A day in the life of a Victorian School girl
Pupils from The Ladies’ College Junior School celebrated Victorian Day on Thursday 13 October by dressing up as 19th century school children and experiencing what it is like to live in a historic era.
Pupils began their day arriving in Victorian school costumes with frills and gowns; the girls lined up separately following the ringing of the bell. A standard Victorian hygiene inspection was conducted, where students’ nails were examined before entering the classroom. Students were taught to practise good posture and uphold exemplary etiquette. Some students opted to look untidy to show what it would be like sweeping the chimneys before school.
Children were encouraged to partake in a number of Victorian activities at the Saumarez Park Folk Museum such as washing with a mangle, collecting water, scrubbing clothes, and hanging the washing on the line. They recited tables, psalms, and well-known sayings. Pupils studied geography, prayer and recited their times tables.
During their time at the museum, pupils were able to see a Victorian style kitchen; a fully immersive and educational experience. The pupils enjoyed learning about different foods and equipment used 150 years ago, as they travelled back in time.
Pupils were taught about disciplinary skills for Victorian children through the introduction of the cane and dunce's cap for not upholding these high standards, and how students used to be told to wear an unclean sign.
The children shared a variety of reasons why they personally enjoyed Victorian Day. One pupil, Natasha said: ‘You get to learn how strict school was.’ Lily highlighted: ‘I liked the nursery and how you can only play with toys that are religious on a Sunday.’
The exhaustion of the day portrayed the harsh environments endured by school children during the Victorian era and resulted in feelings of empathy and understanding for the children, reflecting on what it was like to be a Victorian child. Flora shared: ‘We are doing it to feel empathy for people in Victorian times.’
Form III teacher at Melrose, Mrs Morris, said: ‘This event was all about learning empathy and understanding how schooling has changed through history. Back in those days, home life and school life were tough, and nothing like today’s school environment. We must take these opportunities to reflect, be empathetic and appreciate what we have in today’s world. It’s a great event, which we enjoy putting on every year for our pupils.’
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