More than 100 pupils from Queen Katherine School at Kendal were taking part in a film about Victorian life in 1984.

The film would be used by the school’s history department as part of its syllabus.

It was based on the everyday life of the Huttons, a Kendal family with seven children who lived in Queen Street, Kendal, about 100 years previously.

Their life had been researched by the school’s history department and the children were recreating a day in their lives.

The film was being made in nine locations in and around Kendal, including the Museum of Life and Industry at Abbot Hall, Underbarrow School and a house in Burneside Road.

It was planned to use the film to teach first years at Queen Katherine about Victorian life.

Filming was being carried out by the drama department using a video camera given to the school by the governors. They had recently raised the money for the equipment through a sponsored walk.

Head Madeline Davies said: “This is very much an all-school project with 120 children, mostly from the lower school, taking part.

“They are being helped greatly by staff, parents and local people.”

Queen Katherine School’s summer fete in June 1986 raised more than £2,000. Among the many attractions was a pet show, which drew many entrants.

Also in 1986 Education Secretary Kenneth Baker visited Queen Katherine School, which had 1,200 pupils, 75 teaching staff and 35 ancillary staff.

Head Madeline Davies said: “We were delighted to have been chosen to be visited by Mr Baker. It is a compliment to the school.”

Mr Baker was particularly keen to view the school’s craft, design and technology department.

After chatting with senior students Helen Jackson, 18, Julian Dwayne, 18, and Colin Standish, 17, the Minister toured the school.

He was so impressed by the art department that he asked Mrs Davies to select a painting and send it off to be hung in the corridors of Whitehall.