Education

Intellectually Curious

Since Robert McCallum’s diaries start at age 25, little is known of his childhood education. Though we can only speculate if he was school smart, he was undeniably street smart.

Adult Education

McCallum was always eager to learn new things, even later in his life.

He took bookkeeping instruction to help with his construction business and also signed up for Esperanto language classes.

Lectures

McCallum would frequently attend lectures on a wide variety of special interest topics. These lectures were given by professors, guest speakers and preachers and took place at venues such as Town Halls and other notable public buildings.

He records attending lectures on the following subjects:
Cooperation, Trusts, Woman’s Rights, Progressive Education, Electricity, Gunnery, Liquid air, Phisology (sic), Wireless (radio), Japan, Scotland, Fiji, The Moon.

100 Years From Now

The diarist infused a healthy wonderment of life into his diaries.

It is fascinating to imagine what the man, who attended a 1904 lecture about the moon would think of space exploration today as well as other events and technology considered visionary & futuristic at the time.

Children’s Education

Since education was so important to McCallum, it is highly likely this value was imparted to his children.

Given the time period and circumstances, we can speculate that his children had more formal education and opportunities than their father.

Valerie McCallum school report (diarist’s daughter)

  • 1921 school report from Auckland Girls Grammar School.
  • Valerie would have been about 13-14 years old, Grade Third form.
  • The report gives an indication of the syllabus & subjects of the time.
  • The report shows she performed well in both Language and  Mathematics/Science subjects ranking 2nd in class overall.

Bruce McCallum school report  (diarist’s youngest son)

  • 1923-1925 school report from Mt. Albert Grammar School.  Grade’s Third to Fifth Form.
  • Bruce would have been between 13-16 years old.  Record shows he was in the “A” class, and he has a good to very good student.
  • Grading took place 3 times a year, and subjects taken include Latin, French & Drawing