T H E S O V E R E I G N H I L L

C O S T U M E D S C H O O L S

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It is always a privilege to witness the cooperative work of The Sovereign Hill Museums Association

and the Victorian Government’s Department of Education & Training in presenting the iconic Sovereign Hill School program. It is simply the best education program in any museum, anywhere!

Sadly, I am leaving Sovereign Hill after a wonderful 5-year term, but I am proud to see the strong position of all the Costumed Schools as they enter 2018.

The Wesleyan Day School (our fifth) is brand new for 2018, after a successful trial period last year. The Wesleyan schools were some of the earliest schools on the goldfields, and ‘our’ school is modelled on thorough historical research of an early school at Pleasant Mount, that later became the Mount Pleasant Public School – and still operates around the corner from Sovereign Hill!

The Headteacher is one of our existing staff, Peter Beckwith. (We are fortunate that his replacement in St Alipius’ Diggings School is Jenni Ravisa, a former Ma’am from St Peter’s and the Ragged School.)

Visiting teachers and students alike will appreciate the new change-room facilities, water bubblers and accessible toilets that were part of the Wesleyan building project.

Costuming visiting students and their teachers is always a huge task. Over the year, some 2,000 individual garments were researched and made

by the Sovereign Hill Costume Department to constitute 380 outfits. In addition to kitting out the Wesleyan Day School, we now have a supply for the systematic replacement of worn costumes in the other four schools.

Other projects for 2017 included a new wing for student and teacher accommodation in the Steinfeld’s Furniture Warehouse building and refurbishment of the Canadian Barracks building. The extra beds match the capacity of the new Wesleyan Day School, and the refurbishment of Canadian Barracks has already drawn compliments from visiting schools.

A wonderful team of costumed volunteers (Friends of Sovereign Hill) provides daily assistance to school groups by walking them safely between sites, demonstrating traditional crafts, and bringing to life many displays in our goldfields township. Staff and volunteers alike also enjoy the opportunity to ‘dress up’ and visit classrooms as a Vicar, a District Inspector, a Doctor or a Priest, to check on the children’s education and welfare. We have now added female roles for the Ragged and Wesleyan schools – stand by to enjoy a visit from the District Nurse or the generous lady-philanthropist!

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank all the teachers who accompanied students to Sovereign Hill in 2017. Sovereign Hill is looking forward to welcoming you back soon.

BRETT DUNLOP

MUSEUM DIRECTOR’S REPORT

M U S E U M D I R E C T O R ’ S R E P O R T

Sovereign Hill’s Costumed Schools have just experienced another amazing year with

almost 7,000 children experiencing the magic of stepping back in time to become an 1850s child on the Ballarat diggings.

This internationally-renowned program, which we believe is the only one of its type anywhere in the world, has now operated as a joint project between the Victorian Department of Education and Training and Sovereign Hill for just under 40 years.

Feedback from visiting students and teachers overwhelmingly supports the effectiveness of our two-day, fully-costumed, immersive program where children are able to learn by ‘walking in the shoes’ of those who went before them 160 years ago.

This year will see the further expansion of our program with the opening of the new Wesleyan Day School in late 2017.

To those who joined us in 2017, thank you for your enthusiasm and for sharing the fun with us! To those coming in 2018, we look forward to sharing your journey back in time.

We were honoured to have the State Minister for Education, the Hon. James

Merlino, visit Sovereign Hill on 25 October to officially open the new Wesleyan Day School. The Minister inspected the school, which operates in the Wesleyan Church at the top of Main Street. There, he observed students from Mt Pleasant Primary School attending to their lessons under the supervision of the new Headmaster, Peter Beckwith. Mt Pleasant Primary School is the nearest school to Sovereign Hill, and its own history is linked to that of the original Wesleyan Day School in Ballarat.

In opening the school, the Minister commended the School Council and the Sovereign Hill Board on the costumed programs through which many thousands of children have been able to learn about Victoria’s history in the most exciting of ways. Sovereign Hill CEO Jeremy Johnson, its Board Chair Adrian Doyle, and School Council President Ann Campbell thanked the Minister for his Government’s generous support for the construction of the school and nearby student accommodation through the Regional Development Fund.

We are pleased to announce that the Wesleyan Day School is now fully operative for the 2018 school year!

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE WESLEYAN

DAY SCHOOL

THE SOVEREIGN HILL

COSTUMED SCHOOLS

P R E S I D E N T ' S R E P O R T

It is with great pleasure that I present the President’s Report for 2017.

Our costumed schools program continues to flourish with just under 7,000 students attending the 2-day immersive program during 2017.

