My SHARE with Schools Experience: Volunteer Blog Post – Lily Brown

The very best thing about ‘SHARE with Schools’ is the wonder-filled faces of the young children with whom we demonstrate artefacts and ideas of the past. Along with a group of like-minded, enthusiastic volunteers, I spent two hours on a stand at Cardiff Science Festival displaying historical objects – ranging from bones and coins to a beer tap and hand axe! Our demographic was young children, who were able to engage with objects in a way which broadened their understanding of topics currently being focused on in schools – like Roman Britain – and gave them an insight into handling artefacts. Many were introduced to the concept of archaeology for the very first time! 

This was my first ever ‘SHARE with Schools’ event. I came away all the more inspired to immerse myself in the plethora of historical knowledge my studies at Cardiff University make available. Throughout the two hours, the ‘SHARE with Schools’ coordinators supported us in filling gaps in our knowledge and made us feel comfortable in taking a step back when it was needed. As a result, I felt more confident in imparting my own knowledge and pushed myself to be more vocal and engaging. Undoubtedly, the experience benefitted me as much as it did the young children attending Cardiff Science Festival; I look forward in anticipation to our next event! 😊