Series 004: Fairfax School register of admission, 1921-1947

MLMSS 9894/Box 11X

series

1921-1947

9593487

0.01 metres of textual material (1 outsize box)

The SMH (Sydney Morning Herald) School was established in January 1921. The role of the school was to broaden the education of young men taken on as apprentices. By 1924 the school appears to have been known as John Fairfax and Sons Ltd School.
By 1929 the School was also known as the 'Instruction Department'. In 1944 the headmaster reported that the school had moved to the room next to the lads’ tearoom . The school then consisted of two groups (classes) plus a messenger group. The pupils were taught a range of subjects to complement their apprenticeship studies. Popular choices included the history of religion, social history of England, modern scientific developments and Shakespeare.
Fragments with the records suggest that lunchtime lectures debates and discussions available to all of the staff were conducted by the Headmaster. The variety of topics included 'Speech, tools and weapons, fire'; 'Man and animal'; 'The evolution of food, of implements, of clothing and the dwelling place'; 'Labour organization'; 'The causes of progress'; 'The modern women's movement'; Culture and happiness'.
Amongst the school records are evidence that examinations were held bi-annually for cadet reporters. Examinations were on English grammar and Shakespeare and they were encouraged to follow a 'Course in directed reading'.
A total of 426 students passed through the formal classes in the twenty six years of its existence. It appears that the school closed on 3 March 1947.
From the REA Newsletter No.16, June 1983 profile on John (Jack) Mclean (Photo engraver) "Jacks happiest memories of his Herald days are obviously of attending the Herald School. It was compulsory for every journalist to attend the school for one hour a day until the reached 21."

The register records the following information:
Register number (chronological by date of admission); Date of admission; Pupil's name; Date of birth; The School the person attended. Occasionally there is a brief note to indicate the level of education attained.

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Original Fairfax Series Number 7