Will you impress in Victorian School…
Our strict Victorian schoolmistress or school master will instruct the pupils in the 3Rs, vocal gymnastics and physical drill. For a more authentic experience, pupils will use slates, pencils and copybooks, all kindly donated by Lord and Lady Rothschild, once the owners of Gunnersbury and local philanthropists who supported education and healthcare during the Victorian period.
Exemplary pupils will be duly rewarded with certificates of merit. Be warned, failure to meet the exacting standards will lead to punishment and shame – the finger stocks, back straighteners or dunces’ caps! Pupils may be asked some testing questions by Her Majesty’s Inspector.
The immersive school experience will be preceded by a discussion about life for poor Victorian children and an introduction to the school rules. The workshop will end with a short reflection on the experience.
Learning Objectives
To experience school life from the point of view of a Victorian child, identifying differences and similarities with present day school life, and drawing conclusions about changes in attitudes and practices in children’s education over time.
Mathematics
History
English
