Basic Skills:
* Reading and Writing: Pounds believed literacy was crucial for a better life. He used innovative methods, teaching children to read by focusing on words they encountered in daily life.
* Arithmetic: Basic math skills were essential for everyday life.
* Singing and Prayer: Music was a significant part of the school, teaching children hymns and fostering a sense of community.
Life Skills and Values:
* Discipline and Order: Pounds instilled a sense of order and discipline, which was valuable for the children who came from chaotic and often abusive backgrounds.
* Industry and Work Ethic: The children often worked on tasks like sewing or making shoes, developing a sense of responsibility and the value of work.
* Social Interaction and Community: The school provided a safe haven and a sense of belonging for children who often lacked support elsewhere.
Beyond the Basics:
* Moral Instruction: Pounds taught the children about right and wrong, honesty, and kindness.
* Practical Knowledge: They learned about hygiene, health, and basic first aid.
It's important to note that:
* The curriculum wasn't standardized, as it was adapted to the individual needs of the children.
* The children's age ranged widely, meaning teaching had to be flexible.
* The focus was on providing basic skills and a foundation for a better life, rather than academic excellence.
In essence, John Pounds' Ragged School provided these impoverished children with a chance for a brighter future by instilling basic skills, life skills, and values that would serve them throughout their lives.