Cirrus@Austlit

The New South Wales School Magazine, in existence for more than three quarters of a century, never had more influence on its readers (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) than in the period 1916-1939. It was the sole source of new monthly reading matter for the majority of students of New South Wales and their families. This thesis identifies and examines four key missions of the magazine including the goal of patriotism for Australia. It also considers the trends of commercially produced children's literature of the time, supplementary readers recommended by the Department of Education, the production of the School Magazine, its forerunners, the background of the two editors (Stephen Smith, 1916- June 1922, and Doris Chadwick, July 1922-1939) and changes in Australian culture.