The study of life in Victorian Times with Key Stage 2 pupils, or aspects of life beyond living memory (now ‘the more distant past’) with children in Key Stage 1 is surely one of the richest and most popular historical themes. Some books come immediately to mind. Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist must have a place in any catalogue of Victorian Fiction. The story is a classic in every sense of the word, most certainly film versions of the book - and with an eye to the literacy hour and the raging successes of ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ on the TV last year, it is opportune for us that the high profile TV adaptation is currently being screened. We await the outcomes of this with real interest - we have already noted how well-nourished, clean and tidy young Oliver looks on the trailer! (At the time of writing, only programme 1 has been aired; we have yet to see young Oliver’s famous request for ‘more’.)