Frederic Chapple facts for kids

Frederic Chapple (born October 12, 1845 – died February 29, 1924) was a very important headmaster at Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, South Australia. He led the school for many years, from 1876 to 1914, and helped make it a great place for learning. He was also honored with a special award, the Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG), for his contributions.

Frederic Chapple's Early Life and Education

Frederic was born in London, England. His parents were John Chapple, a builder, and Louisa Chapple. Even though his family were Presbyterians, they sent Frederic to a Wesleyan Methodist school. This school had a very good reputation for teaching.

Frederic was a brilliant student. He did very well in his studies and also took part in the religious life of the school and church. When he was 18, he won a scholarship to Westminster Training College. He excelled there, always coming out on top of his class. He also stayed very active in his church, holding several important roles.

After college, he worked as a temporary head of the teaching schools run by the college. At the same time, he studied for his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from London University. In 1870, he got a permanent job teaching science and math at Westminster Wesleyan Methodist College. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. Frederic believed that religious teachings were important in all schools, not just church schools. He helped start the National Union of Elementary Teachers.

Leading Prince Alfred College

In late 1875, the headmaster of Prince Alfred College resigned. The school committee asked Frederic Chapple to take over. After thinking about it, he accepted the offer. He arrived in Adelaide with his family on April 8, 1876. The very next day, he joined the Kent Town Church and attended it for the next 32 years.

When Frederic became headmaster, he made some big changes. He reduced the focus on old languages like Latin and Greek. Instead, he put much more importance on English, mathematics, and science. However, he made sure the school kept its strong connection with the Methodist Church. He was a powerful speaker and taught his students to prepare well and speak clearly.

Frederic also believed that a healthy body was just as important as a healthy mind. He brought a new focus on physical fitness to the school. He made sure the school had modern gym and sports equipment. He encouraged students to be proud of their sports achievements, especially in competitions against St. Peter's College. He was strict but always cheerful. Students remembered him fondly, sometimes calling him "Jingles" or "Conk." He even played cricket for the school team in his early days.

He was very good at making the school well-known and respected. This helped the school raise money for new buildings from parents and donations from former students.

Frederic retired in November 1914. He bought a house in Norwood, South Australia, where he lived with his wife and unmarried daughter, Dr. Phoebe Chapple. He remained active in many areas until he was badly injured in a fall. He passed away in Norwood and was buried in the West Terrace Cemetery.

Other Important Roles

Frederic Chapple had many interests outside of Prince Alfred College:

• He joined the Senate of the Adelaide University in 1877. He was its warden for 40 years and a member of the University Council for 23 years.
• He was President of the Collegiate Schools Association and Vice-President of the Teachers' Guild.
• He was a founding member and trustee of the Adelaide YMCA.
• He was the first President of Our Boys' Institute, holding that role for five years.
• He was the second President of the Council of Churches.
• He was President of the South Australian Literary Societies' Union.
• He loved cricket and was also a keen tennis player. He was a longtime member of the Kensington club, one of Adelaide's first tennis clubs.

He did not travel much outside Australia. He went to Britain in 1901 for a Methodist conference and again in 1920 for a holiday and to represent the Council of Churches.

Frederic Chapple's Family Life

Frederic Chapple married Elizabeth Sarah Hunter, a schoolmistress, on April 16, 1870, in England. They had eight children, and many of them achieved great things:

• Edith Chapple (1872–1937) was involved with various organizations like Our Girls' Institute. Her daughter, Margaret, also became a medical doctor.
• Frederic John Chapple (1872–1948) became a medical superintendent at hospitals in Queensland and Adelaide.
• Marian Chapple (1874–1930) earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
• Alfred Chapple (1876–between 1930 and 1948) earned a Bachelor of Science degree and won an engineering scholarship.
• Gertrude "Gertie" Chapple (1878–1947) was known for her singing and violin playing.
• Dr. Phoebe Chapple (1879–1967) was a famous medical doctor. She was one of the first women doctors to work at the front during World War I and was awarded the Military Medal in 1918.
• Dr. Harold Chapple (1881–1945) became a specialist doctor in London.
• Ernest "Ernie" Chapple (1882–1940) was the first to qualify in electrical engineering at Adelaide University. He was also a talented athlete and lacrosse player.

Six of Frederic's eight children earned degrees from the University of Adelaide, and several went on to earn higher degrees from other famous universities like Cambridge or London.

Honors and Tributes

Frederic Chapple received many honors during his life:

• He was offered a job as a university principal in the USA but turned it down.
• He was made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1915.
• When he retired in 1914, the students of Prince Alfred College gave him a special message. It thanked him for his "great and noble work" and said that students owed him a debt they could never repay. They promised to keep up the honor of the school he had worked so hard for.
• In 1917, a bronze statue of Frederic Chapple's head was made by Gustave A. Barnes. It was paid for by former students and is proudly displayed at the college.
• A later headmaster, J. F. Ward, said that Frederic Chapple was "the man who really founded Prince Alfred College as a great school."