SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1814, 13 December 1879, Page 3

SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS

NORMAL SCHOOL. Tho annual distribution cf prizes in connection with tho above institution took place yesterday afternoon, tho ceroi-aony taking place in tho Drill Slied. At tho appointed hour tho school c! ildren were assembled in the pi iy-ground, and marched into the shed, at ono end of which a platform had been erected, with a table, upon whieh wore ranged the prizes for distribution, and immediately in tho rear, upon tho wail, were exhibited specimens cf the fancy work done by tbo children. There was a considerable attendance of visitors, a largo number of ladies being present. Tho children presented a very piecing appearance, bright, intelligent, and healthy, and the manner in which they wore manoeuvred, particularly with regard to the comparative quiet and order that prevailed, was really wonderful. Mr Inglis made a few remarks prior to the distribution of prizes. Ho said ho was not going to make a long speech to them, but said a word or two of encouragement to those ■who were not priza winners. It was impossible that all should get prizes ; at the same time thero was a possibility of some being almost equally deserving who wero not to receive awards of merit, and in this respect he hoped next year that the number of prizes would be largely increased, and ho trusted, therefore, they would next year pu*. forth all their energies in tho way of competition. Ho was exceedingly pleased to see so many smiling faces around, and it was also a source of i real satisfaction to him to know that tho children had made good progress during the year. Tho distribution of prizes (by Mr Inglis) was then proceeded with. The following is the Prize List. b o.t s’ BCIIOOI. Standard Vl—Dux,‘J. H. Turner ; 2, A. K. England: 3, E. W. Used. Mr Thornton’s prize for the best essay—l, Fred Mills ; 2, Frank E. Brown. Standard V —l, H. Hawkins ; 2, Geo. Dalo Standard IV—I, Oh. Garrard; 2, Fred. Willis ; 4, Ch. Hall; 4, Her. Pritchard Standard 1.-1 —Upper division —l, U. Green; 2, A. Hyndman ; 3, H. B. Hiddlestono. Lower division —1, S. Free; 2, F. A. Turner; 3, E. Wag-taff. Standard ll—Upper division—l, A. Thomas ; 2, W. Bowman; 3, Ed, Ohainov ; 4, D. Lee i.owcr division —1, 11. Roberts ; 2, Jas. Hollow; 3, £J. Papprill; 4, F. Horner. Standard I—Upper division—l, T. Turner ; 2, 11. Carter; 3, A. Allsop; 4, T. Hunter; 5, A. Price. Lower division —1, Ch. Adams; 2, G. H. Tovey; 3, R Mitchell ; 4 A. Adams. girls’ school. Upper Sixth Class —I, Charlotte Stephens, dux- of school , 3, BuiWou, drawing, writing, and mopping ; 3, Mary Banks, arithmetic, geography, and mental arithmetic Emily Bennetts, highe t maths for joar ; Annie Tnlley, spelling and algebra ; Eleanor; Cross, domestic economy and hi-tory. Lower Sixth Class—l, Diana Riddiffo, arithmetic, domestic economy, needlework, highest marks for year; 2, Martha Douds, geography and geometry; 3, Fanny Kennedy, history, mapping; 4, Rosa Price, mental arithmetic, spelling, and geometry; Minnie Percv, spelling ; Maria Cass, writing ; Christina Ifwerseu, needlework. Fifth Class—l, Isabe la Campbell ; 2, Phoobo Davis, geography and history ; 3, Lizzie Hyndman; 4, Helen Callender, writing and arithmetic ; Alice Cummiog, needlework ; Helen Dunn, Grammar. Fourth Class—l, Henrietta Gilchrist; 2, Gertrude Greenway ; 2, Maria Andrews; 4, Hilda Nottingham. Commended —B. Lewis. JP. Hiatt, TB. Bartram, H. Hawthorn, L. Papprill, M. Buck, E. Nottingham, E. Reid, E. Wood. Mapping Florence Dowden, Amy Budden ; commended, A, Dowden, G. Greeuway, M. Buck, H. Hawthorn. Needlework Mary Buck ; commended, Gertrude Groonway, Lillian Papprill. Writing and drawing—!- mi'y Turner; commended. F. Hiatt, G. Greenway, M. Buck. Third Class—l, Mary Hyndmau ; 2, Francis Burrell; 3, Marion Hiorns; 4, Susie Mills; 5, Ellen Marshall. Arithmetic—Ellen Bain (sixth on list). Spelling—Emily Held. Sewing —Edith Papprill. Honorable mention in all subjects—Alica Hiorns, Lizzie Denne, Eleanor Gar-tin, Lizzie Mardon, Loui-a May, Mary Patten, Barbara E-hanks, Amy Wilkinson. Second Class —Ist. Minnie Thomas; 2nd, Flora Samuels; 3rd, Annie Williams; 4th, Martha Deakiu; good conduct, Chrissy Dunning. Pint Class —Ist, Mary Ann Bain; 2cd, Mabel Reid ; 3rd, Alice Banks; good conduct, Hcttic Smith. Below First Class —Ist, Emily Barford; 2nd, Edith Hamilton; 3rd, Janet Hialop ; good conduct, Nellie Hunter. Prizes wero awarded to Miss Ratcliffe and Mias Cole, two pupil teachers, having been presented by the lady principal, Mrs Orowloy, for tho able assistance they had rendered. During the presentation of prizes, a very satisfactory exhibition was given by tbo little ones of tho results of the Kindergarten system of instruction, over which department Mrs Orowloy presides at tho Normal School, It should also be mentioned that some specimens of fancy work and maps drawn by tho girls wero exhibited on the walls; also needlework, which gave evidence of considerable skill in that very useful branch of education. Before tho proceedings terminated, Mr Thornton, second muster of the school, and who for somo time was in charge thereof, was presented with a handsome present in the shape of a silver inkstand, the gift of tho boys of tho sixth standard, some of whom who were about to leavo tho school, and wished to mark tho great regard and esteem in which Mr Thornton, their master, was