Victorian Schoolroom Visits

The History of Education Centre gives all pupils in primary school an opportunity to experience a lesson in authentic Victorian style.

They also learn about life in the early Victorian era home through the various artefacts (many of which can be handled or used) in our museum room. It thus provides an experience that addresses outcomes identified in the Curriculum for Excellence.

Our new activity sheet  can be downloaded and printed, along with a handwriting template.

The School Visit

The visit begins when they change into their period school uniform and file into the classroom.

The lesson will be led by our volunteer role-play teacher and will cover mathematics (reciting tables and mental arithmetic), writing on a slate and writing with a traditional nib pen and ink. They will learn how Victorian children behaved and hear about the punishments meted out to those who broke the rules. If time allows, they will also be given a traditional Victorian ‘object lesson’. After the class they will visit the Victorian home life exhibit, and will be able to handle and use many of the objects, learning how a family in a tenement coped with domestic tasks before electricity.

A visit to the History of Education Centre provides a unique opportunity to compare their own style of schooling with that experienced by pupils in the past.

The History of Education Centre is run by a charity – The History of Education Centre (Lothian) SCIO – and receives no funding, so a small charge is made to cover costs. The cost is £5 per child (accompanying adults are free).

In the event that the school needs to cancel a booking, please give us as much notice as possible. Groups who cancel giving us less than 24 hours notice or who do not give us any notification at all will be charged £20, except in the case of severe weather or a genuine emergency.