BEARWOOD Primary and Nursery school have received a £8,500 to build a replica Iron Age roundhouse in their playground.

Money has come in from a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Sharing Heritage grant for the historical property which is being created with the help of staff from Poole Museum. It aims to encourage the children to learn more about the archaeological heritage and history of the area around the school as well as the building.

The school has worked with the museum to access the paper and physical archives which hold the plans for the excavated roundhouses at Moortown and Whites Pit, which will form the basis for the replica house.

Work began earlier this week (Monday, May 30) and is due to take six weeks to complete in time for the Festival of British Archaeology on July 16 which will be marked at the school's summer fayre.

Laura Bennett, head teacher, said: “It’s great that we have been awarded this grant and we couldn't wait to get started. We will build a replica roundhouse and the pupils will work with community members, teachers, professionals from Poole Museum and other organisations and volunteers to do this.

"This is fundamental to the project because it will create a tangible and lasting interpretation of the Iron Age heritage."

Bearwood Primary and Nursery school will hold a series of open days to record views and understanding of the local heritage and intend to work with the local finds liaison officer to record any stray finds and contribute to the general understanding of the archaeological record.

The school will also invite other schools to come and visit the roundhouse and will create an information pack about the Iron Age heritage, the process of building it and the cross-curricular opportunities as a legacy.

Nerys Watts, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said “HLF believes everyone should have the opportunity to explore their heritage. Thanks to the National Lottery supporting this exciting project which will bring the Iron Age to life for students of Bearwood Primary and Nursery, surrounding schools and the local community."

Last year, the school celebrated its link to the Magna Carta to mark the 800th anniversary of the historical document with a medieval fayre and a host of different activities in class.