Public Schools: The Promotion and Organisation of Sports and Games.Mr. P. LeightonSocio-Cultural IssuesSport and Culture.

Todays SessionQuickly Review last session on ETHNIC SPORTS- What are some of their characteristics?Understand the changes that came about in the Nineteenth Century- particularly in Queen Victorias reign. Understand the importance of the House System and how sports were involved.Begin to look at Amateurism and Professionalism.

Starter ActivityPut together the Jigsaw pieces that describe the activity: Cheese rolling

AnswersLocal: Only really done on Coopers Hill, Gloucestershire.Traditional: Has survived since the test of timeOccasional: Done every year- every spring bank HolidayTourism: Draws massive crowds and spectators along with industry and revenue for the local towns and pubs.Relatively Isolated: Done on the same hill in Gloucestershire, has not become mainstream and overtaken by media.Rowdy: the nature of the activity draws rowdy behaviour as well as drinking and celebrations afterwards.

The Nineteenth CenturyBritain shifted from a rural to an urban society- gradually became more civilized.For us as socio-cultural observers however some of the main changes werePublic baths were built to counteract the devastation of choleraA reduction in working hours- meaning more free time for the working classRSPCA Formation- a total ban on blood sports such as dog fighting.

ContinuedImproved transport and communication- i.e. railwaysQ. How was this important in a sporting context?Improved literacyQ. How was this important in a sporting context?

Public SchoolsLarge numbers of middle and upper classes attended the elite public schools such as Eton, Rugby and Harrow boarding schools.These institutions were used to educated and also prepare the pupils for leadership roles in society.Question: why were they called public schools?

So what was so good about Eaton/Rugby boarding schools?Specialist facilitiesAcademic Assistant Masters Professional coachesBoarding Schools= More Free time.Vast grounds= expansion could occur.All this allowed the young boys of the 1880s to excel in sport.

What games did they play?Association footballRugby (before the split)Eton Wall game Eton/Rugby FivesCricket

How were these sports organised?House games captains would organise a lot of the sport.Teams were posted and pupils were encouraged to take part.Also these sports allowed teachers time off- society at the time was unruly and this was reflected in its youth.Fixtures then became more commonplace between schools- also a reflection of society.

The after effects of the house systemPupils were educated and took their love of sport to universities- and then into their adult lives.In the 19th Century (1800-1900) Britain embarked on developing a grand empire- of which is governed many sovereign states around the world.Christianity and its values were spread- along with the British ways of life- who do you think went abroad to manage these states?

So where did the ex-public schoolboys go?The rainforests of Africa.The islands of the Pacific.The plains of India.The prairies of Canada.What are some of the sports they took with them?

In addition to thisNot all ex-public schoolboys went abroad- they became vicars, industrialists, teachers and simply parents.The values they held allowed them to help create loyal, brave and co-operative Christian gentlemen.They also helped set up some of the NGBs which are still active today...

They areThe Football Association (FA)The Rugby Football Union (RFU)The Amateur Athletics Association (AAA)

In conclusion thenWhat were some of the key things that occurred in the 19th Century?Why was the invention of good public transport so important to spectators?What was so good about the public school system?What did the public schoolboys take with them as well as religion and education?