In the 1850s children had never heard of computers, mobile phones or television. Instead, they talked about slate boards, slate pencils, dip pens, blotting paper, Books of Lessons, the out-house, the strap, ?Sir? or ?Ma?am? Each year, over 8,000 Years 5 and 6 students from Victoria and interstate enjoy a two-day program based on the Irish National System of Education, which was widely used in 19th century Australia. It ensured that children were proficient at reading, writing and arithmetic and had a good general knowledge of geography, science and handcrafts. They dress in costume for the time attending school at Sovereign Hill and play the games of that era in the yard at recess and lunch.