Public schools and the three stages of athleticism

Overview

The nineteenth-century public schools, the first stage of bullying and disorder, Thomas Arnold and the second stage, prefects and games, the third stage and the cult of athleticism, Muscular Christianity and Tom Brown's School Days.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What were the English public schools of the nineteenth century?

   Model answer

   The public schools were fee-paying boarding schools for the sons of the upper and upper-middle classes. Rugby, Eton and Harrow are examples.

2. 2

   What characterised the first stage of public school sport, before about 1828?

   Model answer

   Boys brought popular recreations such as mob football and hunting from home. Games were brutal, disorganised and largely unsupervised.

3. 3

   Why was the first stage marked by bullying and disorder?

   Model answer

   Boys ran much of their own lives with little adult control. Rebellions and violence were common in the schools.

4. 4

   Who led the second stage of public school reform?

   Model answer

   Thomas Arnold, headmaster of Rugby School from 1828 to 1842, led the reforms of the second stage.

5. 5

   How did Arnold use games as a means of social control?

   Model answer

   Arnold used organised games to channel the boys' energy and reduce disorder. Games kept boys occupied and within school bounds.

6. 6

   How did the prefect system link to games?

   Model answer

   Prefects were given responsibility for organising games and discipline. Leadership of games taught older boys to manage others.

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.