The session offers a unique opportunity for practitioners in the various sectors of archaeology to discuss the discipline’s most formative demographic – students, which the vast majority of today’s archaeologists would have started out as. Understanding this demographic is important for comprehending the archaeological theory and practice of the current generation of qualified practitioners, and, perhaps even more importantly, the next.

The session will encourage attendance of practitioners and students from across the spectrum of archaeology so that important topics on teaching methods, skills and employability, and engagement can be discussed in a lively way with the intention of producing new ideas on the understanding and engagement of the next generation of archaeologists.

Eight papers will be contributed to the session as case studies on the above topics. Six papers have so far been accepted, three of which can be confirmed to be: ‘Careers and skills: bridging the gap’ by David Connolly, the Director of British Archaeological Jobs and Resources, ‘Archaeology for all: the role of students’ by Mike Heyworth, Director of the Council for British Archaeology, and ‘Learning by leading: working to encourage ownership in seminar settings’ by Alison Leonard, PhD student at the University of York.

Two more papers are sought for the session. Abstracts are welcome from students and practitioners in any sector of archaeology; PhD students, field archaeologists, and directors and employees of organisations have submitted abstracts, though lecturers, undergraduate and Masters students, and any other demographic of archaeologist is equally welcome to contribute.

If you have a perspective or opinion on students in archaeology that you would like to present at TAG this December, please email an abstract (up to 250 words) or any enquiries first to David Altoft at studentsinarchaeology@gmail.com by Monday 27 October.