Visit sparks old-world skills

BALLARAT Steiner School students from grades 4 to 6 got a taste of an old-world trade recently when blacksmith Murray Shanaughan visited the campus to lead a workshop.

The children, including Marnie and Amelia, were taught skills required to form metal tools, and forged their own.

Teacher, Amanda Hotchin said the visit tied in with their Viking, Ancient Greek, and Roman units of learning.

“The children are learning how metal tools were first developed and used,” she said. “The hands-on experience enables the children to further develop their hand-eye co-ordination and dexterity whilst learning valuable skills about how to use metal. The kids are really interested in what happens to metal.” Photo: SUPPLIED