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Why are teachers called beaks?

Why are teachers called beaks?

At Eton, Harrow and Charterhouse (another historic boarding-school), teachers of both sexes are known as ‘beaks’: a term that sprang from the curious look masters (no mistresses in those days, sadly) had when sporting beak-like mortar boards.

How did Eton get its name?

Originally, the boys were taught Latin and Latin alone, although Greek was added to the curriculum in the early 17th century. They were taught in Lower School and were as young as five years old. This divided the year into two halves and is the origin of the Eton name for a school term, despite there now being three.

What is the difference between Eton and Harrow?

When the boys enter, they are 13 years old, and they spend five years before they graduate when they become 18 years old. Eton was established by King Henry VIII (1491-1541). Harrow started as an exclusive school for boys in 1243, but moved to the present location during the period of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603).

Why are teachers called beaks in boarding schools?

At Eton, Harrow and Charterhouse (another historic boarding-school), teachers of both sexes are known as ‘beaks’: a term that sprang from the curious look masters (no mistresses in those days, sadly) had when sporting beak-like mortar boards. Mortar boards have long gone, but the word survives.

What do the beaks wear to Eton College?

This mish mash of modern white tie and old fashioned royal court dress is unique to these rare occasions at Eton. Finally, it should be mentioned that the beaks also wear a uniform, consisting of white bow tie, black jacket and striped trousers. A few years back there was a vote to see whether school dress should be abolished.

What kind of slang does Eton School use?

Naturally, Eton is not short of its own slang: ‘rips’ are not things that happen to clothes, but punishments given for bad work. Indeed, the College’s website contains a detailed ‘Glossary’, designed to help new pupils pick up new terms as quickly as possible.

Why did the Eton boys wear black tailcoats?

With no official dress regulations, it was the boys who took it upon themselves to die their garments black out of respect and reports say that within a few years the old bright colours had returned. It is only one hundred years later, in 1920, that today’s cut of black tailcoat became standard.