The provision of technical education in Sunderland prior to 1908

Abstract

The period dealt with by this survey is from 1825 to 1908, those being the dates, respectively, of the first foundation of the Sunderland mechanics’ Institutes and the end of the first phase of Sunderland technical college’s development. The mechanics institute, which was declining by 1856, was succeeded, in 1855, by a navigation school which operated under south konoington regulations until 1864. That year, a science and art school, established in 1861, was closed, and another was opened in 1869. This last developed into a central school of art and science offering dry and evening courses, maintained a continuous existence for nearly forty years; and evolved into two major institutions for art and technical education respectively. From 1873 onwards the work of this school was supplemented by varying members of science and art evening classes provided mainly through private enterprises. The development of these institutions is traced in detail- with particular performance to such questions as the type of instruction given and by who, the subjects taken, contemporary view on technical education, methods of administration, and the status of teachers- against the background of nineteenth century economic development in Sunderland and in relation to development on the national scene. The local development dealt with show clearly the change of public opinion with regard to provision of technical education facilities that take place during periods. Such provision, during most of the nineteenth century was regarded as the concern of private enterprise, but by 1903, local authority provision dominated the field. The local administrative reorganisation which accepted this change of view is also dealt with. The survey concluded by driving general conclusions about such matters as the curriculum, the types and numbers of students, their motive for attendances, accuses of expansion and the aims of technical education during the period.