Residents of the capital of Great Britain have always stood out thanks to their literacy and high level of knowledge. London’s educational institutions have been and remain world-famous thanks to unique teaching methods and the overall quality of the educational process. However, the history of education development in the city has its dark pages too. Most of the problems were related to certain stereotypes and principles that were formed in certain historical periods and took root forever. What were the characteristic features of education in different centuries? How did scientists from London manage to achieve incredible success? Why is the modern city one of the best educational centres in the world? Learn more at london1.one.
Connection between education and religion
The first known teaching systems throughout Great Britain were predominantly oral. They were greatly influenced by the Roman educational model. Still, we don’t know much about the first educational institutions on the territory of modern London. The first events that could be verified took place after the arrival of Augustine of Canterbury in England. He started to establish schools related to churches. Their number was insignificant and they were focused mainly on religious subjects. Such institutions began to appear in London around the 7th and 8th centuries. The development of education in the Middle Ages also had a close connection with the church. Then schools paid much attention to the study of Latin. There were also special educational institutions that trained singers for church choirs.
Further development and social stereotypes
For a long time, the opportunity to study was associated with many stereotypes and social norms. Education remained the privilege of wealthy people or those who had the “right” worldview and were ready to devote their lives to the church. In poor families, children were involved in family crafts and didn’t even have the basic skills of writing and reading. However, later, boys got the opportunity to enter a seminary or university (when they first appeared in London), meanwhile, girls had no rights in the educational system at the time and could be taught only at home. Wealthy families hired private tutors. Representatives of the lower classes passed on their own knowledge and skills to their daughters. Moreover, there were subjects, information and scientific works that were considered unnecessary for a woman.
Important changes in the field of education took place at the end of the 19th century. In particular, the adoption of the Elementary Education Act 1870 played a key role in that process. In addition, the city formed the School Board for London, which was aimed at ensuring a sufficient number of places in primary schools for children from poor families. The board’s activities were focused on building new schools and improving existing ones. Higher education was also developing. The 19th century was marked by the opening of many new universities. Moreover, even women got the opportunity to enter the University of London in 1868. The development of the educational sphere was somewhat suspended during the war period. After all, during the Second World War, many children were evacuated to the countryside. However, after the war, the educational institutions of the capital of Great Britain became a dream for many people around the world.
London is the centre of modern educational life
Modern educational methods developed in London attract the attention of teachers and students from different parts of the world. Many foreigners come to the city to study as well. London’s scientists have the opportunity to conduct their research in the best-equipped laboratories. Modern technologies are implemented in every local educational institution and make learning as comfortable as possible.