Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.370
Object Name
Medal
Title
1894. THE QUEEN VICTORIA MEDAL. SCHOOL BOARD FOR LONDON1887/ AWARDED TO ... FOR PUNCTUAL ATTENDANCE EVERY TIME THE SCHOOL OPENED DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR ENDED A.D. 1894
Place
London & England & UK
People
Queen Victoria; Howell, J.
Date
1894-1896
Description
During the Victorian period, schools were established for the poor, but getting children to attend punctually and regularly was a problem. Child-labour, helping about the house, and many other chores, competed with school for a child's time. It was only in the latter part of Victoria's reign, following the establishment of the School Boards system in 1870, that improved punctuality was achieved.
Medals such as this one were an award of merit to young pupils for punctuality, which then, as now, was considered a virtue.
Teachers instructed their pupils on punctuality and its importance to future employers. They were threatened with the use of the cane if late, and it was generally applied.
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