One of the more unusual subjects included in the timetable of most Victorian schools was the "Object Lesson". Head teachers were supplied each year with lists of approved "objects" to suit the different age groups or "Standards" in the school.
These lessons were usually given once a week, and the teacher had a set of cards with pictures of the particular objects being described in the lessons. This list of object lessons is from the Log Book of Pengenfford School in 1887...

As well as picture cards, some schools had fitted wooden boxes containing actual specimens of some suitable objects, and models of animals.
Although the lists seem like a strange mixture nowadays, if the lessons were done well they could be useful for teaching simple science by letting children handle materials like glass or iron and learn about their different qualities and uses.
The range of subjects also covered natural history and geography by including animals from faraway lands.

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