The day begins with a recreation of a village classroom in the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 1897, complete with strict school ma’am, and with typical lessons based around the ‘three R’s’, History/Geography and an Object lesson. This extended role-play gives children an invaluable insight to school life for pupils at this time and is followed by a de-brief session to reflect on the experience: the content of lessons, the thinking behind the curriculum, the way the children felt during the ‘drama’ and comparing the Victorian-style schoolroom with school today.
After lunch, the children widen their experience of Victorian childhood with a session of ‘Drill’ led by the school ma’am, followed by a range of hands-on activities: making Union Jacks for the Jubilee and playing with toys (original and reproduction): bagatelle, bar skittles, zoetropes, swing toys, tops, marbles, hoops to name a few. The day concludes with us all enjoying a Victorian childhood action song.
This day supports Unit 11 of QCA History Schemes of Work - Key stage 2
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Feedback from teachers:
‘Children loved the time ‘in school’ - even though they were scared! The afternoon activities complemented it well.’
‘It takes the whole learning experience forward and the children become very enthusiastic about the Victorians and their lives.’
‘A large array of resources and lots of variety. The classroom scenario worked particularly well. (The day was) invaluable. They gain so much from participation.’
Feedback from children:
‘Thank you for coming to our school…my favourite part of the day was when you pretended to be really strict and when we used the dip pens and ink. I got 1 merit mark. Yours sincerely, Charlotte.’
‘My favourite part of the day was the morning when you were a very stricked Victorian teacher (how do you keep such a straight face?). In the afternoon I got the highest score on the Bagatelle of 355. I had a brilliant day. Thank you. Yours sincerely, Harry.’