In 1879, in Victorian England, a seven year old student was expected to complete the following test:
6,341 + 1,098 +3587 +209 + 4716 =
5000 – 3801 =
Add together 7/9, 12/27, 4/5, 12, 9/17, 18 6/7 and divide the answer by 2/7 of 9/11 of 20
How many minutes are there in 17/241 of a year? (365 1/4 days = 1 year)
120 years later seven year olds are asked:
6 + 2 =
7 – 3 =
There are 39 cheese sandwiches. Each costs 45p. Use your calculator to work out the cost of 39 cheese sandwiches. What is the number in your calculator display. Write it down. Write your answer in pounds.
Since 1879, some educators in England feel that standards expected of students are five years have fallen behind by five years. While some educators criticize the old curriculum suggesting that Victorian children did not understand their work. Other critics say that Victorian students left school knowing how to estimate volume, weight and volume compared to many children today who cannot complete the say tasks.
