Schoolchildren step back in time to Victorian era

Pupils from North Wootton Academy were transported back to the Victorian age during a school trip last week.

Children from Years 5 and 6 dressed in suitable attire for their visit to Great Cressingham Victorian School.

The site, near Watton, has been operating as a living museum since 1994.

Lucy Morley, teacher of the children in Juniper class, said: “The kids absolutely loved it. They all came back and pretended it was boring but they got really involved.

“Some of them were a bit scared as it was really authentic and very, very cold considering they are used to central heating.”

Among the activities were handwriting practice on slates, repeating timetables and traditional Victorian games such as stick and hoop and spinning tops.

In the afternoon, the girls made lavender pouches while the boys sketched.

The trip tied in nicely with what the pupils have been learning about this term.

“We have been learning about the Victorians and Frederick Savage this term so we wanted to teach the children about how different it was in Victorian times,” Mrs Morley said.

“It brought school to them in different way and brings the learning to life.”

The school building at Great Cressingham was originally built in 1840.