School Workshops for KS1 & 2: Victorian Children - Working in the Mills

In this role-playing workshop the class will be applying for work in a Victorian Woollen Mill, so they’ll need to dress in costume to look the part. Being on their best behaviour will help as well; the factory overlookers won’t appoint anyone who might be a danger to themselves and others!

The visit covers Maths, English and Technology/Science as well as History and the children will work in small groups on each of FOUR different activities. There will be one or two costumed interpreters to explain the tasks. Each activity takes about 20 minutes to complete and all instructions and materials are provided by the Museum.

1. Working with Wool
This is a practical activity to see how good the children are at processing wool; they have to make rolags (rolls of combed wool) for the spinners in the factory to use.

2. Maths in the Mill
As prospective factory workers, the children will want to know what their wages are so this activity is designed to familiarise them with “old money”. There is also a game to help develop their Maths skills.

3. A Child’s Story
The life of a Victorian child labourer is explained in this story.
The children will learn about the sorts of job that were available to them in Victorian factories and practise their reading at the same time.

4. Rules of Employment
The moment of truth is when the children meet the Factory Overlooker. They examine some of the tools used in the mill and find out about the Rules and Regulations. Finally they hear what a contract with the Factory involves. Will they find it acceptable, or will they be only too glad they were not factory workers in Victorian times?

For bookings and further information call Laurel Miller on 01225 751339 or send an e-mail to laurel.miller@trowbridge.gov.uk