Bradford College

Back to the Future

Three schools from Bradford experienced school life from both ends of the timeline as they were flashed back over 100 years to the reign of Queen Victoria and then catapulted into the future for a lesson in new technology at Bradford College.

Year six pupils from High Fernley Primary School, St. Cuthberts and First Martyrs’ Catholic Primary Schools visited Bradford College for a day of lessons with old school and new school technology. 

An adaptation of the Victorian classroom, which usually takes place at Bradford Industrial Museum as part of Bradford Museums and Galleries education offer to Primary Schools, took place in one of the colleges original lecture theatres that dates back to 1882.   The theatre is known as the ‘Bull Ring’, in the Old Building on Great Horton Road. 

The children experienced some aspects of Victorian schooling and were asked to recite a poem, chant multiplication tables, write on slates using slate pencils and draw an object as accurately as possible.  They also took part in an object lesson about coal.  Children were asked to sit up straight, with arms folded when not actually writing and had to stand up when told to with their hands at their sides.  They remained silent in class unless asked to speak.  Very different from the classroom of today!

Speaking at the event, the Museum Education Officer said: “The Industrial Museum is delighted to be participating in this event for a second time. Last year the College devised the event as part of its 175th Anniversary Celebrations. From our experience children are inspired by and enjoy learning through role play and the use of historical objects.”
 
Charlotte Cooper, Further Education Events Officer at Bradford College added: “Before the event, the children were really looking forward to the day. The Victorian Schools Day underpins Victorian era projects and real life experience is a great way to aid learning. The children got a lot out of the day!” 

The 21st Century activity was held in the Wow Academy, the session delivered by Bradford College involved the children using up-to-date technology and engaging them in a variety of activities, from creating their own computer game and short 3D film, to learning about animated technologies and operating animation software used by Pixar to create films such as Finding Nemo.  

Mike Harwood, Executive Director for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum said: “This is the second year that Bradford College has invited primary schools to come in and get involved in the college experience.  Part of the College’s mission is to build partnerships with local schools and other education providers.  The day has been a huge success and we hope to give other schools in Bradford the opportunity to do this again in years to come.”