Oldham School of Science and Art

The School of Science and Art opened in January 1865. Originally a single storey building, it provided accommodation for 300 students, with classes for freehand drawing, machine construction, and mechanical philosophy. The specification library was transferred from the Town Hall and the basement was equipped as a gymnasium. The School quickly outgrew its home. It was demolished and replaced by a two storey building which was opened in 1881. This structure was built in the same style as the Lyceum next door and was capable of housing 651 students and cost over £9,000 However, improvements in educational provision generally meant that the School's role was changing and in 1892 it was transferred to Oldham Borough Council to form part of the Municipal Technical College.

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Single sheet, printed flyer inviting students of Acoustics, Light and Heat to a lecture on "Effects of Pressure on the Boiling and Freezing Points" by Professor M.A. Core ("with experiments"). Printed signature, J.P. Phythian, dated 14th December 1880.

Printed note informing students of a lecture on "Effects of Pressure on the Boiling and Freezing Points"
Single sheet, printed generic letter dated March 1st 1881 from Thomas Bailey, Secretary notifying recipient to the postponement of the opening of the new school building by the Earl of Derby, from the 3rd March to 17th March 1881 because the Earl wishes to attend an important debate in the House of Lords.

Letter notifying postponement of opening of the new school
Pamphlet of a folded single printed sheet to be sent to "Parents and Guardians of Students" to determine whether they are "Industrial" or "Middle Class" for class entries and Departmental returns. "Does your net income exceed £200?". Pamphlet also details subjects taught at the school and the different fees corresponding to the economic class of the student.

Printed questionnaire to parents and guardian.
Single sheet, printed flyer, promoting new programmes to current and potential students for the purpose of gaining "Technological [blank space] Certificates" with examinations by The City and Guilds of London Institute. Note also details fees and medals and prizes won by previous students. Printed signature, J.P. Phythian, dated 26th February 1881.

Printed note informing students of new programmes for obtaining Technological Certificates
A set of 68 documents gathered together describing the functions, procedures and examinations of the Oldham School of Science and Art .

Oldham School of Science and Art
A single sheet printed note to students requesting them to enter their names for the subjects they wish to study during the coming Winter Session, as required by the Department of Science and Art, South Kensington. Printed date and signature, 20th September 1879, T. Bailey.

Printed note to students
Large, folded, single-sided leaflet with 14 numbered instructions to candidates sitting Science and Art Department and Technological Examinations. Unfilled blank spaces for the student's name and school number. The very detailed list of instructions directs the students what to do and when, in the lead up to their examination, with regard to their pencils, instruments, drawing board and behaviour. "No paper of questions must be removed from the room before the examination is over". Also included is a reminder that in accordance with the student's signed declaration they will be liable to paying "Fees of a Middle-class student" if they fail to attend an examination. Dated 30th April 1881. Accompanied by a second partial copy (the bottom third of the page missing).

Instructions to candidates sitting examinations
A single sheet printed note to students requesting them to enter their names for the subjects they wish to study as examined by the school itself, the Department of Science and Art, the City and Guilds of London Institute, the Union of Lancashire and Cheshire Institutes. Printed date and signature, 28th February 1880, T. Bailey, Secretary.

Printed note to students
A single sheet printed generic note with unfilled date and addressee to be sent to members of the committee, requesting they attend some of the examinations "to see that everything is conducted properly, and to identify their own students", and to sign a certificate to accompany the work of their students. Printed signature, Thomas Bailey, Secretary.

Printed note to members of the committee
Single printed sheet; a leaflet for students interested in competing for a Sir Joseph Whitworth scholarship for Mechanical Science, as organised by The Science and Art Department, South Kensington. The leaflet details the eligibility criteria including the stipulation for prior practical experience "He must have spent at least 12 months at the vice and lathe". Printed date and signature; 12th November 1881, J.P. Phythian.

Note to students interested in competing for a Whitworth scholarship
Single envelope with printed address, unused: 'The Secretary, Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi, London W.C.' Undated.

Envelope

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