Teaching English to post-WWII migrants

Migrant Education in NSW

Since Federation, immigration has been the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. In 1947 the Commonwealth signed an agreement with the International Refugee Organisation to bring Displaced Persons from Europe to Australia. This agreement dramatically changed the face of Australian immigration. Previously, immigration had been based largely on migration from the British Isles. After the agreement was signed significant numbers of European immigrants, many of whom did not speak or write English, immigrated to Australia.

The first group of European migrants from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, arrived under the agreement in Perth on 28 November 1947. They were settled at the first Reception and Training Centre for migrants at Bonegilla, Victoria, in December 1947. Further centres were opened in 1948 in Bathurst and Greta in New South Wales and Greylands in Western Australia. The Commonwealth Government undertook to provide transportation and hostel accommodation and arranged employment placements.

The tuition of new arrivals in English was seen as a key factor in immigration policy. The Commonwealth Education Office originally ran and controlled the teaching of English and 'Australian Culture' in camps in Europe, on board ship to Australia and in the camps on arrival. After settling in the community the tuition of migrants in English continued through post placement continuation classes, correspondence courses and radio lessons.

From the outset, the various State Education Departments cooperated with the Commonwealth but had no official responsibility for any professional aspects of the program. The New South Wales Education Department provided volunteer teachers and assisted with the running of evening classes (also known as continuation classes).

At the 1949 Premiers' Conference the state governments accepted responsibility for the after care of British and foreign migrants. After Care implied the responsibility for the education, hospitalisation and welfare of migrants in the same way as the States accepted this responsibility for other citizens.

In December 1951 agreements were made between the Commonwealth and State Education Departments:

The New South Wales Adult Migrant Education Service had its origins in the Education Department's University Branch Office which was established in November 1951 in the grounds of Sydney University. It took over the practical side of running classes in reception and holding centres, the continuation classes in schools, hostels, clubs and factories by providing teachers and school classrooms. By 1955 there were 4,300 people enrolled in the program.

A major employer of migrants at this time was the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. During its construction in the years 1949-74 two thirds of the Scheme's 100,000 employees were European migrants. Records in our collection show English classes were regarded as essential for reasons of occupational health and safety.

As the education of school age children is a State responsibility, and due to the large numbers of children in the holding centres/migrant camps, the Commonwealth Government made buildings available to the State Education Department to establish schools. It was intended that these schools would familiarise children with the Australian school routine and that eventually they would attend local schools. Ten such state run schools were established:

The mid-1960s saw the expansion and diversification of the Adult Migrant Education Program as the Commonwealth Government broadened its migrant selection criteria to increase migration. This era witnessed a change in Government policies from assimilation to integration and the assertion of ethnic rights.

The first full time or 'intensive courses' were offered in 1969. The courses were aimed to equip professional and semi professional migrants with adequate English for employment. The first of these courses was held in Sydney for a group of professionally qualified Czech migrants. Full time courses also coincided with the Migrant Education Section moving from the University of Sydney to Blackfriars Street, Chippendale.

The 1970s saw the emergence of multicultural policies in response to the increasing diversity of Australian society. This diversity was reflected by the most significant growth period for English language tuition in Australia including the introduction of bilingual programs and the making of the television series, You Say the Word with WIN Channel 4, Wollongong. Special six week courses were developed for migrant workers in industry and unlike previous continuation classes they were conducted in work time. In 1971 Commonwealth assistance for English courses in schools for migrant children became available.

In 1973 a Diploma in Migrant Teaching was established by the Armidale College of Advanced Education. At the same time the Adult Migrant Education section was relocated in the City of Sydney and appears to have become a Branch of the Education Department. By 1975 it had became a separate office known as the Adult Migrant Education Service of New South Wales.

The Home Tutor Scheme was launched in 1974 by the then Minister for Immigration, Mr Al Grassby. This allowed people who were unable to attend formal language classes to learn at home. At the same time, in New South Wales, the Inner Western Suburbs Regional Ethnic Communities Group was formed which, in July 1975, became the Ethnic Communities Council. The same year also witnessed the arrival of refugees from Vietnam and Timor. As the number of Indo-Chinese refugees increased the Commonwealth Department of Education produced a series of Asian language notes to assist teachers.

