Pamphlet About Ragged Schools 1853

Ragged schools were developed by John Pounds who was

a shoemaker in 1818. They are set up by Christians who aim feed, clothe and

educate poor, ‘unhappy children’. Ragged schools spread rapidly and there were 350 by the

time the Elementary Education Act was passed in 1870. Charles Dickens’ visit to Field Lane Ragged School in 1843

inspired him to write A Christmas Carol.

The text

Originally for ages 5-13 The need for it was due to Britain wanting to be at the

forefront of manufacturing There were objections, many remained hostile to “mass

education” Surprisingly parents had the right to withdraw children

from religious education Before this act, children worked 10 hour days before

going to ragged schools

The Education Act 1870

Negative connotations

Emotive language is used to play on the emotions of the reader to create empathy for homeless uneducated children.

Education treated like a charity

Sentence complexity and length

Persuasive language

Massive social problem

Religious lexis -relies on religion shows change in society

Children had a choice

Insight to the food they had

persuasive

People would starve and be homeless due to the lack of benefit systems

No prejudice

weakened