An absolute highlight of the year was the opening of the fifth school (known as the Wesleyan Day School) by Victoria's Minister for Education, the Hon. James Merlino. With five schools now available, bookings are very strong for 2018 with 8,000 students booked in already.

Our School Council has funded and implemented a costume replacement program for all five schools over a 3-year period.

During 2017, many of these costumes were progressively added to our stock and look wonderful.

Another highlight has been continued involvement in the International Museum Schools Association and attendance at this year’s conference in the Netherlands by Linda Borner, one of our teachers.

In conclusion, on behalf of all School Councillors, I say thank you and farewell to Brett Dunlop, our departing Director of Museums. Brett has been a wonderful support and was instrumental in further developing the relationship between the Department of Education Schools Program and The Sovereign Hill Museums Association. We wish

Brett well in his retirement.ANN CAMPBELL

S O V E R E I G N H I L L

S C H O O L C O U N C I L

The year 2017 has been momentous for the Sovereign Hill Costumed Schools. In addition to

hosting almost 7,000 students and 650 teachers, we have now officially launched our fifth costumed school – the Wesleyan Day School.

The official opening was the wonderful culmination of much planning, research and hard work by many people over several years. We are extremely grateful to The Sovereign Hill Museums Association and Regional Development Victoria for their outstanding support in the development of this wonderful new facility, which will allow even more students to enjoy the magic of the internationally-renowned Sovereign Hill Costumed Schools.

Indeed, it has been the popularity of our unique, two-day, immersive program which has brought about the development of this new school – and an extension of our on-site accommodation for schools. With bookings filling 12 months in advance, almost as soon as they open, it was obvious that demand had well and truly outstripped our capacity.

We sincerely thank our brilliant teaching team – Stephanie Rosestone, Linda Borner, Peter Beckwith, Alison Middleton and our latest addition, Glenda Young. It is their commitment to ensuring that each student has a memorable and enjoyable experience that makes our program such a success. We are also delighted to welcome back Jennifer Ravisa who will be the new Headmistress of the St Alipius’ Diggings School.

Led by its President, Ann Campbell, the Sovereign Hill School Council remains an endless source of support and guidance for the program. During 2017, Council was able to resource a comprehensive plan which will see some 380 completely new costumes acquired over the next two years.

Our relationship with The Sovereign Hill Museums Association extends across almost 40 years and is fundamental to the success of our program. I would like to particularly acknowledge the commitment and contribution of the out-going Director of Museums, Brett Dunlop. Brett has been responsible for all Sovereign Hill’s education programs, including the Costumed Schools. Amongst his many significant achievements, he led the development of the new Wesleyan Day School. We will all miss him.

We are also very fortunate to have the on-going support of the wonderful staff of Sovereign Hill and the Friends of Sovereign Hill volunteers. These generous people truly bring Ballarat of the 1850s to life and enhance the children’s immersion in this fascinating world of the past.

Finally, we thank the students and teachers who have participated in our programs during 2017. It is your enthusiasm and excitement at being part of this special experience that make it all worthwhile. We look forward to meeting many more of you in 2018!

GEOFF McARTHUR

P R I N C I P A L ’ S R E P O R T

As soon as I saw the

dresses we girls had to

wear I was shocked!

They couldn’t make us

wear those surely!

But after I got dressed it

wasn’t so bad after all.

After Sir repeated,

“Size, Shape and Slope”

about a thousand times,

it is now stuck in my

head forever.

GE OF F McARTHUR

R E D H I L L N A T I O N A L

S C H O O L

The Red Hill National School sits snugly in the

residential area of Speedwell Street, tucked in

amongst cottages and their animal enclosures, and

enjoying spectacular views of Sovereign Hill and

beyond, to Ballarat East.

Mr Geoffrey McArthur, the school’s Headmaster,

is, of course, known only as ‘Sir’ by his pupils.

Sir ensures that his pupils receive a sound non-

denominational education as decreed by the

Board of Education. His life, however, is not easy.

The District Inspector regularly visits to check on

the standard of education Sir provides – and adjusts

his salary accordingly. Sadly, increases are very rare,

with the result that he has then to deal with his

good wife’s disappointment in him. As well,

teachers of nearby schools constantly remind

him of the school’s lowly status and its lack of a

religious foundation.

Approximately 1,600 students from 75 schools

attended ‘the little school on the hill’ during 2017.

We have added many wonderful new stories and

memories to those taken home by thousands of

students over nearly 40 years.

As always, Red Hill students took on the challenge

of writing beautiful copperplate script, first using

chalk and slate boards, and graduating to a dip

pen and ink. Girls concentrated on their sewing

while boys prepared for future careers by learning

essential technical drawing skills. Cold winter

months saw the school cosily heated by its old

wooden stove and, in the heat of summer, classes

sometimes adjourned to the shade of the old

peppercorn tree in the school yard. Visits from

interesting townsfolk and neighbours were common

– as were encounters with the donkeys, goats and

fowl in the paddocks next door.

