Back to school in 1899 for a not-so creative curriculum!

Despite the icy weather and freezing fog, Year 5 arrived in school on Monday dressed in Victorian costumes, ready to travel back in time to attend Manor Street School.



Since 1990, this Victorian School has been preserved as part of the Braintree Museum. Slightly apprehensive about meeting their new, strict teacher, wielding a frighteningly long, birch cane, boys in waistcoats and flat caps, and girls with aprons and crisply starched blouses, were on their best behaviour, knowing that impeccable manners and being ‘seen and not heard’ would be the order of the day! The Victorian teacher was really fierce; we had to sit with really straight backs, and stand to give an answer, ending with ‘Ma’am’; if we yawned we were told off for being rude and disrespectful. Lessons were long and dull, as we were just told so many facts and had to chant our tables over and over again!’



Meanwhile, in the museum’s education centre, everyday objects from Victorian homes were studied, sketched and discussed in small groups. ‘We had to guess how each object was used and from which materials it was made. My favourite was the mini roasting spit, which would be held over a fire to cook bacon!’ The visit concluded with a fascinating hour in the museum, studying old photographs, model trains and a very large dolls’ house; penny-farthing and delivery bicycles; the arrival of the railways in 1848; a family demonstrating the local craft of straw plaiting; and a cupboard full of Victorian toys and games, many of which we still play today. Year 5 returned with a souvenir slate and pencil, enriched by this ‘living history’ experience and ready to complete their homework of writing 100 lines: ‘I must not yawn in class!’ A very special thank you to the parents, who gave their time to join us on this visit, and to all families for their help in putting together such authentic costumes!