Last updated: 5 September 2011
“The results of the [military] schools are decidedly successful, as compared with those of civil schools of a similar class”
Royal Commission on Military Education, 1870
“Is there not a schoolmaster in the barracks?”
“ Ay; and Hell is full of the same sort.”
Kim, Rudyard Kipling, 1901
In the 19th century most army regiments and garrisons ran a school for soldiers’ children. Boys and girls were taught the Three Rs, and some pupils learned skills that would be useful to the regiment if they 'joined the colour'. The single largest Army school in England was the Royal Military Asylum (now Duke of York Square) in Chelsea, just around the corner from the National Army Museum.
In this workshop your class will take on the role of an Army school's latest intake, class of 1870. Working under the strict supervision of the Army Schoolmaster, they will learn about army life and army schooling in the time of Queen Victoria. After practising reading and writing, and a lesson in Imperial geography, pupils will exercise their lungs and their limbs with singing, gymnastics and drills.
In the second half, your class will be divided into four groups to learn 'industries', including craftwork, medical care and signalling. Adult helpers will need to lend a hand: details of these activities will be sent out when you book. The number and rotation of activities will depend on your schedule.
As part of your visit, your class can visit the Changing the World gallery on Level 1. This tells the story of the Victorian Army and includes an Action Zone filled with interactives reinforcing many of the themes of the session. Details of this, along with trails, worksheets and activities, will be sent when you book.