Most countryside schools date from Victorian times when philanthropists, such as Charles Dickens, persuaded the upper classes that there was nothing to fear in having educated proletariat, but much to be gained. Up to the end of the 19th century, only one in seven children received any primary schooling, and this was woefully rudimentary with emphasis on the teaching of morals and religion, rather than the "three R's."
   Things were vastly different for the offspring of the well-to-do, who were expected to read and write proficiently by the time they were five or six. They would then go to boarding school, taking Latin, Greek, philosophy, mathematics and science.
   By the age of ten, they would have an exemplary standard in all subjects, could recite vast chunks of poetry, and play at least two musical instruments well. Much was expected of them, as they would become leaders in whatever walk of life they chose, and would rely on the depth and breath of their learning in whatever vocation and in whichever part of the globe they settled. Education today allows an equal chance for everyone and those Victorian founding fathers would be proud of the achievements made.