Dickens day at Riverwiew school

Schoolchildren have been studying Charles Dickens in the week his bicentenary was celebrated.

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On Friday a week-long programme of events at Riverview Junior School, Cimba Wood, Gravesend, saw them dress up as their favourite characters created by the world-famous author, who lived and died at nearby Gad’s Hill Pace, Higham.

Days earlier celebrations were held around the world, marking the 200th anniversary of his birth on February 7.

At the school, children became Scrooges, Artful Dodgers, Bill Sykes’, Miss Havishams, Little Nells, Mr Pickwicks and other characters.

A school spokesman said: “The school has a strong link with the author and his many novels as their four school houses are Pickwick, Nickleby, Copperfield and Weller.

“There is a permanent display in the school hall on their local heritage which shows a painting of Charles Dickens.

During the week the school had visits from members of the Rochester and Medway Dickens Society who, dressed up as various well-known characters, came and gave talks about the author’s life, his books and various fictional figures.

They learned how the areas around Gravesend and Rochester had inspired the writer and the stories where local places were described and produced art work on the subject.

Pupils also researched Dickens’ work helping the poor and needy.”

Meals in the canteen were re-named Pickwick Mash and Artful Dodger’s Bangers – gruel was of course optional!