William Nicolle Oats (1912–99), educator, author and peace activist, was born in Kapunda, South Australia, educated as a teacher at Adelaide University, and was headmaster of The Friends' School, Hobart (1945–73). He also taught at Adelaide High (1935–38), Geneva International School (1938–1940) and the experimental school Koornong (Warrandyte, Victoria), and was headmaster of King's College (now Pembroke, in Adelaide) and co-director of the International School, Geneva (1949–51).
Oats' experiences in wartime Europe (1938–41) led him to become a Quaker and pacifist. He evacuated students from Geneva to south-west France and then to England, and was deputy chief escort on a boat for child evacuees to Australia. Throughout his life he worked for international co-operation and helped found the Tasmanian Peace Trust. After retiring he completed his PhD, and published nine books on Quaker history, values and education.
Oats is remembered for his concern for nurturing the human spirit and creating a sense of community, often through singing. He believed that a caring school community and teachers' good relationships with students are critical in helping children develop a sense of identity, security and worth, leading ideally to a life of service to others.
See http://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/O/WN%20Oats.htm
Published
Conference of Australian Music Teachers - 12th January, 1992
Deposited on loan by William Oats, 16 September 1998
No details given as to consultation, copying or publication without permission of owner.
This material is made available for personal research and study purposes under the University of Tasmania Standard Copyright Licence. For any further use permission should be obtained from the copyright owners. For assistance please contact Special.Collections@utas.edu.au
When reusing this material, please cite the reference number and provide the following acknowledgement:
“Courtesy of the UTAS Library Special & Rare Collections”
Original inventory and descriptive notes can be found at: https://eprints.utas.edu.au/11012/2/William_Oats.pdf