The Victorian School Experience
If you are unable to visit a real Victorian School with your class you might like to consider a visit to your school by experienced "Victorian" teachers. Here is a brief synopsis of what we can do:
Victorian School Clothes: Dressing up clothes for Victorian re-enactment
We can bring clothes for children to wear if required, or you might like to involve parents in making suitable clothes. Our own staff wear Victorian style clothes. We may also be able to provide clothes for teachers or visitors to wear. The clothes are simple and can often be put over regular school clothes.
Artefacts and equipment
We bring a number of items to assist in our talk, which varies according to age and local conditions. We might bring slates, a picture of Queen Victoria, a blackboard and easel, charts and teaching aids, Victorian text books, pens and ink and many other items. For play we bring a selection of Victorian games such as hopscotch, marbles, stilts, top, skipping ropes and diabolos. We can bring a selection of artefacts to illustrate specific talks, such as kitchen and washing items, and domestic items. What we bring will depend upon the time we have with the children, and many other factors, but if you have a particular need please discuss it with us.
What we do
We prefer to work in small groups of about 20 or 25 children at a time but we have worked with larger groups. It might be possible to do two activities together, that is two groups in separate locations. A typical Victorian lesson might include:
An explanation of how Victorian Schools functioned, with strict teachers, having to stand up until told to sit down, standing up when a teacher enters the room, deportment, respect for Queen Victoria. How to ask questions and being seen but not heard, all of these are part of the Victorian experience.
An introduction to writing including using a sand tray, writing using a slate, the blackboard and easel, copy writing and copybooks, pens and ink.
Punishment and behaviour in Victorian schools, the cane, the slipper, the dunce's cap.
Learning by rote. An examination of a textbook. Tables and recitations.
An introduction to "olden days" money.
The school bell.
This might be followed by teaching about Victorian conditions such as cooking or washing
We can also provide a PT lesson (physical training or drill) and an introduction to Victorian games.
Time Scale
We need some time to prepare for the lesson, at least 30 minutes. It also takes some time to carry the equipment in, so probably best allow something like an hour for setting up.
A Victorian lesson takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the age of the children (shorter for younger children). PT can take 10-15 minutes with additional time for playing with the games.
Teaching on Victorian subjects can also be 30-45 minutes. Thus a programme comprising school session, games, and one teaching session would fit within a morning or afternoon.
Sample Lesson for single class
9.00.-9.20am Assembly and getting into costume
9.20-10.05am Lesson 1
10.05-10.30 Playtime
10.30-10.45 Drill
10.45-11.00 Playing with toys/games
11.00-11.45 Lesson 2
11.45-12.00 Summary and changing costumes
12.00-1.00 Lunch
Afternoon Craft activities
What we need from you
Ideally the lesson should be in an old fashioned classroom, but usually this is not available, so the next best thing is to set up desks or tables in rows, a bit like for exams.
For PT we would need a playground or suitable sports hall, or we could do a limited amount inside. We welcome the presence of teachers and visitors, but would ask them not to talk during presentations as this tends to spoil the atmosphere of the Victorian learning experience.
The cost
What it costs depends on a number of factors including how long we are at your school , how far away you are from our base in Somerset, and how many children are involved. If you let us know what you want we will quote a price.
Questions and answers
How far do you travel to a school?
We are prepared to travel anywhere in the UK, but the further we go the more it will cost. If you are a long way from our base, then it might be best to consider a longer visit to spread the cost between several classes.
Can you accommodate specific content requests?
We may be able to incorporate specific teaching requests, please ask.
We don't have any suitable room in our school. Can you suggest anything?
There are many buildings that were probably around in Victorian times which would make a great environment. Think about village and church halls, manor houses, libraries and so on.
What is the shortest/longest time you come?
From half a day to one week
Isn't it better to go to a real Victorian School or recreated classroom?
You may be situated to far away from such a facility, or it may not be open when you need it. With a visit to your own school the timetable can be tailored to fit your exact needs.
Doesn't it cost a lot more to have a visit to my school against visiting a facility?
On the surface it may appear to be more expensive, but when comparing costs don't forget to take into account staffing expenses, travelling costs, and extras such as providing costumes. When we come to you our charge is all-inclusive.
Will we get an actor or a teacher?
A little bit of both. For a successful presentation there has to be some acting, but the main aim is to teach in an interesting way.
Can you do other periods of history or do other types of visits?
We can cover most periods from Victorian through to World War 2. We can also take part in school centenaries, or other special days.