On 21 June 1976 the new Labor Premier of New South Wales, Neville Wran, announced his cabinet's decision to establish an Ethnic Affairs Commission. The Ethnic Affairs Commission interacted with a number of new government bodies all concerned with equal opportunity issues in society. These include the:

• Anti-Discrimination Board which came into operation in June 1977 and addressed racial discrimination
• Review of New South Wales Government Administration under the direction of Dr Peter Wilenski which deal with recruitment, promotion, equality of opportunity, qualifications, and
• Women's Coordination Unit of the Premier's Department whose responsibilities included creating opportunities for migrant women.

The Report of the Royal Commission into New South Wales Prisons, 1978 stated that prisoners who did not speak English (assessed as being 10.5% of the prison population) were at a 'marked disadvantage'. The prison authorities relied on communicating through officers or other prisoners who spoke the language. The Commission recommended that 'every effort should be made during a non-English speaking prisoner's incarceration to provide instruction in basic English.' Records of the Commission are held by NSW State Archives and are listed in the Concise Guide to State Archives of New South Wales.

Professor Peter Wilenski noted in his 1978 Review of the New South Wales Government Administration, Directions for Change: An Interim Report, that ethnic groups were disadvantaged in government employment due to recruiting procedures, entrance tests, the need for English language proficiency, slowness in recognition of overseas qualifications and prohibitions on the permanent employment of non British subjects. He also found:

In same year the Ethnic Affairs Commission submitted its report, Participation, which outlined a concept of multiculturalism that went beyond just preserving cultural heritage to a society where minority groups would achieve total participation in the New South Wales social and political system. To implement this philosophy of equal opportunity Participation recommended that a Commission should be established as a strong and stable body to ensure that all elements of the New South Wales Government Administration come to regard ethnic affairs as part of their ordinary, day to day attitudes and thinking.

The following year saw the establishment of a new Ethnic Affairs Commission as a permanent New South Wales Government authority under the provisions of the Ethnic Affairs Commission Act 1979 (NSW). The Overseas Qualification Unit of the Ethnic Affairs Commission was also established to assist migrants when they applied for recognition of their overseas qualifications. At the Commonwealth level, the Ethnic Affairs Branch was established in 1977 within the Department of Immigration.

The role of the Adult Migrant Education Service had also kept pace with these changes. Its responsibilities had expanded significantly since its inception and by 1978 the Service was providing:

• free courses to migrants to give a working knowledge of the English language and a background of Australian institutions, service organisations and government laws and customs. The object of the courses was to assist the migrant to become integrated with the Australian community
• a continuous program, not just for newly arrived migrants, but also to help established migrants to cope with their changing environment, employment aspirations and broadening of social contacts
• a variety of courses ranging from full-time day courses to individual tuition in private homes, and
• courses in various centres throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, in Wollongong, Newcastle and some other country centres.

The Commonwealth Government commissioned The Galbally Review of Post Arrival Services and Programs, which was published in 1978. It recognised that, 'knowledge of the English language was a critical factor in enabling successful settlement in Australia.' The Review led to the creation of a separate and extensive on-arrival program targeted at new arrivals and recommended the replacement of continuation classes with certificate courses at different levels of difficulty and a review of the correspondence course with the radio component being replaced by audio cassettes and records. In late 1978 a Joint Commonwealth/States Committee was established to develop the on-arrival component of the program.

In 1981 a review by the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs in part recommended the transfer of English for specific purposes courses to Technical and Further Education (TAFE). The TAFE sector had 'already provided English language courses for a number of years through its access program which was funded by the State Education System.'

In 1983 free child care was introduced to ease the difficulties associated in attending English language classes for those with family responsibilities. The Campbell Report of 1985 endorsed changes in the teaching staff from largely part time to permanent and in gearing the courses more to the individual needs of students.

Other records relating to migrant education

People wishing to undertake detailed research should also consult the main correspondence series of relevant agencies such as the Department of Education and Training (formerly School Education, formerly Education), Ethnic Affairs, the Premier's Department, and the Department of Technical and Further Education. As the Adult Migrant Education Program has been financed by the Commonwealth Government, researchers should also consult records held by the National Archives of Australia. As many welfare, volunteer and community groups have participated in the teaching of English the records of those various groups should also be consulted.

