Characteristics of 19th Century Public School

What were the aims of public schools? What were the characteristics of public schools?What physical activities were originally undertaken at public schools?

Aims, Characteristics and physical activities of public schoolsHistoryHistoryPublic schools were established long before state or government schools were thought ofOnly used to cater for the elite society of the upper class (such as Eton and Harrow)During the 19th century the middle class emergedThey had worked hard for their wealth and wanted to emulate the lifestyles of the upper classNot allowed in public schools due to their backgroundMiddle class built their own Proprietary schools (such as Marlborough and Clifton)

AimsThey aimed to educate the future leaders of society for their role as politicians, lawyers and doctors

Leadership skills and behaviour befitting gentlemen key components in their education Taught social orderPrepared to serve their country in whatever way necessary

CharacteristicsCharacteristicsPublic schools for the upper and eventually the middle classesElitistFee payingControlled by trusteesOften a long way from the boys homes in rural locations- most boardedBoys leaving home at an early age became institutionalised- learning their place in societyOlder boys became prefects and younger boys were made to serve them (Fags)Bullying arose- very harsh and wide spreadSingle sex (initially for first sons only then daughters too)Strict discipline- flogging often occurredHarsh treatment and basic living conditions prepared boys for adult life

Physical ActivitiesBoys used to spend afternoons unsupervised and caused problems in the local area trespassing on property, poaching, gambling and taking part in Mob games.

School authorities disapproved of these activities because...they happened away from school groundsthey had no moral valuesthey bought the schools reputation into disrepute

Development of Physical ActivityBefore the 1850s sporting activities were seen as a waste of timeIn 1864 Queen Victoria appointed the Earl of Clarendon and his team to examine public school life

Criticised many aspects and gave advice on how to improve- recognised the value of team games Legacy remains here today with Rugby, Hockey and Cricket still popular during curricular and extracurricular time