Youngsters put straight over the work of Dickens

ONE FALMOUTH school child thought renowned author Charles Dickens was the creator of the Muppets.

In celebrating the life of the author, pupils at Marlborough School were asked to think about his stories and characters.

From left, Corbin, Leon, Jake and Louie look every bit the Victorian street urchins.
Head teacher Richard Gambier as Fagin and his gang, form the classic story of Oliver. Youngsters paid £1 to dress up, which went towards funds for the library.
At Marlborough School Dickens Day are Faye, Felicia, Jay and Mia, who all got into the spirit of the day, swapping jackets for shawls.
Jasmine and Sam at Marlborough School Dickens Day.
Marlborough School Class 2 all dressed up for the Dickens Day, where characters ranged from Oliver and Artful Dodger to Miss Haversham.
Ernie looks very smart in his hat.
From left, Harriet, Olivia, Zak and Gabe are all thoroughly enjoying the day at school.
Jack looking forward to lunch.
Gabriel who shares the same birthday as Charles Dickens.
Madeiline, Amelia and Cordelia all show off their costumes.

But probably having seen the Muppet Christmas Carol, the youngster appears to have become a little confused.

Head teacher Mr Gambier said:"Dickens is not particularly assumed to be accessible to children and when I first mentioned it to the children one asked 'Did he invent the Muppets?'

"But he wrote brilliant stories and they tie in with history and social awareness."

200th

To mark the 200th anniversary of his birth, the school held a special day of events.

Children were encouraged to dress up as characters and among them were Oliver, the Artful Dodger, Pip and Miss Havisham and even staff got into character.

Head teacher Richard Gambier was delighted with how everyone responded.

"It was a bit off the cuff, so they only had two weeks' notice, but the children came up trumps," he said.

A £1 "fine" was paid by all who took part which has gone towards the cost of completing the school's new library.

Mr Gambier said it was important to remember the author.

During the day some of the children watched the film The Old Curiosity Shop and used character images to create their own stories. Mr Gambier, as Fagin, led the reception children on a storytelling journey.

Even lunch was themed, with an Oliver's Dream menu of sausage and mash and jelly and ice cream.

"It was a great day," added Mr Gambier.