Section Two

Initially most schools in the province concentrated on basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills.

Nakusp school library
with Mrs. Cusick
C-04699
For many children education would end before high school, after gaining rudimentary skills in reading and writing the boys would go off to work, while girls would stay at home helping their mothers until they themselves married and had children.

Over time the school curriculum has changed to ensure that students continue to receive the education required to meet the changing demands of society.

Gym class at
St. Margaret's school, 1920s
F-00130
In girls' schools, classes such as art and gymnastics (which promoted grace and poise) were once considered very important because they encouraged feminine traits.

AAAA0296, BC Archives, MS-01924, Vol. 3 File 1, Drawing Book with picture of root vegetables

Classes were also offered in technical and vocational subjects, although in many cases these were segregated by gender until the 1970s, with girls studying cooking and sewing while boys concentrated on wood and metal work.

King Edward High School,
Vancouver, sewing class, 1918
C-07582
King Edward High School,
Vancouver, woodworking shop, 1918
C- 07575


Apart from the educational aspects of schools, it has always been acknowledged that schooling provides an excellent forum for socialization. Students are required to work, play, communicate and understand people who may have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences. Because of sharing a common curriculum, almost all students in the province will share a similar knowledge base upon graduation which provides a strong social tie.

As well, schools often provide a focal point for whole communities, drawing together people with disparate interests and skills who share the common belief in the value of education.






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