Public Schools Flashcards
Aims of public schools:
Build self-confidence Respect for social order Preparation to serve country Life preparation Careers of high levels (bankers/lawyers/army officers) Academic qualifications Trust Development of sport (athleticism) Leadership Independence
What are public schools?
A private, fee paying, independent school
Characteristics of public schools:
Games dominate pe Boys only 13-18 Bullying/fagging Formal-upper class: elitist/sons of the gentry Spartan (basic) Uniform Preserving history Boarding Private Christian ethos - muscular Christianity Control of trustees Hierarchy of students (prefects/blues) Traditions Original 9 High levels of discipline - authority Rural (non-local)
Define athleticism:
Combination of physical endeavor with moral integrity
Athleticism ran parallel with…
Muscular Christianity
Muscular Christianity is an evangelical movement combining the …
Christian and chivalric ideals of masculinity.
Included the belief that healthy bodies were needed alongside healthy minds in order to serve god
Muscular Christians only supported rational activities - why, developed qualities such as:
Teamwork/loyalty to a cause Conforming to rules/fair play Playing honourably Use of 'God-Given' abilities God-dedicated performance
Blues is a term used at Oxford and Cambridge universities where sport performers were award a colour for playing in the uni teams.
Blues often returned to their…
Old schools to help as coaches of sporting activities
How did sport become more rational?
The public schools played a huge role Only catered for the upper classes Future leaders of society Respect for social order Emerging middle class started new schools
How were games developed:
Developed rules/boundaries Competitions Training/coaching Skills/tactics/strategies Leadership Kit to define teams Morals/muscular Christianity/athleticism Acted as melting pots Codification More variety Higher standards
Why were team games so highly valued in public schools?
Character training - winning and losing Recreation value Moral values of teamwork Sportsmanship developed Athleticism encouraged Keep students out of trouble
Concepts of athleticism:
Manliness Physical endeavour Appreciating the value of healthy exercise Accepting discipline and rules Moral integrity
Concepts of muscular Christianity:
Teamwork/loyalty Conforming to the rules/fair play Playing honourably more important than winning Use of 'god-given' abilities Performance dedicated to god