SUBJECTS: History
YEARS: 5–6
Join the squatter's family as they eagerly await the arrival of their first governess.
What will she be like?
It was common for a squatter to employ a governess to teach and care for his children. Unlike the other workers, the governess stayed in the homestead and ate meals with the squatter and his family. It was important that she was respected by the children and got along well with everyone.
In the 1860s, many children living in the outback did not receive much education. Schooling did not become compulsory in New South Wales until 1880.
Governess Genevieve Yates arrives with much expectation. She brings all the materials she will need for her lessons with the children.
Things to think about
- 1.What do governesses do? How are they portrayed in films and books? Why do the squatter's children need one?
- 2.Observe the governess's clothing and luggage. What might she have packed to bring to the station? How do the other workers feel about her coming? How does the family prepare for her arrival? Note how she is greeted on the homestead veranda. What does she discuss with the girls' mother?
- 3.What sort of person is the new governess? What makes you think this? If a new kitchen maid was coming to the station, how might her arrival be different? Why? The narrator says governess Genevieve has a background in medicine, music tuition (teaching) and equestrian (horse riding) competition. How might she use these skills in her new role?
- 4.Create an advertisement for a governess to the children of an early settler's family in the 1860s . Make it in the form of an illustrated poster. Think about what skills the applicants (people who apply for the job) will need. What will their duties be? What wages will be offered? You will need to do some research. Start with search terms like 'governess Australia colonies'.
Production Date: 2005
Copyright
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