A dig into the past for Ysgol Treferthyr students with archaeological visit

07-Dec-2022

Pupils from Criccieth’s Ysgol Treferthyr looked back through time as they examined artefacts found as part of an archaeological dig on the construction site which will house their new school.

The pupils were able to study some of the key finds from the dig being carried out by Engineering Archaeological Services ahead of the build of their new school by Wynne Construction.

We have been appointed by Gwynedd Council to build a new facility along the A497 on the western approach to the town, with the dig and a geophysical survey forming part of the planning process required to approve construction on site. Initial finds included a possible quern-stone which was utilised for the hand-grinding of materials, a post-medieval trackway, and a potential prehistoric grave. Pupils had the chance to inspect some of the artefacts found as well as listen to talks from the on-site archaeologists about their line of work and what they have discovered on location.

Alison Hourihane, our social value manager, said: “Ensuring the deep history of the site is protected and showcased for future generations is a vital aspect of our initial work on site. Additionally, we are committed to offering pupils the opportunity to learn more about archaeology, construction and the built environment, to encourage and inspire them to join the industry and become the next generation of the workforce. We hope the pupils enjoyed coming face-to-face with ancient history as well as learning more about the vital preservation work occurring on site as we prepare to deliver a modern, high-quality school to the area.”

The new Ysgol Treferthyr is planned to have space for 150 pupils, with six classrooms, a hall, kitchen, and multipurpose room, as well as additional early years facilities scheduled for the site. The construction of the new school is part-funded by the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Band B programme.

Karena Owens, headteacher at Ysgol Treferthyr, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to show the rich, historical heritage of Criccieth and the wider area to our learners, who could one day be learning in a modern facility with all this history right at their feet. The pupils enjoyed having the chance to learn from archaeologists about the vital work being done on site, whilst also being able to experience history first hand by studying the artefacts found at the site. We look forward to seeing how the dig progresses as well as following closely the development of the site as Ysgol Treferthyr’s new home.”

Councillor Beca Brown, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said: “The progress of the new Ysgol Treferthyr is good news for the children of Criccieth and the surrounding area as Cyngor Gwynedd is able to invest in modern facilities which will allow them to reach their full potential. Although the old school will have been a much-loved feature of the town, I’m confident that the pupils, their families and the teaching staff will be excited by the prospect of the new school. I was also delighted to hear of the fantastic learning opportunities the children are having as part of the building process. I hope that seeing the past come alive in their own square mile will ignite an interest in history, archaeology and conservation in this next generation of young citizens.”

 

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