Ladies' Finishing School

During 1874, the primary classes were held in St. Mary's Church and the secondary in the presbytery. In 1875, sisters and students moved across Dandenong Road into Turret Lodge and the new grey stone building. The western end as far as the porch because the High School and the larger remaining area the Primary. The basic subjects were covered, with obvious emphasis on English and Penmanship. Drawing, Singing and Needlework were special features. One earnest pupil observes in her exercise book, "In all the ladies' schools Fancywork is taught, and it is from these schools generally that the best specimens are sent to an exhibition".

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Presbyterian Ladies College (circa 1875) was a pioneer in advanced education for women, while The Sisters of Mercy Academy, Fitzroy, and PCW were the first two Catholic secondary schools for girls. When the University of Melbourne opened its doors to women in 1881, academic achievement rapidly became a highly valued goal. However, prior to 1881, the curriculum offered at PCW was like that of a finishing school with the addition of some practical skills, such as simple accounting. Botany was considered a 'feminine' science, with plenty of scope for pleasant outdoor sketching! French was the second language.

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Te prize list for 1875 indicates the scale of values. Religious Instruction ranks first. English Composition, Literature, Reading, Handwriting, Arithmetic, History, Geography are interspersed with Music, Drawing, Singing, Needlework Application, Good Conduct and General Satisfaction. The most coveted prize is under the brief heading 'Work'.

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As the school developed, prize lists grew longer and Speech Day became an all-day affair, with a concert at 11.00 am and luncheon from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Musical items, instrumental and vocal, were multiplied as were dances, recitations, sketches and sequences from Shakespeare. A drama and a short comedy were usually on the programme. Over luncheon, the students displayed their social skills as well as their needlework and drawings. There were very definite standards to be met in speech, deportment, table etiquette and conversation.

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Nevertheless, traces of the early 'Amiability and Accomplishments Programme' have always been evident in PCW's long transition.

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Mary Kavanagh (Rosaria) pbvm