British child migrants

After World War II various approved schemes such as Dr Barnardo's Homes, the Big Brother Movement and Fairbridge Farm Schools brought large numbers of child migrants from the United Kingdom to New South Wales. We hold records relating to these children for the period 1947-76. These records can be found among the records of Community Services (formerly Youth and Community Services) and Department of Education and Communities (formerly Education and Training, formerly School Education, formerly Education). They are not included in this Guide.

Adult Migrant Education

The New South Wales Adult Migrant Education Service (AMES) provides free courses to migrants to give a working knowledge of the English language and background of Australian institutions, service organisations and government laws and customs. The objective of the courses is to assist migrants to settle successfully in Australia and in doing so, to make their maximum contribution to Australian society. It also provides a continuing English language program to broaden the employment, social and educational opportunities available to long term residents. A range of courses to suit needs and circumstances of individual students are offered in locations throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area, in Wollongong, Newcastle and some other country centres.

See the State Archives catalogue for details of records from the Adult Migrant English Service and its predecessors

List of main record series

NRS 3866, Establishment files, 1948-1972

• [7/6534-6545] - 1948-55
• [9/1096-1113] - c.1950-72

These files contain information about Adult Migrant Classes, Continuation Classes and Intensive Classes which were established, for migrants learning English, by the Department of Education. The classes were held in factories, clubs, hostels and public schools. There is correspondence relating to the formal approval for the establishment of classes and the appointment of teachers and other staff. Routine correspondence relating to the operation of the classes including inspectors' reports and also, in some cases, to their closure is also included. The files are arranged in alphabetical order by the name of the place where the classes were established. Also includes classes held in the Australian Capital Territory. Special note should be made of those classes held at the Snowy Mountains [9/1111-1112, 7/6544].

See the Record Series List for a full listing

NRS 3867, Correspondence course files, 1948-1955 [7/6526-6533]

These files show details of the appointment and resignation of Correspondence Course teachers, and the progress of their pupils. Arranged alphabetically by the name of the teacher.

NRS 3868, Reports and statistics, 14 Aug 1950-15 Jan 1958 [7/6546]

These reports and statistics are concerned with migrant education, strength of numbers, and Holding Centre populations.

NRS 3869, Monthly class rolls, 1948-1955 [7/6510-6525]

These rolls show details of the number of times each student attended classes and the total and average attendance of every student during each month. Arranged alphabetically by place.

NRS 3870, Correspondence course enrolment records, 1949-68 [9/949-960]

These comprise lists of the names and particulars of students undertaking correspondence courses to learn English. The lists are arranged in chronological order by the date of enrolment of the student and give the following details: C.N. Number, marital status and sex, name, date (of enrolment), nationality, tutor and date of completion or abandonment of the course. Arranged in chronological order.

NRS 31, Attendance sheets, 1965-1979 [12/2958-2980; 12/2981-2993; 12/3484-3492; A5997]

Closed to Public Access for 50 Years

This series consists of monthly class returns for metropolitan and country centres. Details recorded are: surname and first name of pupil, date of attendance, duration of class, and, total attendance per class.
The returns are alphabetically arranged by name or location of centre.

NRS 32, Student record sheets (Abandonments), 1974, 1977, 1978-Dec 1980, 1981 [A6332] - 1974

• [12/2923] - Jul, Oct 1977
• [10/48679-48687.1] - Jun 1978-Dec 1980
• [10/47853.2, 10/47867-47871] - 1981

Closed to Public Access for 50 Years

These sheets contain details of student's name and address, nationality, age, languages spoken, occupation, length of time in Australia, educational standard, work previous to coming to Australia, some particulars of former life, quality of his/her course work and action taken, and particulars of abandonment. This appears to be a sample only.

RNCG 47, Student cards, c.1974-1977 [6/20504.2-20504.4, 6/20649.3]

Closed to Public Access for 50 Years

These cards are arranged alphabetically and give the following information on the student: name, age, sex, address, telephone number, length of time in Australia, native language and education. Some cards include class and attendance records.

RNCG 48, Student enrolment cards, 1978-1980 [6/22073-22074, 6/20665.2]

Closed to Public Access for 50 Years

These cards are arranged alphabetically and give the following information on students: name, address, telephone number, education, occupation, date of birth, date of arrival, nationality, sex, languages, education centre, hours per week, class or stage, comments.

