Year 4 students experienced New Zealand’s colonial past when they visited Howick Historical Village last week. Not only were they dressed appropriately in attire from the 1840’s, but the boys practiced their chivalry as they offered to accompany the girls into the village store.

The class had an opportunity to explore old-time travellers’ packing cases, seeing the kind of items they brought on their big shift to the southern hemisphere. They visited a Victorian classroom, where they displayed the manners that are so important at Ficino School as they raised their hands and stood up to answer.

Visiting the houses (or shacks) of the settlers showed them how lucky they are to live in an era with indoor bathroom facilities, running water and electricity.

From riding in a horse and cart, to putting themselves in the stocks, churning butter and sifting for gold, the children decided that, while there were some similarities, there are a lot of differences that make life in the 21st century  much easier!