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As Ontario's educational system evolved,
the curriculum expanded to include subjects intended to provide
a broader range of life skills and experiences. By the 1870s practical
training programs were being introduced into both elementary and
secondary schools. New subjects such as manual training
(industrial training with wood and metal), commercial training,
domestic science and agricultural training
were being promoted to develop observational and co-ordination skills,
increase students' respect for labour and to ultimately benefit
the province with a skilled workforce.
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“Every
occupation, however humble, has a science underlying it. The
intelligent mechanic is trained to think for himself. The
unskilled one becomes a mere machine. For the acquisition
of knowledge and for the right manipulation of tools, persons
at the present day must look to the schools and technical
institutes for what was formerly secured by the apprentice
system.”
Report
of the Minister of
Education, 1900, (p.xxxv.)
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Click
to see a larger image (86K)
Mr. Rothstance and trade school manual training class in Toronto,
1911
Multicultural History Society of Ontario fonds
Black and white print
Reference Code: F 1405-15-65, MSR 7391-29
Archives of Ontario, I0005047 |
Click
to see a larger image (75K)
Home economics class in Toronto, 1911
Multicultural History Society of Ontario fonds
Black and white print
Reference Code: F 1405-15-65, MSR 7391-32
Archives of Ontario, I0005045 |
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Technical schools and institutes,
specially equipped for the training programs they offered, were
established in areas where there was demand for specific trades.
For example, technical schools were created in industrial cities
like Hamilton and Toronto.
Click
to see a larger image (117K)
Electrical wiring class at the Hamilton
Technical School, [ca. 1920]
Ministry of Education
Black and white print
Reference Code: RG 2-71, TH-4
Archives of Ontario, I0004263 |
![Photo: Electrical wiring class at the Hamilton Technical School, [ca. 1920]](pics/4263_electrical_class_270.jpg)
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![Photo: Sheet metal class drafting class at the Hamilton Technical School, [ca. 1920]](pics/4262_metal_class_520.jpg)
Sheet metal class drafting class at the Hamilton Technical School,
[ca. 1920]
Ministry of Education
Black and white print
Reference Code: RG 2-71, TH-1
Archives of Ontario, I0004262 |
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Agricultural training
is one example of curriculum directed towards preparing students
for a particular occupation. This training was incorporated
into the elementary and secondary schools with the intention
of building a skilled workforce of farmers and discouraging
rural students from moving to the cities to find work.
Another example of the expansion of curriculum to provide life
skills is found in the promotion of physical
education. Participation in sports, athletics and
outdoor or indoor exercise has been an important part of the
daily routine for students for many decades. Though it wasn't
a part of the formal education curriculum until the late 19th
century, students were encouraged to live an active lifestyle
by participating in a variety of physical activities.
As a means of providing life experiences and expanding students'
horizons, teachers have often taken their classes out into the
community. Class trips to the sugarbush and to Ontario educational
attractions, like the Ontario Science Centre, have become an
important part of each student's school experience.
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