Year 5 and 6 pupils at Western Primary School travelled back in time to bring a Victorian Market to the school playground. The pupils have been studying the book ‘Street Child’ by Berlie Doherty as part of a project looking at Victorian life. The book tells the true story of a young boy called Jim Jarvis, one of the many poor and homeless children of the times. It was Jim’s plight that tugged on the sympathies of Dr Barnardo, who went on to create the world famous charity, Barnardo’s, helping children to find shelter and live a better life.
The children were so moved by Jim’s story they worked together to bring to life the past with a Victorian Market, selling goodies such as Christmas decorations, buns and cakes. A choir sang festive carols and some of the musically talented pupils played a variety of tunes to the crowds.
Amid the din of the raucous market traders, pupil Ben Partner said, “ Reading the story of Jim Jarvis made me appreciate the hard life he had and I want to help raise money for Barnardo’s.”
Yr 5/6 teacher, Miss Sara Riddle, was pleased with the children’s work, “It is lovely to see all the projects the children have worked on culminating in this wonderful Victorian Market. Some of the boys even took to needlework to create some excellent Christmas decorations! It is a great way to raise money for such a deserving charity.”
By the close of play, the children had raised a magnificent £860.00
www.western.n-yorks.sch.uk
