Writing slate and pencils from the Former Model School

Writing slates were used by children who were just learning to read and write. Students were allowed to move to copybook and ink by 3rd grade, although they would continue to use the slate for maths. A class monitor would hand out the slates at the beginning of class, and collect them again at the end. While children were supposed to bring a cloth from home to clean the slates, this was often forgotten, and a combination of sleeves and spit could be used. This was regarded as being very unhygienic, as well as rough on the clothes.
Some of the slates from the Former Model School still show lines and letters formed by students at the time.