Cliddesden Primary School

Learning Together, Growing Together

Cliddesden Primary School, Cliddesden, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2QU

01256 321571 - Fax: 01256 3336

adminoffice@cliddesden.hants.sch.uk

Oak Class - Victorian Day

On Tuesday 17th January, Oak Class used role-play and knowledge to recreate a Victorian school day. This day helped us to understand more about Victorian life. We had to use role-play in order for this to work.

 

To begin with at the start of the school day we lined up in straight lines: boys and girls. We had to do this in complete silence and in height order. If we failed to do this, Miss would be wearing a frown and we would get a caning.

Click here to find out more about Oak Class.

All of the boys had to take off their caps to all of the teachers, and we were to stand up whenever an adult entered the room. Also, all of the girls had to curtsey as a sign of respect. We do not do this anymore, nor do we line up in height order.

 

After we silently crept into class, we were met with our desks facing forwards in rows. There were no colourful displays, and instead of the interactive whiteboard there was a black board and the teacher’s desk at the front of the classroom. It was a dull and gloomy sight.

 

Miss now referred to us as Standard 5 and Standard 6, and we now ran the risk of wearing a cap with the word “DUNCE” on it. When taking the register, we were called by our last names and told to say present in response. We also had to stand up to answer any questions although we couldn’t ask any of our own. The day was very different, and we did lots of lessons, in this order:

 

  • Handwriting (standard 5 used slates and standard 6 used dip pens)
  • Bible story
  • Poem recital
  • Recess
  • Arithmetic (Roman numerals)
  • Poem recital
  • Lunch
  • Assembly
  • Parent workshop

Afternoon activities:

Girls in standard 5 and 6 were allowed to either sew or paint and boys in standard 5 and 6 were given more practical jobs like dip pen drawing and creating a toy which tricked the eye, called a thaumascope.

 

Overall, it was a fun day and we are thankful that we live in modern times. We wouldn’t mind doing it again as we thoroughly enjoyed it, as long as we don’t get disciplined.

 

By Hope and Lewis