Who knows what wonderful new experiences and

memories will be enjoyed by the Red Hill National

School classes of 2018!

R E D H I L L N A T I O N A L

S C H O O L

The Infant School program operates on days when the Red Hill National School is not

hosting our two-day upper primary school program. Local Ballarat schools may be invited to bring in a class of Year 2 students for this special one-day program run by Mrs Alison Middleton, our experienced ‘Ma’am’. The children interact with the school’s neighbour, Mrs Davidson, throughout the day. They also find time between their lessons to visit the candle maker and watch the Redcoat soldiers on parade. Of course, there is always plenty of scope for fun at playtime with wonderful colonial-style toys – spinning tops, skipping ropes, marbles and the like.

Local schools will be invited to apply for vacancies during Term 1, 2018!

RED HILL NATIONAL

SCHOOL INFANT

PROGRAM

ALI SON M I DDLETON

St Peter’s School is a proud Church of England

school offering a good Christian education

to children from the more respectable western

areas of Ballarat. Mrs Stephanie Rosestone

takes the role of Headmistress of St Peter’s, yet

continues to be paid at the rate of an Assistant

Mistress – thanks to the regular and unforgiving

inspections by the Vicar.

Ma’am is a firm teacher who rigidly enforces the

rules around order and discipline – there is no

slouching at St Peter’s! She expects the highest

standards from her pupils to ensure that they

are not shown up by the ruffians from the Red

Hill National School. Her relentless attention

to manners, posture and repetition keeps the

classroom silent and orderly, but the dastardly

Vicar is never impressed and her authority

begins to diminish. He constantly reminds her

(and the children) that she is a mere woman

whose job could certainly be done better with a

firm masculine hand at the helm.

The young masters under her charge are

expected to go on to respectable careers.

Despite being only a woman, Ma’am ensures

that the boys consider the current economic

situation of the Gold Rush and the most likely

career prospects under these circumstances.

Advancements in steam technology are

highlighted, and boys are encouraged to

consider future developments in the burgeoning

steam industry.

Although a working woman, Ma’am continually

espouses the values of a good marriage to her

female pupils. If they are so fortunate as to

marry a respectable man of good means, they

might aspire never to work. Unfortunately for

Ma’am, however, her husband has recently turned

his hand to prospecting, and this has not gone

unnoticed by the Vicar!

It seems that she will remain for some time at

St Peter’s where, despite her difficult personal

circumstances, she takes her duties very

seriously and always looks forward to welcoming

a new group of young charges.

S T P E T E R ’ S D E N O M I N A T I O N A L

S C H O O L

I felt embarrassment

when Ma’am told me

that I would never find a

husband because of the

fact I asked too many

unnecessary questions.

During the school, I

always felt a bit nervous

when Ma’am walked past

because she was strict

about the slightest things.

STEP HANI E ROS ESTONE

GLE N DA YOUNG

She’s so strict,

but in a good way!

What does the proverb

Spare the rod and spoil

the child mean?

We should eat fish,

not children.

In the old furniture store, kindly donated by Mr Emmanuel Steinfeld, right at the top of Main

Street, and fully exposed to the elements of each changing season, sits the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum Ragged School (commonly known as the 'Ragged School'). The location, adjacent to the undertaker's premises, ensures that the children are constantly reminded of the fragility of life!

Mrs Linda Borner and Mrs Glenda Young, known as 'Ma’am' to their charges and visitors alike, are kind of heart, but very firm of hand as they undertake the delivery of a basic education to the poorest of the poor - the orphans and underprivileged urchins of the goldfields.

Nevertheless, where there is life, there is hope, and the headmistresses firmly believe that being born poor does not mean that one should remain poor. They take every opportunity to remind the children that 'Education is your way out of poverty'. An old adage that has stood the test of time!

Each morning, students learn the rudimentary skills of reading, writing and arithmetic as the basis of a sound education. However, it is in the afternoon that students of the Ragged School take

the most important steps of their young lives as they learn a trade which will set them on the path to employment and self-sufficiency. Experience in occupations such as rope making, candle making, animal care, saddlery, sewing and domestic duties helps instill the importance of skills and a good work ethic into each student.

From the goodness of his heart, the charitable Doctor of the town (or sometimes his District Nurse) visits the school each week to ensure that the students are well and fit for work, prescribing cures which befit their means – a cow pat poultice, for example, is not costly and does wonders for the symptoms of influenza!

