Victorian School Loan Box

Learn what life was like long before smartphones and social media as a Victorian School pupil. Use a very different kind of tablet to write and try on the outfits of the time. And find out what happened to pupils who dared to speak Cymraeg in the classroom...

We have two of these boxes available for schools and education groups to borrow.

This education loan box includes:

1 x Girl's petticoat and mop cat

1 x Boy's flat cap, necktie/scarf, waistcoat

1 x Writing slates

Slate pencils

Ink nib pens

1 x 'Welsh Not'

1 x Ink well

This box also comes with an additional object:

1 x Teacher's cane

Suggested activities

Victorian classroom role‑play

Recreate a strict Victorian lesson using chalkboards, chalk, and period clothing.

Object handling enquiry

Examine the cane, Welsh Not, finger stocks, and clothing to discuss discipline, identity, and daily school life.

Debate and discussion

Explore fairness, punishment, and children’s rights by discussing the Welsh Not and cane.

Freeze‑frame drama

Create short scenes showing moments from a Victorian school day.

Curriculum Links

Humanities (History Focus)

Change over time — comparing past and present schooling, discipline, and language use.
Identity and culture — exploring the Welsh Not and its impact on Welsh language and identity.

Languages, Literacy and Communication

Oracy — discussing fairness, rights, and historical experiences.
Writing for purpose — diary entries, letters, or recounts based on Victorian school life.

Expressive Arts

Drama and performance — role‑play, freeze‑frames, and character exploration.

Health and Well‑being

Rights, fairness and empathy — discussing historical discipline and children’s rights.

Discover our loan box collection

ARP Warden

How would you have coped in Carmarthenshire during the war? Find out with this ARP Warden loan box.

Celts

Experience life as a local before and during the Roman conquest of Wales.

Roman Objects

Learn about the objects used by the Romans in their everyday lives in this part of Wales.

Roman Soldier

Discover the life of a Roman soldier stationed at one of the many forts that once stood in Carmarthenshire.