On  Monday, P3C embarked on an exciting trip to New Lanark, where we could step back in time and explore the mill village’s fascinating history and learn about its role in society during the Victorian times.

The day began with a truly immersive Victorian classroom experience, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. As we entered the classroom, the children were greeted by their teacher dressed in full Victorian attire and adopting the role of a Victorian educator! Mrs Whitwill introduced the children to the traditional classroom drills of the time. The students practised their writing on slates, worked through arithmetic exercises, and took part in a variety of other exciting lessons. There was even a little Scottish dancing at the end.

   

Many of the childrens highlights were definitely the interactive Annie McLeod Experience, where students got to see what it was like to live and work in New Lanark through the eyes of a young girl in the past. We enjoyed taking a fun picture at the end of the ride.

   

We finished the day with a guided tour, where the pupils learned about the incredible work of Robert Owen and his progressive ideas for improving workers’ lives. The children enjoyed discovering how life was for families in the 18th and 19th centuries, from the machinery in the mill to the workers’ living conditions.

To wrap up the day, we split into two groups and explored two of the most significant homes in New Lanark: the house of Robert Owen and the home of Annie McLeod. Visiting these two contrasting residences was a brilliant way to compare and contrast the lives of two very different people. The children loved seeing Robert Owen’s home, which was grand and reflective of his status. In contrast, they were equally fascinated by Annie McLeod’s humble living conditions, which showed the stark reality of life for many of the mill workers

   

A huge thank you to all the parent helpers who joined us, and to the staff at New Lanark for making this trip such a memorable experience for everyone. What a great way to end our Victorian topic!