Forefield Junior School - Events: Y6 Victorian Day 07

Y6 Victorian Day

March 2007

Each year, as part of their Victorian History topic, the pupils of Year 6 get a real taste of life as Victorian school-children. Teachers and children alike don their waistcoats and doff their caps, entering into the spirit of the Victorian era on this very special themed day.

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Taking a time trip back in time meant some big changes to the usual school day. In the 19th century there were no interactive whiteboards or computers. Gone were the clusters of tables; instead the children had to sit in rows facing the front. Even pens were banned! The picture on the left shows how some children practised their handwriting with chalk on a blackboard.

The children also had to get used to a new set of class rules based on Victorian values...and woe betide anybody who disobeyed them!

School Rules

Children must stand when an adult enters the room.
Children must call teachers Sir or Ma'am.
Children must wear clean shoes and clothes.
Children must sit and stand with straight backs.
Children must use their right hand at all times for writing.
Children must not speak unless spoken to.
Children must not ask questions.
Children who truant, are late, behave badly or do poor work will be caned.
Talking and fidgeting will be punished.
Counting on fingers is forbidden.

Are there any rules that still apply today? Which rules would you like to have in school? Which rules do you think teachers would like to have in school?

Most of the time, the girls and the boys were separated into different classes. (This seemed to be one of the more popular changes!) To prepare them for their lives as homemakers, the girls practised sewing and needlecraft, whilst the boys were being marched around the schoolyard.