NRS-21056 | Records relating to the history of the New South Wales Correspondence School (Blackfriars)

Full description

This series consists of records that relate to the history of the New South Wales Correspondence School. This includes the Oral History project that recorded teachers' and students' recollections, videotapes that depict the history of the Correspondence School, as well as material that was used for the Centenary, and Bicentenary celebrations.

The Correspondence School organised a number of events to mark Australia's Bicentennial year. A grand reunion, designed to bring together former staff and students, and an Open Day, were organised during 2-4 September, 1988.

The papers include an invitation list; circulars advertising events; press releases; minutes of Bicentennial committee meetings; correspondence from former students; copies of Merit Certificates awarded to former students; a reprint of The Outpost, Vol. I, December 1935; the Multicultural Cookbook; two Visitor's books; and a book titled 'I remember when...' in which visitors were invited to record their memories. There are also a small number of colour photographs of staff, students, and displays during Open Day. Some of the photographs are annotated on the back with the names of staff.

The Oral History project (1977-88) recorded the reminiscences of former teachers and pupils. In some instances, a written transcript accompanies recordings. Some of the recordings were done on Master Tapes (6.3mm or 1/4 inch) and other others were done on audio cassette tapes.

The films and videotapes in this series include several which describe the educational role of the school. The video 'School in the Mailbox' is a copy of the 1945 film that was made for UNESCO.