Christian Schiller facts for kids
Christian Schiller was an important person in British education. He was an Inspector of Schools in the United Kingdom and helped bring new, modern ideas to how young children were taught in primary schools. He was born on September 20, 1895, in New Barnet, London, and passed away on February 11, 1976, in Kenton, London.
Early Life and Education
Christian Schiller went to schools like Tyttenhanger Lodge and Gresham's School in Holt. He was a very good student, even becoming the head boy at Gresham's. He was also good at sports, especially sprinting. He won a special scholarship to study mathematics at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
However, his university studies were put on hold because of World War I. After the war, from 1919 to 1920, he went to Cambridge University for a short time to study mathematics. Later, in 1923–1924, he studied for a Teachers Diploma at the London Day Training College. This helped him become a qualified teacher.
War Service
Before he could start at Cambridge, World War I began. Christian Schiller decided to join the army. He became an officer in the Lincolnshire Regiment. He spent most of the war fighting on the front lines.
He took part in important battles, including the Battle of Mons. In 1917, he was injured during a battle. For his bravery, he was given the Military Cross, which is a special medal for courage in battle.
Career in Education
After leaving Cambridge, Christian Schiller taught maths at Rendcomb School in Gloucestershire from 1920 to 1923. This was a school known for its modern teaching methods. He also joined a group that looked at how geometry was taught.
In 1924, after getting his teaching diploma, he became an Assistant Inspector of Schools for the Board of Education. He started his work in London.
In 1925, he moved to Liverpool and became a District Inspector of Schools. From 1937 to 1946, he worked in Worcestershire. After the Education Act 1944 was passed, which changed education in Britain, he was given a very important job. In 1946, he became the first Staff Inspector for Primary Education for the Ministry of Education. He was based in London.
In this role, he organized training courses for primary school teachers. He often worked with Robin Tanner. He strongly believed in and promoted new, progressive ideas for teaching young children.
Christian Schiller retired from the Ministry in 1955. But he didn't stop working! He became a senior lecturer at the Institute of Education. There, he taught a course on primary education from 1956 to 1963. Many future educators, like Leonard Marsh, Arthur Razzell, and John Coe, were his students. Even after his official retirement in 1963, he continued to give lectures and advise on education. He also helped examine students. In 1955, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his great work.
He was also part of the Plowden Committee at Goldsmiths' College. In the early 1970s, he helped shape their new course for teachers who wanted to specialize in primary education.
Family Life
On August 19, 1925, Christian Schiller married Lyndall Handover. She was also educated at the Godolphin and Latymer School, Royal Holloway College, and the London Day Training College. This is where she met Christian. Lyndall used to teach English and French. After they got married, she stopped teaching. They had three daughters named Gerda, Meryl, and Lyris, and one son named Russell.
Personal Papers
Christian Schiller's personal papers, which include his notes and writings, are kept in the Archives of the Institute of Education [1]. You can find a full list of his papers on their online catalogue.
