Ackworth School - A Quaker School for those "not in affluence".

Curriculum and activities.

1779-1799. 

Dr. Fothergill had wished learning to be combined with manual work, not for the economic reasons normally to be expected at that period, as a means for providing cheap labour for the household and farm, but as a matter of educational policy. "Learning and labour properly intermixed greatly assist the ends of both, a sound mind in a healthy body".

Boys: 

Curriculum:

• English language.

• Reading.

• Writing.

• Spelling.

• English Grammar (in upper classes).

• Arithmetic.

Manual work:

• Waiting the table.

• Cleaning shows and knives.

• Helping in the bakery and the dairy

• Working in the garden or on the farm.

Girls:

Curriculum:

• English language.

• Reading.

• Writing.

• Spelling.

• English Grammar (in upper classes).

• Arithmetic. 

• Housewifery. 

• Needlework (spinning, sewing and knitting).

Manual work:

• Mending the linen.

• Waiting at the Housekeeper's table where the members of staff took their meals.

• Taking it in turns to assist the laundress and the mantua maker.

An essential feature to education at Ackworth was meeting for worship. A small part of every day was devoted to silent and serious thoughtfulness.

Page updated 8th September, 2015.