On Wednesday, Year 4 travelled back in time to the year 1886 to experience life as a Victorian school child. The day included lessons taught in the Victorian style of ‘by rote’ and ‘copy’. The children sat at individual desks facing the front, with an ink pot, pen and blotting sheet. They were instructed to sit up straight and keep their hands behind their backs. All followed suit and no questions were permitted! Poetry was recited, tables and spellings tested, tawny owls discussed and prayers spoken. Ha’pennies and farthings were used within the arithmetic lesson, where the children impressed their Victorian teacher in a question and answer session. Boys and girls were then separated and completed their specific activities of embroidery or architectural design. Victorian toys were introduced downstairs in the play area of the school room, allowing the children to really get a flavour of life as a Victorian child.
The day culminated in a visit to the Guildford Museum where the children were able to study and enjoy the various artefacts on display. The children really embraced the day and impressed all with their exemplary behaviour and Victorian knowledge.
Mrs Wallace and Miss Tyrrell
