The history of education in New South Wales, 1788-1900 : a study of the origins and development of the colony's infant, primary and secondary education, with special reference to the influence of European educational theories and practices.

Abstract

The first century of so of educational development in the colony of New South Wales falls into two broad divisions - the pre-national era, from 1788 to 1848, and the period of the national system , from 1848 to 1900. The first of these phases, characterised by a loose arrangement between Church and State for the control of education, was not an impressive one. The educational provision was generally poor in every respect. At no stage could the proportion of the rising generation, per head of population, receiving education be compared favourably with the ratios of children under instruction in the educationally advanced countries of Europe. Furthermore, throughout this period, the enlightened pedagogic theories and practices being developed on the Continent of Europe had little impact on the mainstream of colonial educational activity.