WHAT’S IN IT FOR SCHOOLS?
Somerset HER (based on the old SMR) is a Simply Marvellous Resource.
About the Somerset HER
· The HER is a county-wide, map-based database of historical/geographical information, built up over many years and now on the internet.
· It is a list of all known archaeological sites or activities in Somerset, whether above or below ground…
...and a ‘site’ could be anything from a Roman villa to where someone once found some stone arrowheads;
…a massive Iron Age hillfort to the fading traces of a Second World War gun emplacement;
…the ruins of a Victorian farm labourer’s cottage to a fine Tudor mansion;
…an ancient field system known only from cropmarks to the humps and hollows of a deserted medieval settlement.
· It draws from the full range of primary evidence: excavations, air photos, artefacts, buildings, early maps and documents.
· It is truly local, with over 21,000 records covering every square kilometre of the county.
· It is constantly updated: new discoveries (even yours!) are added so that other people can find out about them.
· It is a vital decision-making tool in the debate between heritage conservation and planning new developments.
· It is user-friendly and straightforward to use.
And now it is all available to teachers and pupils at the click of a mouse! To access the this infomation please click below
The HER AND THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM
The HER can be used:
· throughout all key stages to develop knowledge, skills and understanding across the curriculum, especially in:
GEOGRAPHY
HISTORY
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CITIZENSHIP
· by teachers, as a tool in planning work with a local dimension
· by pupils, to use IT in their own research
For example:
Developing map awareness, searching by grid-reference, postcode or place name. Using maps at different scales. Reading and understanding maps, keys and contents.
Using geographically-based data. Using the HER database to select and retrieve relevant information at local or county level. This could be to deepen understanding and awareness of the immediate locality, to investigate a particular features in the landscape, or to muster evidence to argue a case for or against protection of a particular site.
Using IT to access information about the local historic landscape, buildings, sites, artefacts, air photos, early maps and other primary evidence. Accessing site-specific bibliographies to follow up references. Reinforcing basic chronology. Developing appropriate vocabulary.
Researching a history topic or theme at local or county level by area, by period, or by type of site. Using the back-up information to find out more. Evaluating the HER as a tool for historians. Recognising that historical research is ongoing.
Finding out what would happen if a developer wanted to build on a local area where the HER shows that there is known archaeology. How to evaluate the archaeology. The role of the local authority. Making responsible decisions. Balancing needs. Resolving conflict. Arguing a case.
THE NEXT STEP
We want to make the HER as useful as possible to schools. If you would like to work with us on any of these ideas, or make any of your own suggestions please get in touch with:
Talya Bagwell,
Archaeological Outreach Officer,
Architectural and Historic Heritage,
C4 County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY.
email: tsbagwell@somerset.gov.uk
phone: 01823 355 693
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