YOUNGSTERS at a Monmouthshire school turned palaeontologists when they took part in a dinosaur dig.

Year 2 pupils at Gilwern Primary are getting hands-on experience before writing about dinosaurs for this term’s chosen topic.

Using fossils that have been loaned to the school, the pupils set about digging for finds that have been buried in sand in a polytunnel. On discovering a relic, they record the information and relay it back to the classroom using a radio.

Brady Edwards, Year 2 teacher and foundation phase leader, said: “We started learning about dinosaurs at the beginning of this term and have been giving the children hands-on experience before they write about it.

“They are very enthusiastic and are enjoying it.

“Measuring their finds helps to build on their numeracy skills before carrying out the research and writing a diary about it,” added Mrs Edwards.

“They have also created a 3D virtual dinosaur on a computer and are looking at writing newspaper articles after reading about dinosaur footprints discovered in India.”