School Desks from Schiers, early 20th century

Compulsory school attendance for all children in Grisons was introduced in 1859. Since that date, in theory, common people had access to school education but it would yet be decades before this legislation became fully implemented. Frequently, school children of both sexes only attended school irregularly. Many were expected to help on their parents’ farms. Education of girls in particular was found lacking. In many places school only took place in the winter months. Teachers, poorly paid as they were, had to take on additional jobs in the summer.

On display are traditional pupils’ desks from a village school where children would be taught to read, write, learn about maths, religion or singing. Rural schools often taught pupils of different ages together in the same class room. As late as the 19th century pupils were also expected to contribute to heating their class room by bringing a piece of firewood each per day.