ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2124, 14 December 1880, Page 4

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

At a meeting of the above, held last Friday evening, the report of Mr Edge, the inspector, -was read, showing in detail the result of his recent examination. The report says—“ With but few exceptions, the scholars presented in Standards VI., V., IV., and 111., have passed • very unsatisfactory examination. The papers throughout were grossly careless and maccurate, showing a very slight acquaintance with the subjects taught. The questions given were in every sense similar to those used in other schools, and in no case were the minimum requirements for the respective standards exceeded. The class lists attached to this report show fully the state of the work in each standard. - Order and discipline are neglected, and many hard spent hours of the teachers are wasted from inattention and _ want of application on the part of the pupils. _ Continued chattering, copying, and opening of books are some of the difficulties that an examiner has to contend with. Every month programmes of the work gone through by the different classes should be banded in by the teachers, and the head master should make a point of thoroughly testing the value of the instruction given. The general condition of the First Standard and preparatory classes is very fair, and this portion of the school is carefully and energetically conducted.” Accompanying the report was a letter from the secretary to the Education Board, intimating that the school would again be inspected in three, months’ time, and that unless there was a decided improvement, the Board would take steps in the matter. The head master, Mr Stott, in a letter of explanation, stated that the attendance had been large and irregular, and the teaching staff insufficient. Six teachers had left during the year, and their places bad been filled by teachers of the first year, and about six months were lost before some of the vacancies were filled. Insufficient space and furniture also caused inconvenience to the teachers. It was resolved to await the result of the next examination before taking any farther action in the matter.