Claremont Teachers College facts for kids

The Claremont Teachers College was the first place in Western Australia where people could study after high school to become teachers. It opened in 1902 and taught students until 1981. After that, it became a different type of college and later a part of Edith Cowan University.

The college building is located in Claremont, a suburb in western Perth. It is a large, two-storey building made of limestone. It sits on big grounds and has a special square tower with a crenellated top, which looks like the top of a castle wall. This historic building was added to the Register of the National Estate in 1987.

How Teacher Training Began

Early Education in Western Australia

Back in 1847, a group called the General Board of Education was created. Their job was to help schools grow in the Swan River Colony, which is now Western Australia. This board later became the Central Board of Education.

In 1893, the Education Department took over. This new department made many important changes for schools and teachers. They started classifying schools and grading teachers. They also set up a pay scale for teachers, so everyone knew how much they would earn.

Changes for Students and Schools

The Education Department also made school free for everyone. They allowed boys and girls to attend the same schools, which were called co-educational schools. They also made it a rule that children between the ages of six and 14 had to go to school.

Before the Claremont Teachers College opened, student teachers learned in a special way. They would teach in a real classroom while also studying for exams set by the Education Department. This was like learning on the job.

The College's Role in Teaching

Opening the College in 1902

In 1902, the Claremont Teachers College officially opened its doors. This was a big step forward because it meant students could now get their teaching qualifications by studying at a dedicated college. It was the only place in Western Australia where you could do this for many years.

Expanding Teacher Education

The Claremont Teachers College remained the only teacher training college until the 1950s. Then, two new colleges opened: the Churchlands and Graylands colleges. This meant more places for people to train as teachers.

It wasn't until the 1980s that universities started offering teacher education programs. Before that, colleges like Claremont were the main places for future teachers to learn.

Later Life of the Campus

The last Director of the College was Thomas Ryan. He had actually trained to be a teacher at the Claremont Teachers College himself, graduating in 1947. He became the Vice-Principal in 1972 and then the Director in 1980.

After the college closed in 1981, the campus continued to be used for education. It became a part of Edith Cowan University for 16 years, starting in 1989. Later, the University of Western Australia bought the campus. Today, it is home to different university groups, including the Confucius Institute, the University of Western Australia Press (which publishes books), and Taylors College (a college that helps students prepare for university).

Famous People Who Studied Here

Many notable people studied at the Claremont Teachers College before becoming successful in their careers. Here are a few:

• Kim Beazley senior: A well-known politician from the Labor party.
• Harry Butler: A famous naturalist who studied nature and wildlife.
• Nugget Coombs: An important economist (someone who studies how money and resources work) and a public servant (someone who works for the government).
• Rica Erickson: A respected historian (someone who studies the past) and author.
• Rolf Harris: An artist and musician.
• May Lorna O'Brien: An Aboriginal educator and author.
• Noel Robins: A skilled sailor.