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Canterbury Provincial Gazette – 1870 – No. 21A

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✨ Education Inspector's Report

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

(OCTOBER 1—28, 1869.)

INSPECTOR’S MONTHLY REPORT.

To the Chairman of the Board.

Sir,

I have the honour to submit a Summary Report on the schools examined during the month.

At this season, there being much less out-door work, the country schools are more fully attended; their increasing efficiency is, generally, very satisfactory. In several instances, however, the supply of books was either insufficient or unsuitable, a common excuse being the uncertain supply at the Educational Depôt. The supply does not increase in a similar ratio to the increased number of schools. Many useful articles are, consequently, for a long time, out of stock. Such is the continual complaint of teachers and school managers.

I would respectfully request leave to suggest that either a supplementary grant to the depôt is desirable; or else that an increase upon the very low price for the books and apparatus may afford a margin of profit, the means for a more constant supply.

Duvauchelle’s Bay School ... October 5 ... Present 22 ... Satisfactory.

Little Akaloa ... October 7 ... Present 35 ... Much improved.

Okain’s Bay School ... October 8 ... Present 37 ... Highly creditable. The school is very carefully and successfully taught throughout all the classes. Two boys have acquired some knowledge of Latin, Algebra, and Mensuration. The Latin comprises grammar and exercises. The Algebra is accurate up to the commencement of simultaneous equations. The Mensuration includes the correct working of questions in the measurement of superficies, and also indicates a knowledge of Evolution. Their examination papers are very creditable. The presence of advanced scholars is only objectionable when their progress is in contrast with the backward state of the more elementary classes; but, otherwise, as in this instance, their conduct and proficiency afford an example and a stimulus to their schoolfellows.

Akaroa School ... October 11 ... Present 50 ... Considerable improvements have been made on the premises and in the schoolroom, by mending the fences, forming a garden, erecting a swing, closing the doorway between the school and the dwelling, and other advantageous alterations. The interest displayed in the welfare of the school has restored the confidence of parents, and resulted in a largely increased attendance. The substitution of the Scottish School-book Association’s books for those obtainable from the Board’s Depôt is undesirable. The efficiency of the school is, at present, at a low ebb; the registers are not posted up from last quarter; the pens are badly held; the handwriting has fallen off in an instance which should most readily have shown improvement; the attainments are very moderate; more especially the Arithmetic.

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