Going To School

At the start of Queen Victoria's reign few children went to school. Some attended Sunday school which were run by churches which taught reading, writing and Bible stories. Gradually, more and more children started to attend schools, perhaps for half of each day. However, over time the church could not provide enough places and other schools were opened by rich factory owners.

It wasn't until 1880 that schooling became compulsory. All children had to attend a school until they were 10 years old. In 1889, the school leaving age was raised to twelve, and in 1891, the school's pence fee was abolished and schools became free. There could be as many as 70 or 80 pupils in one class, especially in cities.The day usually began with prayers and religious instruction. Morning lessons ran from 9a.m. to 12p.m. Children often went home for a meal, then returned for afternoon classes from 2p.m. to 5p.m. The teachers were very strict.

Children were often taught by reading and copying things down, or chanting things till they were perfect.In many Victorian schools pupil-teachers helped with the teaching. The pupil-teachers were boys and girls of 13 and over. After five years of apprenticeship they could themselves become teachers.

Typical lessons at school included the three Rs - Reading, WRiting and Dictation, and ARithmetic. In addition to the three Rs which were taught most of the day, once a week the children learned geography, history and singing. The girls learned how to sew. Schools did not teach music or PE in the way that schools do now. Children sometimes did 'drill' in the classroom. Drill was a series of exercises that were done by the side of a desk.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/victorian_britain/children_at_school/