Students
School Life
Studies
Reading,
Writing, Arithmetic practical and rational, Book Keeping, Geography,
Grammar, Rhetoric, History, Natural History, English, French, plain
and ornamental Needle and Net work in all their different shapes,
will form the course of studies... This was the list provided
in the first school calendar or prospectus, which informed
parents of the education their children would receive. The Sisters
brought the curriculum of Quebec with them in the 1850s, but they
adopted the programme of the new province of British Columbia, when
it was established. In 1859, Public Oral Examinations were instituted,
and the public could come to watch as the children, likely terrified,
were tested. By 1904, Provincial Examinations were written by the
upper grades, looking towards graduation.
Religious Instruction
at the Academy was an important aspect of education. Pupils of any
denomination were received. The non-Catholic children had the option
of taking a study period while the catechism was taught, but many
were curious, and stayed in the room to listen. For many years,
this line appeared in the school prospectus: No undue influence
is exercised over the religious opinion of non-Catholics ... Catholic
pupils receive daily instruction in the principles of their religion.
Art
The prospectus
from 1911 reveals that the art departments goals changed little
over the years. The entry begins: The Academy furnishes every
facility for the study of Art in its various branches. Well-lighted
studios are supplied with a fine collection of casts from antique
as well as modern figures and grouping. Many choice pieces of value
for the study of life are also found. The entry goes on to
discuss the instruction, which consisted of Drawing from the
antique, Drawing from life, Painting from still life and Perspective
and art composition.
Sister
Osithes skill and enthusiasm for china painting enhanced
the equipment and knowledge in the department, as well as the number
of adult pupils from the Victoria community who paid for art classes
outside of school hours. The prospectus claims that instructions
are given in decorative art work, such as china, and the firing
of the latter is done weekly, both for actual students and for amateur
artists not attending the academy. The paints came in glass
bottles, powdered into a light coloured dust. Much of the skill
lay in understanding how this special paint would become vibrant,
shining colour once the china had been fired at high temperatures.
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