As part of their historical enquiries into what life was like for children in Victorian Britain, scholars of the Year 5 class went back in time to 1893.

The Prep school class visited Reading Museum where they dressed up in appropriate costumes. Taught as Victorian schoolchildren, they learnt the 3R’s under strict direction of their schoolteacher.

As part of the role play, one or two unfortunate children misbehaved and were instantly dealt with for their insolence with the threat of the cane and the embarrassment of wearing the dunce’s hat.

The children took part enthusiastically both in the lessons and the punishments (!), doing well to act out their roles and re-create the true classroom atmosphere of Victorian schooling.

This visit to Reading Museum was a fantastic way to embellish their learning and has allowed Year 5 to produce some excellent recount writing.