A Frome school recently brought the past to life during their first-ever History Week.
Children and staff at Vallis First School arrived dressed as figures from across the ages – Vikings, Egyptians, suffragettes, wartime evacuees, iconic artists such as Frida Kahlo and Van Gogh, and notable figures from science and politics.
Throughout the week, each class threw themselves into a range of historical activities.
Children learnt traditional playground games from the past, made old-fashioned lanterns whilst learning about Florence Nightingale and experienced what it was like to learn in a Victorian classroom for the day, complete with chalkboards, rows of desks, and the strict routines of the era, alongside many other activities.
Executive Headteacher Georgina Muxworthy said, “These immersive experiences helped children step into the shoes of people of the past and helped them imagine how life must have been back then.
“A highlight from the week was a special visit from the Mayor of Frome who spoke to the children about her childhood 60 years ago. She shared memories of life before screens were commonplace and how she would listen to the radio or go to her neighbours’ house to watch TV on a black and white screen. She also recalled a dramatic moment from her early working life when Frome town centre was flooded and she had to get to work in a rowing boat. Her stories offered a wonderful insight into local history and how everyday life has changed.
“One of the most touching moments of History Week came from a story told by a former student, Lizzie-Anne Shepherd, who had been at Vallis First School in 1983. She, along with the rest of the class, had been given an acorn by her teacher to take home and plant. Today, that tiny acorn has become a thriving oak tree outside her house. After hearing that History Week was happening at Vallis, she kindly donated a bag of acorns from the very same tree.
“These acorns will now be given to current pupils so they too can take them home and plant their own oak trees. What began as a simple classroom initiative is now evolving into a new tradition. The acorn story perfectly reflects the ethos of Vallis First School, how small beginnings, when nurtured, can grow into something extraordinary.
“History Week was a new initiative for us, which we will definitely repeat in the future. It gave us a chance to explore other exciting historical periods that we don’t normally cover and the children’s costumes were incredible. The creativity and enthusiasm helped to bring history alive in every corridor and sparked a curiosity for learning.”
