1. Independent Learning Archaeology Field School (ILAFS)
Access Cambridge Archaeology (ACA)
Independent Learning Archaeology Field School (ILAFS)

2. What is ILAFS? The programme consists of:
Independent Learning Archaeology Field School is a 3 day programme aiming to encourage and prepare participants for higher education through research, excavation, and teaching.
The programme consists of:
Day 1 and 2: Introduction and archaeological excavation.
Day 3: Visit to the University of Cambridge
Post-ILAFS: Four weeks to write a report on your results. This will then be graded by the University of Cambridge and you will be given written feedback and awarded a certificate.

3. Click here for a short video demonstrating ILAFS: www. access. arch
Click here for a short video demonstrating ILAFS:

4. Days 1 & 2: Excavation
This will be totally new to you, but don’t worry, it is easy to learn! We give you full instructions and Archaeologists will be on-hand to help you.
You don’t have to be super-fit to dig.
You may get hot, cold, wet and will definitely get muddy!
We have had people with broken legs (see picture) and reduced mobility still participate in the excavations.

5. Day 3: University of Cambridge
A morning lecture will show you how to write up your findings in a proper academic report- great practise for other assignments.
Lunch in one of the beautiful Cambridge colleges.
Workshop with the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
A chance to explore and discuss what university is like.
We have had people with broken legs (see picture) and reduced mobility still participate in the excavations.

6. After ILAFS: Your written report
You will have conducted research so you will need to write up your findings, just like any other experiment.
The written report is usually about 1,000-3,000 words long. Don’t worry about the word count, most people write more!
You are given full guidance on how to write it on Day 3.
It is marked at GCSE level, and you will receive feedback.
The written report is excellent practise for higher level work; a chance to have a go, without it affecting your real qualifications.
We have had people with broken legs (see picture) and reduced mobility still participate in the excavations.

7. For 6th form students
Gain leadership and team management experience and demonstrate your willingness to get involved – something to write about on Personal Statements.
See another side of history/ archaeology.
Day 3 will include a workshop on Personal Statements (or any other topics you wish) from a Schools Liaison Officer.
We have had people with broken legs (see picture) and reduced mobility still participate in the excavations.

8. What you can expect to gain from the trip
Life skills: Perseverance, teamwork and leadership, organisation, communication, creative thinking, reflective learning, setting and achieving aims.
Learning skills: Research, data collection and analysis, planning, independent study,
Explore a world- leading University.
Carry out real archaeological research yourself, working with experts.
Experience of university style teaching and independent working.
You can use your experiences on the ILAFS programme as examples on Personal Statements or even job applications!

9. What to expect
You will be outside all day for two days- it could be cold, hot, wet or all three – dress appropriately!
You are the archaeologist; that means you will be digging and recording everything you find.
You will be working with people you know and those you don’t.
Your work on the excavations and the report will both be assessed.
Guidance and help is available from experts.
It’s great fun: lots of participants have a great time and make new friends during the three days they are away from school.

10. Have fun and explore something new!