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England Education in Elizabethan Period
Most of the schools were established between the ruling times of Edward VI and the last term of the 16th century. The curriculum of the school and the Elizabethan England education were imposed by the present monarch. In such case, this was also a reflection of the religion of the ruling King or Queen.
England childhood education for five to seven year-old boys in Elizabethan period was mostly conducted inside the house of an educated housewife or so-called teacher. These houses were called Petty Schools.
The lessons were writing and reading skills in the English language, catechism teachings, and behavior studies because they were then regarded as the vital components of an Elizabethan education.
Passages about being a good Christian were also taught and learned by heart by these children. A study of the works of great authors of classical literature such as Virgil was also part of the curriculum for children's education. Generally speaking, childhood education in Elizabethan times was observed very strictly by the boys and for the boys' development.
The schools were mainly for grammar education and were subdivided into two - the public and the private. The public schools for grammar were raised from monetary assistance of the noble or rich patrons and were intended for both the poor and rich boys; girls were not allowed in here.
On the other hand, the private schools for grammar were charging school fees to parents of the boys. Each of the grammar schools had their students learn both Latin and Greek. Bible reading and monetary contribution to schools were believed by English Protestants to be significant and a moral obligation.
Education in England in Elizabethan times was more available but yet limited to the males. Plus, the fact that education was dependent on the social ranking of the person. Illiteracy was common to laborers; merchants were of course more educated than them.
Most likely literate were the gentlemen because of the chance to attend education in the two best universities in England, the Cambridge University and Oxford University. In these universities, they were able to study theology, medicine, law, philosophy, and classical literature in both Greek and Latin.
Gentlemen's sons were also given the opportunity to take up law studies in London's Inns of Courts. The courts were to prepare them to become lawyers in the courts of law or in royal career services.
For further education and new learning possibilities besides university education, the nobility classes or the privileged ones were also provided the opportunity to make necessary tours around European major cities. This meant having the monetary capability and securing a license from the monarch.
Printing press companies were scarce like any other European nation; however, there was a growing industry in printing businesses. It was only the gentlemen who were able to buy expensive literatures like works by Aristotle; the poor groups were sold books on popular stories only by roving sellers. English Protestants were also permitted to read books by John Calvin or Martin Luther.
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