Year 1 Excursion - Ryde Schoolhouse Museum

1SB had a very interesting and enjoyable day on Monday on our excursion to the NSW Schoolhouse Museum at Ryde, where we were able to see and experience what it was like for students in the past. 

We started our experience doing some physical exercise and learned how to dance the Maypole. We also played some ‘old fashioned games’, which included ‘Fly’, skipping, quoits and rolling hoops.

We visited a school room from the 1880’s, where we learned about the style of instruction students received at this time – more than one grade per room, rows of desks with bench seating, no talking allowed, learning by rote, only learning “the three R’s” and  . . . . the possibility of being caned! The students were very excited to be have the opportunity to write on a slate using a slate pencil and to also use a nib pen and ink to write in an exercise book using cursive writing.

In the 1930’s classroom we saw some of the toys and games children used in the past – some of which we still play today. They sang “God Save the King” and went on a treasure hunt, searching for artefacts in the display cases around the room. Students also cooked a piece of toast over the open fire, with the assistance of our lovely parent helpers.

We had a fabulous day and learnt much about schooling in the past. It was a wonderful opportunity, especially considering our upcoming interviews with an older relative or friend about aspects of their childhoods in the past.