Spring term

Spring term inquiry - Would you rather live in Ferndale now or in the past?

 During this inquiry, children will explore key inquiry questions such as “When was our school built?” and “What was here before?”, using a range of historical sources to help them investigate. 

Through this inquiry, pupils will learn about the history of their school, how it has changed over the years, and its important place within the local community. They will also consider how to look after the school and its environment, exploring the school’s rules and routines. 

To extend their learning, children will study the shops in Ferndale, comparing the high street now and in the past through real‑life visits, old photographs and books. They will explore the different jobs connected to these shops and think about the impact these roles had on daily life. 

Throughout the inquiry, pupils will use evidence to make their own decisions about what it might have been like to live in Ferndale then and now. 

The teacher took us into the classroom and we had to sit in rows at desks, like the Victorian children.

We were fascinated to learn about the different punishments that they had for children who didn't behave!  We heard about the Welsh knot, the finger stalls to stop children writing with their left hand, the wooden harness to make children sit with correct posture and the cane for naughty children!