Both headmistresses forsee a bright future for their diligent students and are keen for them to make the most of every opportunity, encouraging the girls to ‘marry well’ and the boys to undertake employment ‘above ground’, as the mines can be very dangerous places. With many a visitor coming to the school looking to employ an unfortunate child, the future of the school and its students under this strict regime looks bright indeed!

B A L L A R A T B E N E V O L E N T A S Y L U M

R A G G E D S C H O O L

L IN DA BORNER

Known as the ‘Tent School’, St Alipius’

is housed within the church with slab

walls and a canvas roof that overlooks the

Red Hill Gully Diggings. Father Matthew

Downing generously allows the church to be

used as a school 5-and-a-half days a week,

so that the Catholic children on the diggings

have a place to be educated.

Unfortunately, during his regular inspections

of the school, his generosity rarely extends

to the Headteacher who is more often than

not chastised for the lack of improvement

in academic areas and for the children's

S T A L I P I U S ’ D I G G I N G S

S C H O O L

I felt a bit scared on the

first day when Ma’am

walked near me.

I felt frustrated that

children weren’t paid

attention to back then.

atrocious singing! (Today, however, the St Alipius’

Diggings School program is suitable for all

students, not just those of the Catholic faith.)

The previous Headmaster of St Alipius’ has moved

on to a different position (possibly at Father

Downing’s suggestion) and Mrs Ravisa is the new

Headmistress. Naturally, the students will only call

her Ma’am. This is, of course, pronounced Ma’am

as in palm, not Ma’am as in ham, and all activities

will be completed without fuss or bother under

Ma’am's expert supervision.

Morning lessons will focus on the '3 Rs', with slate

and ink writing being important skills to master.

After all, boys will need these skills in their future

careers, and girls need to label jam jars using a

neat and legible hand. Afternoon lessons may

include geography, games of reason for the boys,

cross-stitching for the girls and the singing of

Irish folk songs. Hopefully, Father will note some

improvement in this area!

Ma'am is eagerly awaiting the 2018 students

of St Alipius' Diggings School, where they are

bound to have many exciting and memorable

‘1850s’ moments.

JENNI FER R AVISA

I feel sad for the

children who died at such a

young age. I feel sorry

for the girls because they

were mistreated.

My favourite part

is using an ink pen

and sewing.

PE TE R BECKWITH

Perched high atop the hill, the Wesleyan Day School rises majestically above the squalor of

the goldfields town. Surrounded by fine examples of our prosperous industries, the hard-working Methodist congregation have created their own educational institution within their magnificent new church.

Mr Peter Beckwith, Headmaster of the Wesleyan Day School, or ‘Sir’ to his pupils, ensures that students under his care receive the best possible education. In the finest traditions of the Irish National Curriculum, adopted by our new Colony of the British Empire, Sir ensures that the children are proficient in reading, writing and arithmetic. In the time-honoured tradition of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Sir also ensures that the children are kept away from the morally corrupt areas of the goldfields. The bowling saloon two doors away is patrolled at recess to ensure no children wander too close to its door, lest they are tempted by the evil-doers who frequent the establishment.

Sir’s work, however, is further complicated by demands from the Denominational Board of Education, which must be balanced against the need to uphold the standards of his employer, the Reverend Theophilus Taylor. The Reverend

works tirelessly in tending to his vastly dispersed congregation, and to raise funds to support the Church and School. To this end, Sir’s school is often visited by well-meaning benefactors, sent to inspect the school, and with a view to donating significant sums. This exacerbates the stress of Sir’s position, as many of these benevolent donors have their own opinion on his educational standards. They must all be handled very carefully or the Reverend will be informed!

The Wesleyan Day School is the latest addition to the Sovereign Hill Costumed Schools. It brings the total of full, two-day program schools to five, and will create up to 1,700 extra student places for 2018 and beyond.

The future looks bright for the Wesleyans atop the hill, writing on slate boards and using dip ink pens. The girls undertake important life skill training such as needlework, while the boys concentrate on their technical drawing. All the while, they are instilled with a proper Methodist appreciation of discipline, and a proud, morally upright, yet benevolent understanding of their position in society.

Sir looks forward to meeting and moulding new

students for many years into the future.

W E S L E Y A N D A Y S C H O O L

Bookings for the Sovereign Hill Costumed Schools are completed through an annual application process. Applications from new and existing schools are welcome.

2018 places are now fully booked. To attend in 2019 or beyond, schools need to join our mailing list.

To join or find out more contact us at sovereign.hill.sch@edumail.vic.gov.au or (03) 5337 1143.

All schools on our mailing list will be invited to apply for a booking in Term 1 of the year prior.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 PLACES WILL OPEN ON MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY, 2018.

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR STUDENTS TO HAVE THE COSTUMED SCHOOLS EXPERIENCE?