Box 22 Victorian School Days

This box offers pupils the opportunity to experience what life was like for children living in Victorian Britain, particularly in a typical Victorian school. The box contains everyday artefacts that would have been used in a Victorian schoolroom, as well as a selection of costumes to dress your whole class in. This provides pupils with a chance to take part in a Victorian school day, find out the types of clothing worn by school children years ago and how it differs from their own clothes, and can be used both as an introductory tool as well as supporting learning throughout the topic of Victorian Britain.

Ideal for use with Key stage 2, years 5 and 6.

Key learning objectives

• History: To enable pupils to explore life in a Victorian school by handling real and replica artefacts, wearing costume and taking part in group role play activities.

Links to unit 11 of the QCA scheme of work: What was it like for children living in Victorian Britain?

• Speaking and Listening: To encourage pupils to work effectively as a member of a group, using speaking and listening skills.
• Literacy: To explore life in a Victorian school using a variety of different resources including contemporary and modern sources of evidence.

Box contents

• Artefacts include inkwells, slates, books, good behaviour medal and Victorian playground toys such as cup and ball games, marbles, a whipping top and a clacker.
• Costumes include school masters gown and mortar board, school mistress outfit, pinafores, sailor collars, waistcoats and caps.
• Resources include a log book from Wickham School, School Timetable, pictures, books and Photographs of School life.