An explanation of how Victorian Schools functioned: Strict teachers; standing up until told to sit down; standing up when a teacher enters the room; deportment; personal hygiene; respect for Queen Victoria. Learn how to ask questions and to be seen but not heard.

 An introduction to writing including using a sand tray; writing using a slate; the blackboard and easel; copy writing and copybooks; pens and ink. Children have a chance to try out forms of writing.

 Punishment and behaviour in Victorian schools; the cane; the dunce's cap. Strict discipline.

 Reading and Writing. An examination of a Victorian textbook. The abacus, tables and recitations.

 Victorian morality and beliefs. Religion and the Victorian child. The high death rate especially amongst children.

 The British Empire. Great Victorians, and Victorian inventions.

We usually provide a drill lesson (physical training) subject to availability of space, and we also give children an opportunity to try out Victorian games.

NOTE: The exact content of lessons varies according to available time and age and ability of children.

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 can be put over regular school clothes.

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 Vintage games such as 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.

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. If we are starting in the morning, then we will generally arrive about an hour before start of school.

A Victorian lesson takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the age of the children (shorter for younger children). Drill can take 10-20 minutes with additional time for playing with the games.

A suggested timetable is given below.

9.00-9.30am Assembly and getting into costume

9.30-10.15am Lesson 1

10.15-10.30 Drill

10.30-10.45 Break

10.45-11.30 Lesson 2

11.30-12.00 Games

12.00-12.30 Summary and changing costumes (if morning session only)

12.30-1.30 Lunch

All day session

11.30-12.15 Lesson 3 Practical

12.15-12.30 Drill

12.30-1.30 Lunch

1.30-2.15 Lesson 4 Practical

2.15-2.45 Games

2.45-3.15 Summary and final assembly (parents invited)

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 drill 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.

What it costs depends on a number of factors including how long we are at your school , how far away you are from one of our teachers, and how many children are involved. It usually compares favourably with taking a class to a museum or dedicated facility. Our price is made up of four parts:

Teaching fee per day

Accommodation

Travel costs

Miscellaneous additional charges including materials costs.

As a guide price it is likely to cost from £8 per child. If you let us know what you want we will quote an exact price. More details are given in our downloadable synopsis.

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 one of our teachers, then it might be best to consider a longer visit to spread the cost between several classes.

Can you accommodate specific lesson 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 too 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. In addition the children will generally get a lot more teaching time.

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.

Why do you charge for coming?

We would love to be able to visit for nothing, but we need money to live, just like anyone else! We are not part of the Museum service or a charitable trust, so we have to pay our way. Some of our earning are returned in free resources available on our website.

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. The children will learn a lot, and many teachers have told us that they have also learnt.

Do you do other periods of history or do other types of visits?

We do cover other historical periods. We have a new website coming soon which gives details, but in the meantime please ask.