Early Years of the School, 1894-1939
At the end of the nineteenth century, the German pedagogue Friedrich Froebel’s principles were considered radical because of the emphasis placed on the learning experiences of the very young. These experiences, as orchestrated by Froebel and taken up by his followers, were seen as the key to social progress and to the health of society. As a result, a teacher training college with a Demonstration School in England was formed based on his teaching principles; the Kindergarten was opened in Colet Gardens, Kensington in 1896.
In 1922, following its success and growth, Froebel College moved to Grove House, Roehampton and its headquarters, renamed the Incorporated Froebel Educational Institute (IFEI), was established at Templeton, a Georgian house, on Priory Lane. In keeping with Froebelian principles, the school offered a plethora of activities which encouraged active learning.
For more information about the beginning of the Demonstration School, Froebelian principles of learning, and the early 20th century curriculum, please view one of the selected documents below.
You may also be interested in viewing:
In 1922, following its success and growth, Froebel College moved to Grove House, Roehampton and its headquarters, renamed the Incorporated Froebel Educational Institute (IFEI), was established at Templeton, a Georgian house, on Priory Lane. In keeping with Froebelian principles, the school offered a plethora of activities which encouraged active learning.
For more information about the beginning of the Demonstration School, Froebelian principles of learning, and the early 20th century curriculum, please view one of the selected documents below.
You may also be interested in viewing:
Select documents to view
- Address by Mrs Alfred Bailey in 1894 regarding Colet Gardens Demonstration School
- French Teaching Materials - Bank notes from the French Revolution
- Froebel Education Institute School Magazine, 1936
- Froebel Preparatory School Prospectus, 1937
- Headmistress Esther Lawrence's reminiscences, transcript
- Kindergarten Information Sheet, Early 20th century
- Kindergarten Timetable Autumn 1902
- Letter to children from First World War Dieppe soldier, thanks for handkerchiefs
- Open Day Programme 1906
- Rules for Storytelling, 1900s
- Summer Sports 1904