Year 6 enjoyed a fantastic visit to Gunnersbury Museum, once the grand home of the Rothschild family, where they immersed themselves in life as Victorian children in 1891.

In the strict Victorian schoolroom, pupils learned the “three Rs,” practised handwriting on slate boards, completed tricky sums using pounds, shillings and pence and took part in a traditional drill session. The teacher kept a close eye on posture and behaviour, and a few brave volunteers even took part in demonstrations of Victorian punishments.

Meanwhile, in the kitchens of the stately home, our second group of pupils trained as Victorian maids and footmen. They scrubbed floors, prepared and served food, washed and ironed laundry. Because it was November, they also helped prepare the Christmas dinner, stirring the Christmas pudding from east to west to represent the journey of the Three Wise Men. The housemistress was just as strict as the schoolroom teacher, and any mistakes meant wages were quickly docked.

It was a great chance for the pupils to see their classroom learning in action. Well done to all of Year 6 for their enthusiasm and excellent behaviour throughout the trip.