NRS 21539, Administrative correspondence files, 1977-1987 [10/49887.2]

These files contain minutes and reports from the Sub Committee of AMES re the Integrated On-Arrival Program; minutes and newsletters of the Adult Migrant Education Professional Committee (AMEPC); policies and revision of policies for language courses; reports and surveys of day care centres and the conclusions drawn. A list of relevant files is listed below:

School Education

School age migrants like other children are required to attend school from kindergarten to high school. For many this was not only where they acquired a formal education but where the English language was learnt. Where numbers warranted special schools or classes were set up while isolated enrolments were often expected learn English as best they could. School premises were often used after hours for Adult Migrant English classes.

List of main record series

NRS 3830, Subject files: Migrant education camp schools, 1948-49 [14/8007]

Correspondence concerning Bathurst Migrant Camp and evening classes in English to be held at Cleveland Street High School, Sydney.

NRS 3829, School files, 1876-1979

The following list of Migrant Camp and Holding Centre Schools have been extracted from the full list of School files, 1940 to 1979. These schools for migrant children were set up in areas where the large influx of migrant children could not be accommodated by the local public school. It was hoped that these schools would equip the children to attend the local public school by teaching them English and familiarising them with the normal school routine.

Search the Index to Schools and related records 1876-1979 for the full list of school files

School records

In addition to the School files above, each school creates a number of different records about its operations, staff and pupils. These records include:

Admission registers These are a record of admission of children to school. They record: name; age; religious denomination; date of leaving last school; name, residence and occupation of parent or guardian; date of admission to each division and date of leaving school.

Observation books These consist of inspectors' observations on the operations of the school. They do not generally contain mention of individual pupils.

Punishment books These consist of details of punishments meted out to pupils. They provide: name; age; nature of offence; amount of punishment; instrument of punishment; date of punishment and by whom inflicted.

Visitors' books These record the names of any visitors and any remarks by the visitor such as 'incidental visit', 'ordinary inspection', or 'very pleasant afternoon'.

The following list shows School records held for those schools administered by the Department of School Education at Migrant Camps and Holding Centres.

It is likely that School records from towns where large numbers of immigrants worked and lived could also be of interest to the researcher. For this reason school records from Jindabyne Dam* have been included as an example of a school where a large proportion of the pupils were immigrants. In the case of Jindabyne Dam many of their parents worked for the Snowy Mountains Authority which provided the building in which the school was housed.

Related records

Commissions and inquiries

RNCG 1391, Report to Committee to Advise of Australian Immigration Policies, December 1977 

[18/3208.4] [17/1226.2]

A section of this report concerns education and learning the English language.

Dental Board

NRS 3724, Files relating to enquiries regarding registration, 1914-1968 

[8/1951.1]

These files relate to enquiries regarding registration where the matter has not been proceeded with and where there had been no correspondence for a period of twelve months. Most enquiries relate to overseas qualifications.

NRS 3725, Applications for registration, c.1948-1973 

[19/7570-7572]

These files consist of letters from applicants; copies of degrees, diplomas, etc.; and the reply and findings of the Dental Board with some notifications as to dates of examinations to be undertaken. They relate mainly to people who have overseas qualifications.

Ethnic Affairs Commission

NRS 4227, Administrative files, 1976-1984

These files include some files which were originally registered by the Ethnic Affairs Division of Premier's Department, then re-registered by the Commission when the two bodies merged in December 1978.

The files consist of correspondence concerning representations from individuals showing substantial involvement by the Commission, appointments of controversial individuals to the Community Interpreter Service, the appointment of Commissioners to the Ethnic Affairs Commission, and correspondence regarding education policies towards migrants and English language broadcasts by the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC). A listing is available in our Reading Room.

NRS 4229, Annual reports and publications, 1978-1994

File re Main Findings and Recommendations of the Report: A document referring to Implementation of Participation, the report by the Ethnic Affairs Commission, 1978 

[17/1223.2]

This file contains a copy of a document entitled Main Findings and Recommendations of the Report, referring to Implementation of Participation, a Report of the Ethnic Affairs Commission, 1978. The file also contains agenda for a seminar on the Commissions Report, and an invitation and attendance list for the seminar.
The findings concerned the introduction of Saturday Schools for Community languages, Ethnic Schools, teaching adult migrants, the use of overseas teachers, community languages and culture in schools and teaching English as a second language.

