On Wednesday 15th May, Year 1 and 2 visited the Schoolhouse Museum in North Ryde. The children were very excited and keen to explore. They saw many relics from the past and experienced life at school in the late 1880s and early 1900s. This included a treasure hunt, using toys and games from the past, a suitcase investigation, using jelly pads and stamp pads, and they were also able to toast bread on an open fire.
The children sat at desks in straight lines, they used slate boards and discovered how difficult it was to use ink pens. They were in awe of the cane and found it intriguing as to why it had ever been used. The children wore attire from times of old including pinafores for the girls and sailors collars for boys. They danced around the maypole and marched up and down the grounds. They exercised using a simple wand which in times gone by was done to build fitness and instill order and discipline. The children really enjoyed the playground games which included fly (a game using sticks), skipping, bowling hoops, quoits and clapping chants.
A fabulous day was had by all and an experience that we’re sure will never be forgotten.
