Personal Statement

Archaeology is the key link to the past. Through analysing objects, we find out about the past to better
understand the future. When I was young, I used to watch Time Team almost religiously. This interest
progressed to performing my own digs in the garden. I would dig up bonfires trying to find objects, replicating
the work I saw being done on Time Team.
More recently, at GCSE I studied History and covered a topic about Heritage Management. This provided me
with experience in developing a site, showcasing and preserving its history. This I feel was vital experience as it
allowed me the opportunity to think about the way in which Archaeology can be preserved and what it can
teach us about the past. I was able to apply this knowledge when in the summer I spent a week in York. I went
on the Hungate training dig, where I learnt trowel techniques as well as planning methods such as single
context recording and constructing matrices. I had some small finds which I was able to bag and index as part
of my context. As part of my time at Hungate I attended several lectures. The most fascinating was about
conservation where I found out about and examined some finds from various stages in the process. I also did
some finds work which involved washing, sorting and processing. The experience helped to fuel my passion for
Archaeology as a future career as well as providing key skills necessary to do so.
The subjects I am studying have also provided me with the chance to further develop my interest in
Archaeology. In the English Literature AS course, we studied the Victorian Era and an important part was the
historical and social context and its effect on the interpretations and how the written word is received. I also
study Physics. We had to make a presentation in pairs on Chaos Theory. I researched and examined the link
between Chaos Theory and Archaeology. This opened a new field of archaeology as I looked into the realm of
cultural evolution. I also chose Spanish as I love the language and the culture of the people following historical
research. It has also given me transferable skills.
As a member of Sixth Form, I have attended several different activities which have enhanced my skills and
helped me to understand the world around me. I opted to do the Equality and Diversity qualification. I also
attended a Business Dynamics course. This provided me with vital experience in team working, problem
solving and meeting deadlines. As part of my school career I have made useful contributions to the school
community. I helped to provide a mock general election in school where I stood as the candidate of a party
and went on to win the elections by a large margin. I have also helped out in several lower school activities and
hope to continue doing so throughout my time left at Sixth form.
I am actively involved in the community. I am a keen dancer and performed in my dance school’s show. I have
also attended Aireborough Swimming Club. Another activity I have recently started helping out with a new
charity, Random Acts. It helps all disadvantaged people and is linked with 3 orphanages in Haiti. We are
planning more random acts to raise more money to help out with various groups of people in need. I am very
attached to this charity as it has a simple aim and it is important to try and help everyone even if it’s just doing
something to put a smile on someone’s face. I am currently applying to do some work experience in local
museums as it will be a very interesting and enjoyable job and it will help me with my future studies. I am also
hoping to go on a course as part of the University of Bradford compact scheme. This will help to further
prepare me for my future studies as well as providing an interesting and enjoyable day out.
In general I would love to pursue Archaeology in higher education as it will provide me with the skills necessary
in order to pursue this interesting path.

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