Migrant referral manual, 1980 and 1986 

NRS-4229-10-[A5880]

These are printed guides which list functions, services, addresses and contact details of various government, community and welfare organisations which can assist immigrants. Of special note are those education organisations such as the Adult Migrant Education Service and TAFE.

NRS 4231, Papers of the Working Party on State funding of ethnic schools, Jul-Oct 1984 

[18/1481.1]

On completion of the distribution of grants to ethnic schools by the Minister for Education for the 1984 calendar year, the Minister conveyed to the Premier a recommendation from the Ethnic Schools' Advisory Committee that the level of grants issued be increased to $500,000 in 1984/85. The Premier approved the setting up of a Working Party under the control of the Ethnic Affairs Commission to examine the issue. The Working Party was convened with representatives from the Ethnic Affairs Commission, Office of the Minister for Education, Federation of Ethnic Schools, Ethnic Communities Council of New South Wales, Commonwealth Schools Commission and State Treasury.

These papers contain agenda and minutes of meetings of the Working Party, and correspondence and reports from various New South Wales Government departments, other State governments, the Commonwealth Government and various organisations. In addition, there are draft copies of the Report to the Premier of the Working Party on State Funding of Ethnic Schools, October 1984.

Medical Board

NRS 9875, Registration files of medical practitioners registered under Section 21c of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1938 (as amended), c.1955-1970 

[19/7573-7574]

These files contain correspondence from applicants with overseas medical training who wished to practise in Australia. The applicants were registered to practise under Section 21(c) of the Medical Practitioners Act 1938, which licensed them to practise under supervision.

Premier's Department

NRS 12061, Letters received - Special bundles.

Migration, 1946-1961 

[12/8724 (File No. 61/350)]

Papers relating to various Premiers' and other Conferences concerning immigration. Includes numerous newsclippings concerning immigrants and immigration. These papers largely concern British immigrants although some issues concerning European Immigration such as assimilation and Citizenship are included.

Colombo Plan training, 1955-1970 

[12/8754 (File No. 63/595)]

Papers relating to the training of overseas students under the Colombo Plan by New South Wales Government agencies and the use of New South Wales Government officers in training schemes overseas as part of the Colombo Plan.

NRS 21061, Working papers of the Review of NSW Government Administration [Wilenski Papers], 1976-1982

These records are part of the Implementation and working papers of the Review of the New South Wales Government Administration and comprise of administrative and working papers; reports; correspondence; submissions; and draft chapters of published reports.

Public Service Board

Papers relating to the Review of Government Administration (The Wilenski Report), 1977-1978; c.1976-1982

• RNCG 4034, [12/15135-15136] 1977-1978
• RNCG 4469, [12/10906-10959] c.1976-1982

These papers relate to the Review of Government Administration (the Wilenski Report). They consist of: working papers and draft report; background papers; submissions and reports; miscellaneous reference papers; and newspaper clippings. Also included are results of the Public Service Attitudes Survey and Recruitment and Promotion Guidelines for Statutory Authorities.

Technical and Further Education, Department of

RNCG 4749, Course syllabi, 1984-1991

Curriculum Research: Course syllabi (obsolete), c.1928-1990

This series consists of printed syllabi for diploma, certificate, post certificate and other courses no longer offered by Technical Colleges.

NRS 14031, Newcastle Technical College. Registered correspondence files, 1942-66

This series consists of the main system of registered correspondence files of the College. The files relate to a broad range of subjects including the training of overseas students under the Colombo Plan. Those files relating to overseas students have been listed below:

Treasury

NRS 14194, Special bundle. Hostels - migrant and educational, 1946-1959 

[13/10073 pt]

The papers relate mainly to accommodation of British Migrants and the Big Brother Movement. The file includes a Summary of Proceedings of the Conference of Commonwealth and State Officers held at Parliament House Canberra, 20 January 1948 and this mentions European Child Migrants.

Access

Student records and teachers' personal records, including personal files are closed to public access for 50 years from the date of the last action on the record/file.

All enquiries concerning access to closed records should be made to:

NSW Department of Education
Right to Access
NSW Department of Education
Level 5, 105 Phillip Street
PARRAMATTA NSW 2150
T 02 7814 3525
E GIPA@det.nsw.edu.au