Technical Education in Scotland: A Course for Mixed Ability Pupils in the First Two Years of Secondary Schools

Abstract

Towards the end of the 19th century technical subjects were introduced in a number of secondary schools in Scotland. Initially studies were confined to woodwork but by the 1930s many technical departments were also offering courses in technical drawing, applied mechanics and metalwork. Study of the philosophy behind these courses reveals some fluctuations in emphasis; in some periods stress was placed on activity, exploration and discovery. At other times the teaching of skills and craft processes were considered to be more important. Generally, though, there were long spells of stability and change, if any, was gradual.

In more recent times the accelerating rate of change of technological innovation appears to have made continuous change become the order of the day.