held. Mr Thornton thanked tho hoys in a few well chosen words. The proceedings then terminated, tho boys giving lusty cheers for Mr Inglis, and for the loaehers of the school. THE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL. The usual ceremony of “ breaking-up” for tho Christmas vacation took place yesterday. As usual in connection with this institution, the event was celebrated by a largo gathering, chiefly of ladies, and the largo schoolroom, in which tho proceedings took place, presented a very plca-mg and animated appearance. Tho room was prettily decorated with garlands of flowers, and a commodious stage was erected at ono end, from which the usual congratulatory addresses wero delivered, reports road, and prizes distributed ; this, tho formal part of tho proceedings being followed by an entertainment, in which tbo scholars were performers. Under ordinary circumstances tho evening’s business would have been introduced by a speech from the chairman of tho Board of College Governors, or in hia absence from tho then acting chairman; but as Mr Montgomery was in Wellington in attendance upon Parliamentary duties, and Mr Male-t was also absent on business, tho du’y fell upon Dr. Turnbull, who, as a eenior member of tho Board, had been requested to accept tho position of honor. Dr. Turnbull commenced his address by expressing his regret at tho übsonco of tho chairman, whoso province it would have been to fulfil tho duties ho so well and kindly performed the year before ; and ho thought it was only just that they should in his absence give their acknowledgments of tho untiring energy and utterly unselfish labors their chairman had devoted to tho advancement of this particular department of tho Canterbury College. Ho also j expressed regret at the absence of their indefatigable chairman, Mr Malct, ro-

marking that, in consequence of his not being present, tho duty he (Dr. Turnbull) was now fulfilling devolved upon ono of tho senior members of the Board of Governors. Personally he experienced great pleasure in the task allotted to him, of being the medium of conferring happiness upon the young people around him, as the reward of twelve months’ labor. This was only tho second year of their occupation of this building, and already it was found necessary to extend the accommodation, owing to the increased demand fqr education, and probably before they assembled again in that way this building aa a high school would have become a thing of the past, it being intended to have a larger and finer building for tho purpose. The present building was to be converted into a school of arts, which he need not say would hold out inestimable advantages in tho cause of education. Ho then referred to tho annual reports presently to be presented, namely, that of tho examiners of tho school, Professors Cook and Brown, and also tho report of tho Royal Commission on Education. In this connection ho dwelt with some earnestness on the advantage of examination by exports, as ho might call them, since the whole future welfare of that department of the college they wore concerned with, rested on a faithful conscientious report of the state of tho school. Ho pointed out that the High School had been established for no other purpose than to not as a feeder to tho higher departments of tho education system, and the success and reputation of the professors must therefore depend to a very largo extent upon tho strict investigation of tho school work, marking carefully anything they saw calculated to prove obnoxious to the future developement of the school, and faithfully reporting the result of their examination. He would now lay before tho meeting tho reports referred to. Mr Stas man read tho annual report as follows : Canterbury College, Christchurch, December 12th, 187 D. The Chairman of the Board of Governors. Sir, —We have tho honor to submit onr second annual report on the Girls’ High School, and in so doing we are glad to be able to record a very distinct advance in the standard of tho school, but esncei dly of the upper classes. In our last report wo recommended that more attention should be given, in tho higher classes, to Latin and mathematics, and it is very apparent that this recommendation has been followed. Tho first class has reached a good University matriculation standard. In some subjects, notably English literature, a considerable advance beyond this has been made. In onr opinion the highest class in a pood secondary school ouoht to aim at a standard such as is required for tho entrance scholarships in tho University of New Zealand, though a girls’ school will find a great obstacle in its advance to this standard in tho number of extra subjects which girls usually learn. It is probable that by tho end of next year tho rermanent standard of the school will bo attained, as wo understand that most of tho girls in tho first class will remain at school another year. In the second class tho subjects Latin and English literature were well done, and in general this class is working well up to the one above it. Tho lower part of the third class will need special attention, as it is weak in most subjects; tho arithmetic, however, was exceptionally well done by the whole of tho class. The fourth class has reached a better standard for its place in the school than the third class has ; the spelling, however, in this class is by no means what it ought to be. The fifth class is fortunately a