The girls never fail to amaze me and today was no exception. This morning, during their assembly, the Year 5 girls took us all on an incredible journey back to the Victorian era. The carefully crafted programme, incorporating songs and theatrical elements, was divided into three parts, each shedding light on different aspects of Victorian life. 

The assembly kicked off with a theatrical presentation of the Year 5 Autumn Term class reading text: Berlie Doherty’s ‘Street Child,’ which is a gripping tale following the protagonist, young Jim Jarvis. The vivid portrayal took us through the trials and struggles faced by Jim as he navigated the harsh realities of Victorian England. From the pie shop scene to the challenging life in a workhouse, the girls skillfully depicted the poignant moments from this historical narrative. 

The narrative then transitioned to explore the various job opportunities available during the Victorian era. The cleverly staged Victorian Job Fair highlighted the stark choices faced by individuals, especially children, who sought employment in factories and mills. The dangers and hardships associated with jobs such as chimney sweeping, coal mining, matchstick making and cotton milling were portrayed with both humour and solemnity.

The final segment transported us to a Victorian classroom, where strict discipline and traditional teaching methods were the order of the day. With great enthusiasm, the girls portrayed the challenges of education during this period, highlighting the stark contrast to modern-day learning. 

History is a much loved area of the broad and balanced curriculum that we have carefully crafted for the girls’ educational experience. We believe that education goes beyond the acquisition of basic skills; it is a holistic journey that shapes the character, intellect and creativity of each and every pupil. Our commitment is rooted in the understanding that every child is unique, with diverse talents, interests and potential waiting to be explored. Our curriculum ensures that every pupil is exposed to a rich tapestry of knowledge, experiences and skills. Here are a few reasons why we embrace this approach:

• Holistic Development: Our curriculum is designed to nurture not only academic prowess but also the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of each girl. By offering a diverse range of subjects and activities, we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.

• Unleashing Creativity: Creativity is a crucial skill in today’s rapidly changing world. Through a diverse curriculum, we encourage our pupils to think critically, solve problems creatively and express themselves in various ways.

• Catering to Individual Strengths: Children have unique strengths and interests. A broad curriculum allows us to identify and nurture these talents, helping each girl to discover her passion and potential areas of expertise.

• Preparation for the World Beyond the School Gates: The world our pupils will enter is dynamic and interconnected. A curriculum that includes a variety of subjects and experiences prepares them for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their future academic and professional endeavours.

• Fostering a Love for Learning: By providing a diverse and engaging curriculum, we aim to instil a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. We want our pupils to be curious (like Curiosity Fox), motivated and lifelong learners.

All lifelong skills that will stand them in good stead for years to come.