An Ipswich Primary School took a step back in time to its history on Friday, hosting a Victorian-themed day.
Ranelagh Primary School in Paul’s Road, Ipswich, is celebrating its 110th year as a school this year, and in honour of its roots as an establishment formed shortly after the reign of Queen Victoria ended, opted to hold the special day.
Staff and youngsters across the school dressed in period-style clothes complete with waistcoats, hats and petticoats, while the day was run to a Victorian timetable and historic style lessons.
Diane Ekins, headteacher at the school said: “The Key Stage Two children have been studying Victorians, and this year is the 110th year here which is fabulous.
“The children are here today wanting to learn, and because we have been building up to this it makes it really special.
“It tells children how they were in those days, and what we are doing today really shows that.”
The youngsters kicked off the day with a march to assembly, before taking part in a prayer, hymn and song.
A Victorian-style drill followed, before the year groups rotated around Victorian style lessons.
The children were made to sit in rows and take part in singing lessons, study of objects and nature, dictation, maths and geography.
In the afternoon artefacts from the school’s history were displayed, while pupils reflected on the day with entries in their diary comparing the similarities and differences to their usual day at school.
Vintage games such as marbles, cup and ball, jacks and skittles rounded out the afternoon, where parents joined the children in the fun.
A 91-year-old former pupil also came in with artefacts in the afternoon to show off to the children.
Miss Ekins, who is moving on from her headteacher role after 12 years at the end of the term, added: “They like dressing up, and we celebrate lots of different festivals – we like to have fun.
“This community are so supportive of the school, and an event like this is a celebration of the community.
“It also sits my time in context – that Ranelagh is bigger than any one person.
“I inherited a school with good values and people and that’s something very special.”
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