Lyneham Junior School - a step back in Victorian times
25th April 2002
The children of Lyneham Junior School have a taste of what schooling was like in Victorian times. "Stand up when you talk to teacher, young boy" shouts the strict teacher. "Why are your hands filthy?". Classes 4, 5 and 6 all took part in enacting what it was like in the harder times. Silence!

As part of the school's curriculum, this theme to teach the children history so the teachers decided a little more authenticity was needed and decided to ask the parents for a little help. The parents were asked to dress the children like their great grand parents would have done at school. They made an enormous effort for the children's attire.

Many charity shops in the local towns have said that countless parents have been searching high and low for old Victorian school wear.

Some parents have watched the midnight oil burn, armed with sewing machines, manufacturing these excellent outfits. It has all been worth it as the children start school at 8.55 prompt to the thunderous bell "Stand Still, Boy!!". The children are lined up separately.

Marching on the spot, boys lead into the classroom followed by the girls. Not a word, as the children stand in aisles behind their desk.

As we were invited to take a few photographs, I can recall the enthusiasm of all the children, "This is great !" I still believe you can not beat a bit of discipline. No rude children, courteous and well behaved.

Every time they spoke they stood up and spoke politely. We have one or two exceptions on the morning cleanliness inspection, and of course the culprits were duly punished. "Boy outside and await your caning!!".

The first lesson was"To order myself lowly and reverently before my betters" The betters were landowners, mine owners, factory owners, the squire, the vicar and all who provide. The Ink well were full, old nib pens were in full swing as the children got down painstakingly to the script session.

"Eyes front, Hands, palms on the desk" Ma'am firmly puts the students in place as they read the passage out singly. "I will punish children who lose their place" Jack and Antony read diligently, knowing any mistake could cost dearly. They didn't have 'Yellow Pages' in those days to put down the seat of your trousers.!