Chesil Class Steps Back in Time for Victorian Day

On Tuesday 23rd March 2026, Chesil Class took an unforgettable journey into the past as they transformed their classroom into a Victorian schoolroom. Both children and staff arrived dressed in authentic Victorian attire, setting the scene for a truly immersive experience.

The day began with a strict and rather daunting routine. Upon arrival, pupils had to line up quietly while their faces and hands were inspected before being allowed into the classroom—just as children would have experienced in Victorian times. This immediately gave everyone a sense of the discipline expected during that era.

Inside the classroom, boys and girls were seated separately, and lessons were conducted using chalk and chalkboards. The class discussed and followed traditional Victorian school rules, and the day began with a formal school prayer, reinforcing how different daily school life was in the past.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in a range of authentic Victorian-style activities. During the PE lesson, they experienced structured and disciplined exercises, quite unlike modern physical education. In English, the children practised cursive handwriting using careful, neat strokes. A particularly thought-provoking discussion arose when left-handed pupils were asked to use their right hands, leading to conversations about fairness and how children were treated in Victorian schools.

The class also explored Victorian poetry, reading and discussing classic-style verses, before getting creative by making their own thaumatrope—a popular Victorian optical toy that amazed the children as images appeared to merge when spun.

The afternoon brought even more excitement, as pupils enjoyed traditional Victorian games such as marbles and hoops. There was also some light-hearted discipline, with dunce hats being handed out—not only to the pupils but even worn by Mrs Simmons and Mrs Childs! This caused great laughter among the class and added a fun, memorable twist to the day.

Overall, Chesil Class had a fantastic day stepping back in time. The experience gave pupils a deeper understanding of what school life was like in the Victorian era, while also encouraging reflection on how education has changed for the better. It was a memorable and engaging way to bring history to life.

Chesil Victorian Day