Colonial education and Wandiligong Primary School Pt4

The goldrush community of Wandiligong, During the late colonial period, education within Victoria was undergoing quite a transformation. In 1872 an Education Act was introduced which enabled all Victorian students to have the opportunity to go to a school that had been established by the Government. The Education Act was actually referred to as providing a secular (non-religious), compulsory and free education for all students. In the three years that followed from 1872 to 1875 - 600 hundred new schools were built throughout the State. Previously many school buildings had been owned and run by churches and the religious communities who were also responsible for education.

Originally, Wandiligong Primary School was opened in 1860 and it a was canvas-roved Wesleyan chapel. Later, it was supported by the Presbyterian Assembly of Victoria and became known as the 'Presby school'. In 1872, at the time of the Education Act, enrolment at Wandiligong was 113 students and by the following year there were 285 students who had enrolled. So the Education Act had really opened up opportunities for young Victorians.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Colonial education