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These wooden dumbbells, from the early 20th Century, can be seen on display in the Victorian Classroom at St. John’s Museum. Dumbbells like these would have been used as part of exercise and drill lessons in the Victorian School.

The role of exercise was to teach children to follow instructions and be obedient, rather than encouraging health and fitness. Military style drill was used to develop discipline; this would have taken place in the playground or, in bad weather, between the children’s desks.

‘…Wretched weather prevents open air drill, only dumb-bells exercise can be taken inside.’

Extract from Atherstone National Free Grammar School Log Book, November 6th 1903. (Warwickshire County Record Office- CR 370/2)

Sometimes drill would be done to simple music, usually played on a piano. The book ‘Musical Drill for Children’ by Winifred Wilson c.1870-1890, contains illustrations that were intended to promote health and happiness in the nursery and schoolroom.

‘Children used “Dumb Bells” for the first time this afternoon’

Extract from Binton C of E Junior and Infants School Log Book, February 25th 1898. (Warwickshire County Record Office- CR 701(2))

Today, with the growing concern about childhood obesity, children at school are encouraged to be as active as possible. Physical Education or P.E. is an important part of the school timetable and children take part in a wide range of sports and activities. Competitive and team sports are encouraged as they teach teamwork, discipline, self-respect and how to cope with winning and losing.