Dear Parents
The girls never fail to amaze me and today was no exception. This morning, during their assembly, the Year 5 girls took us all on an incredible journey back to the Victorian era. The carefully crafted programme, incorporating songs and theatrical elements, was divided into three parts, each shedding light on different aspects of Victorian life.
The assembly kicked off with a theatrical presentation of the Year 5 Autumn Term class reading text: Berlie Doherty’s ‘Street Child,’ which is a gripping tale following the protagonist, young Jim Jarvis. The vivid portrayal took us through the trials and struggles faced by Jim as he navigated the harsh realities of Victorian England. From the pie shop scene to the challenging life in a workhouse, the girls skillfully depicted the poignant moments from this historical narrative.
The narrative then transitioned to explore the various job opportunities available during the Victorian era. The cleverly staged Victorian Job Fair highlighted the stark choices faced by individuals, especially children, who sought employment in factories and mills. The dangers and hardships associated with jobs such as chimney sweeping, coal mining, matchstick making and cotton milling were portrayed with both humour and solemnity.
The final segment transported us to a Victorian classroom, where strict discipline and traditional teaching methods were the order of the day. With great enthusiasm, the girls portrayed the challenges of education during this period, highlighting the stark contrast to modern-day learning.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Miss Kitsis and Miss Snowdowne (Year 5 Form Teachers), Mrs Lynch (Drama Lead), Miss Holmes (Teaching Assistant) and the girls for their dedication, creativity and hard work in putting together such an informative and entertaining assembly. Their commitment to historical accuracy and storytelling was truly commendable.
I am sure the Year 5 parents will enjoy this immersive journey into the past as much as we did. I look forward to welcoming them to watch their daughters in their assembly on Wednesday from 8.30 – 9am. Please arrive no earlier than 8.25am when you will be asked to sign in at the iron gates to be escorted to Fairseat Hall by our Specialist Teachers.
History is a much loved area of the broad and balanced curriculum that we have carefully crafted for the girls’ educational experience. We believe that education goes beyond the acquisition of basic skills; it is a holistic journey that shapes the character, intellect and creativity of each and every pupil. Our commitment is rooted in the understanding that every child is unique, with diverse talents, interests and potential waiting to be explored. Our curriculum ensures that your daughter is exposed to a rich tapestry of knowledge, experiences and skills. Here are a few reasons why we embrace this approach:
- Holistic Development: Our curriculum is designed to nurture not only academic prowess but also the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of each girl. By offering a diverse range of subjects and activities, we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.
- Unleashing Creativity: Creativity is a crucial skill in today’s rapidly changing world. Through a diverse curriculum, we encourage our pupils to think critically, solve problems creatively and express themselves in various ways.
- Catering to Individual Strengths: Children have unique strengths and interests. A broad curriculum allows us to identify and nurture these talents, helping each girl to discover her passion and potential areas of expertise.
- Preparation for the World Beyond the School Gates: The world our pupils will enter is dynamic and interconnected. A curriculum that includes a variety of subjects and experiences prepares them for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their future academic and professional endeavours.
- Fostering a Love for Learning: By providing a diverse and engaging curriculum, we aim to instil a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. We want our pupils to be curious (like Curiosity Fox), motivated and lifelong learners.
We value your partnership in creating a positive and enriching educational experience for your daughter. Your support and involvement contribute significantly to the success of their educational journey.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Winter Fair on Friday. As ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ is one of my favourite childhood books, I am particularly looking forward to it!
With warm regards
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School