PUPILS at a Forest school were given a taste of the strict discipline of a Victorian education.

Like something out of Charles Dickens, youngsters and staff at Forest View Primary School in Cinderford took part in a Victorian day to find out what school was like for children more than 100 years ago.

Dressing up in Victorian clothes for a day of 19th century-style lessons, they were reminded to speak only when spoken to, to stand up when an adult entered the room and to call staff ’miss’ or ’sir’.

Pupils experienced lessons under candlelight and wrote on chalkboards, recited times tables and had lessons in scripture, needlework, observational drawing and sports.

The school kitchen also served a special Victorian-themed menu of beef stew and dumplings and cheese and potato pie, all followed with a portion of butterscotch tart.

Despite the strictness of the Victorian classroom, the children loved taking part in the day and many had made their own costumes with their parents at home.

Headteacher Ben Lyons said: “Themed days like this give the children some real experiences with their learning which they can transfer into their writing.

"For many children it is difficult for them to picture what life might have been like in the past, so by giving them an experience like this, children can gain a better understanding of what life was really like.”

The modern curriculum at Forest View, which was highly commended in its last Ofsted report, aims to give children inspiration and enjoyment through providing a range of experiences which will help them develop their understanding and enhance their learning, said Mr Lyons.