History lessons make for grateful kids
With chalk and slates replacing pencil and paper and the singing of God Save the Queen part of the morning drill, there are echoes of yesteryear at Sawyers Valley Primary's schoolhouse.
But it is not all games of hopscotch and marbles. Just ask any girl who fancies woodwork.
Wearing period dress, students are given a candid history lesson using the 131-year-old building, including some of the strict rules enforced in Victorian times.
The lessons include daily chants, a right-handed-only rule, sewing lessons only for girls and woodwork solely for boys.
Teacher Stephen Powell said that while the classes were popular, the children were grateful to return to their ordinary school day. "They learn what it's like to be a child 100 years ago and it teaches them that they've got it pretty good now," he said.
The school is one of many public schools that could earn $10,000 and other prizes as part of the Department of Education's Our School's a Star program.
Our School's a Star encourages schools to show what makes them stand out. To enter, visit ourschoolsastar.com
