Beyond EARTH: Inspiring young minds and enriching campus life

Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant, is bringing ideas to life, enriching the student experience and strengthening our connection with the wider community. One of this year’s funded initiatives, the Beyond EARTH (Experimental Archaeology Research and Teaching Hub) project, is uniting University staff, students, and local schools to deliver two engaging programmes.

The first initiative, “You Are ACE”, is a collaboration between the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology (ACE) and the Crosby Hall Educational Trust (CHET). Primary school pupils take part in hands-on excavation activities, supported by university student volunteers, and enjoy follow-up visits in their schools.

With the grant’s support, the programme has expanded to include enhanced artefact sets linked to the national curriculum and a full outreach schedule. The experience concluded with a special ceremony during the school visit, where pupils received honorary membership of ACE, complete with cap and gown. Here we can see ACE postgraduate researcher Phoebe Baker making students from St Robert Bellarmine Primary School honorary junior members of the department.

The second initiative, in partnership with the School of Environmental Sciences (SoES) Gardening Club, has created raised beds on the south campus featuring plants linked to ancient technologies, enhancing the campus environment and encouraging heritage awareness.

Beyond EARTH builds on the success of the earlier EARTH project, which continues to run a weekly Ancient Craft Club. Together, these initiatives are inspiring the next generation, providing valuable skills for our students and strengthening the University’s role in the community - achievements made possible through the generosity of our supporter community.

Research Technician, Dr Chrispher Scott, who leads the initiatives, said: “The project is enjoying huge success, with the children having a great time excavating and at school with their little graduation ceremonies. Thank you for your support.”

About the Student Fund

The Student Fund helps ensure that students from all backgrounds can access university, thrive during their studies, and go on to make a meaningful impact in the world. From emergency grants in times of crisis to bursaries that level the playing field, your support truly changes lives.

A portion of the funds raised also supports the Alumni and Friends Fund Grant, which enables activities that enrich the student experience, just like this one.