School Workshops for KS1 & 2: Victorian Children - School Days

This fascinating and varied workshop really gives a feel of what it was like to be a Victorian schoolchild. Introduce your class to the period by getting them to research what children would have worn to school. Then they can arrive at the Museum looking just the part!

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

1. Making Samplers
In Victorian times girls would have learned to sew at an early age and many of them made “Samplers” to show off their skills. At Trowbridge Museum we like to see the boys have a go as well. Who will produce the best work?

2. Victorian Arithmetic
All Victorian schoolchildren needed to understand arithmetic. We’ll be testing the children on their times tables and they’ll be able to demonstrate their Maths skills with games.

3. Reading and Writing
In the Victorian school all the pupils had to demonstrate a high standard of literacy. When the children meet their Victorian teacher they have to practise their reading and spelling as well as demonstrate their handwriting skills on slates.

4. The Victorian Teacher
Victorian teachers also made sure their pupils had good manners, good deportment and were able to speak clearly, so there will be a lesson on this as well. Woe betide anyone who doesn’t mind their ps and qs!

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