90 of our Year 8 historians took a trip back in time to the Industrial Revolution on a visit to the Black Country Living Museum.

Students learnt about the harsh realities of working-class life in Victorian England through reconstructed houses, factories and village shops. Actors in historically accurate outfits performed live demonstrations of coal mining and chain making. After a hearty lunch of fish and chips and one too many bonbons from Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe, a Victorian schoolmaster put us all through our academic paces with the three R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic. Mr Alessandrelli was punished with the cane for refusing to share sweets!

It was an immersive learning experience for all. The actors and guides at the museum were impressed by the students’ behaviour and their engagement with the history of the Black Country.