The central school system in Victoria, 1915-1988

Master of EducationThis Thesis traces the origin and development of Central Schools under the State Education Department in Victoria. With the Education Act of 1910, the State entered into the provision of Secondary Education, but with the outbreak of World War 1, the serious economic problems which ensued, and the loss of manpower as teachers signed up to go to War, Tate's vision of Secondary Education for all was severely curtailed. The Central Schools quickly gained popularity as parents wished their sons and daughters to receive some secondary education. The schools themselves developed courses of study of a high standard, and many of the schools conducted scholarship courses to enable their students to win scholarships to the Private schools or the University or Melbourne High Schools. It was not until the late 1960's that the Central School system became considerably depleted, and in 1988 a final blow was struck which knelled the end of the system