Exploring Queen Elizabeth’s Education: A Look at Her Early Years in School
Queen Elizabeth II is not only known for her royal stature but also for her impressive educational background. Although her father, King George VI, did not expect her to assume the throne, she was still given a formal education to prepare her for her future role. In this article, we will delve into Queen Elizabeth’s education and her early years in school.
Early Education
Princess Elizabeth began her formal education in 1932 at the tender age of six. She was assigned her own tutor, Marion Crawford, who would later become her lifelong friend. Crawford was responsible for homeschooling the young princess and her sister, Princess Margaret. However, this was not an ordinary homeschooling setup. The princesses’ lessons included not only academic subjects, but also constitutional history, public affairs, and modern languages.
In 1936, Princess Elizabeth started attending the kindergarten of the Buckingham Palace nursery school. Being the heir apparent, it was important that she socialized with other children, and the nursery school provided the perfect opportunity for this. She learned the basics in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and also took part in sports activities.
Preparatory School
At the age of 10, Princess Elizabeth started attending a preparatory school called Day School in Buckinghamshire. It has been reported that she loved her time at Day School and excelled academically. Her studies included french, mathematics, history, and geography. Sports played an integral part of her school life, and she showed great prowess in swimming, tennis, and hockey.
Notable Achievements
One of Queen Elizabeth’s most notable achievements was passing the Junior Cambridge Examination in 1938, a significant milestone for any student at the time. She also received private lessons in music from Sir George Dyson, who served as her music teacher for many years.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Queen Elizabeth possessed excellent domestic skills and undertook domestic science courses during her time at Day School. She had reportedly made a successful Christmas cake, a skill that she continues to use today.
Conclusion
Queen Elizabeth’s education served as a foundation for her role as the monarch. Her early years in school, both at home and at Day School, groomed her to become a well-rounded individual with an impressive skill set. Her academic achievements and domestic skills are a testament to her dedication to her education. By examining her educational journey, we can learn the importance of a holistic education to prepare for future roles.
