The Directions of Changes in the Secondary Comprehensive School System for Girls within the Polish Territories During the Partitions Period and the II Republic of Poland

Abstract

The manner in which secondary school education for girls was transforming within the Polish territories during the partitions period and under the II Republic of Poland is a complex issue which, on the one hand, inscribes into the educational policy executed by the partitioning states and later on by Polish authorities, while, on the other hand into a broad scope of changes regarding the social position of women. For a long time, girls were perceived, first and foremost, as future wives, mothers, and housekeepers. As a result, the need to create female grammar schools, that is, comprehensive schools that would prepare them for university studies, was disregarded. However, various post-primary schools were established with the aim to prepare girls for their future roles or, alternatively, provide qualifications enabling them to become school teachers. These schools could also be attended by those girls who wished to expand and supplement their general education. Not until the II Republic of Poland was the male and female school system standardised at the secondary level. Yet, girls continued to struggle to complete the secondary level of education due to a smaller number of state grammar schools addressed at female students.