Year 5 visit to Beamish

As part of our work on the book ‘Street Child’ by Berlie Doherty, Year 5 had a fabulous visit to Beamish Museum. We stepped back in time to investigate what life was like for the penniless during the Victorian era! We took part in an exciting workshop called 'Bah Humbug', using primary sources to explore attitudes towards the poor in Victorian Britain. Working in groups, we circulated around the town, approaching different townspeople and asking them to donate money to help those in need. We had to put forward convincing arguments, explain our cause and persuade people why the Workhouse was such a terrible place for the poor and destitute to end up. Some characters were swayed by our passionate pleas and kindly donated money, while others(including the rather grumpy town solicitor!) firmly believed that the poor had only themselves to blame for their situation. We certainly discovered that changing people's attitudes wasn't easy! Having done our very best to help the poor and needy, we then enjoyed exploring a Victorian school and the fascinating pit village, discovering even more about everyday life in the past. We had a wonderful day full of history, learning and lots of memorable experiences!

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