very small one, and as compared with last year is growing smaller. We hope to see tho elementary work done in this class gradually disappear from the programme of tbo school. The spelling and the reading of this class weio in an unsatisfactory state; in other respects the cliss passed a reasonably good examination in those subjects to which attention had been directed during the year. In several of tho classes tho effects are plainly visible of soma of the girls being systematically called away from their ordinary work to take le-sons in extra subjects. We would suggest that, as far as possible, these subjects should bo taught during hours not devoted to regular school work. Ono of the most noteworthy features of tho school is that so many of tho girls in each class acquitted themselves satisfactorily, a proof to our minds that nono of the girls are unduly pushed on to tho neglect of those lets advanced. Nearly all the girls who fell markedly below the average cf their class had either recently come to tho school or had been absent part of the year. Wo are struck with the great number of tbo changes in tbo personnel of the school during the year, although the number in attendanoj has remained much the same. The arrangements which we recommended last year with reference to the teaching of science have been carried out, and seem to have worked well. We append Professor Bickerton’s report cu the examination which ho has recently held on the subjects covered by his lectures during the year. We have the bonor to be, sir I onr obedient servants, J.‘ M. Beown K 1 Examincr3 - Professor Bickeiton’s Report on the Science Examination. Taken as a whole the science papers are very satisfactory; none of the papers point to students possessing any special scEnt fie aptitude, but there is considerable intelligence running through tho whole school, showing that the teachers have endeavored to make tho principles understood rather than be satisfied with mere word memory, a vice which I have_ found common in most of tho papers I have hitherto examined in tho co ony. A. W. Bickertoh, Professor of Chemistry. Tho report on the school by the Royal Commission was also read, reporting favorably on the school. Dr. Turnbull made a few remarks of a congratulatory nature upon the reports just read. Ho then stated that the average attendance throughout tho three terms of the year amounted to eighty pupils. Of course it was necessary that scholars should have passed through a certain course before they were admitted to the school, but tho entrance examination was not such as to deter any reasonably educated girl from coming to this school. Ho then referred to the prizes to bo awarded, detailing tho exhibition prizes, and remarking in connection with tho awards for sewing that he considered that aa a branch of study of very great importance; but thero was ono of far greater moment, of, he might say, infinite importance namely, “ Cookery”—[Laughter]—and to this it was proposed to devote considerable attention in future. After some further remarks on the general working of the school, he announced that the prizes would be delivered. We append the Prize List,_ First Class—lst prize, Caroline Woodley, 2nd prize, Elizabeth Karris ; 3rd prize, Ada Kempthorno. Second Class—lst prize, El'en Pitcaithly, 2nd prize, Kate Chisnall; 3rd prize, Lily March. Third Class—lst prize, Marion Kempthorne ; 2ad prize, Helen Inglis ; 3rd prize, Ida Thornton. Fourth Class—lst prize, Eva Kempthorne ; 2nd prize, Lily Manning; 3rd prize, Edith Hobbs. Fifth Class—lst prize, Ellen MVon ; 2nd prize, Annie Wolfe ; 3rd prize, Mary Wilson. Arithmetic —B. Milsom. General improvement—J. Grossmann, Miriam Roberts. Excellence in language—Edith Searlo. Mapping prizes—Ella Cook, Ceci 5a E. Ross, Dolce E, Cabot ; highly commended, Ada Kempthorne. Needlework—lst prize, Gertrude Boulton; 2nd, Edith Howland ; 3rd, Margaret Borrows, Highly commended—Annie Piorey, Harriet Wagner, Marion Kemptborno, Nellie Ballantyne, Eva Kempthorne, Helen Inglis, Edith M. Hobbs. Open Exhibitions—Between 15 and 16, Caroline Woodley; between 14 and 15, Elizabeth Milsom ; between 14 and 15, Elizabeth Harris. Close Exhibitions—First class, Edith Soarle ; second class, Ellen Pitcaithly; third dais, Marion Kempthorne; fourth class, Eva Kempthcrnc. With regard to tho close exhibitions Dr. Turnbull mentioned that Mies Ada Kempthorue would have received the first class, but that she was leaving tho school, and it was necessary to continue the educational course another year, end Miss Edith Searlo received tho first exhibition (in the former young lady’s place) in consequence of being in a high degree, well versed in languages. (Applause.) This concluded the formal portion of tho proceedings. Then followed an interesting entertainment hy tho scholars, consisting of instrumental and vooal music and recitations, in all of whieh the performers acquitted themselves in a manner not only creditable, but so as to create surpriso as well bd great pleasure among tho audience. Soma of tho pianoforte selections were rendered in a most finished style, and with execution that gave promise of ripening into brilliancy. Also the young ladies who recited passages from “ Lcs Femmes Savantes” and “Tho Critic” deserved great praise, and tho selected passage of great length from Shakcspcro’s “ King John’’ was an admirable feat of memory and elocution. The “National Anthem” terminated tho proceedings.