud of the confidence and maturity shown by all the children. A huge thank you to all the parents who attended the assembly and supported the children.
