THE HIGH SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 105, 19 September 1912, Page 4

THE HIGH SCHOOL.

A DEPARTMENTAL REPORT. "VERY SATISFACTORY TO VERY GOOD." The Principal (Mr. W. 11. Moyes) and those associated with him on the stall' of the High School have every cause for •satisfaction at the nature of the report submitted on the working of the institution by Inspector T. IL Oil!. The report was read at yesterday's meeting of the Board, over which the Chairman (Mr. E. Doekrill) presided. In it, he.stated that there were seventy-one boys and sixty-seven girls on the roll. ' Of these, 41 held senior free places, 85 junior free places, while twelve paid fees. ■ A third of the pupils came from outside New Plymouth. As. however, the first morning train did not arrive until 10.45, none of them' travelled to and from school daily by train. Thirteen boys were housed at the new boarding establish- 1 nient. An agricultural course was introduced last year, and it was proposed to add entomology and dairying to the course next year. It was to be hoped that instruction connected so intimately with the occupation of a- considerable proportion -of the people would be highly appreciated. A course in domestic science was also initiated last year, tout the response both in this course and in agriculture had been .somewhat disappointing. The methods of teaching employed: ranged from very satisfactory to very good, and in most cases a considerable degree of care and thoroughness was shown in applying them. The science teaching was in capable hands, as the amount of individual laboratory practice and the pupils note-hooks plainly testified. The examination of. the pupils for senior free places confirmed the opinion formed of. the methods of teaching in use. In the written work, a higher standard of care and neat*ess was •reached by the girls than by. the boys. The order, attention, and conduct of the pupils both in school and its precincts were, on the occasion, of his visit, very good. They appeared to take a real interest in their work, and in general, responded willingly to the demands made upon them. The Inspector added that he was very favourably impressed with the principal's enthusiasm and forcefulness, and the influence he exercised over the boys. Physical education received the following attention: —The boys played cricket, football, and hockey, drilled with the cadets, and had two periods of 45 minutes a week for gymnastic and physical exercises. The girls played tennis and hockey, and received instruction in gymnastics for two periods of 45 minutes weekly. The Chairman commented that'it was a very satisfactory account, to which Mr. Percy-Smith added that the Inspector • had only told members what they already knew. OTHER BUSINESS. The Inspector-General of Schools intimated that, before dealing with the application of the Taranaki Education Board for the recognition of a day technical school at the New Plymouth Technical College, lie would like to know whether the curriculum of the High School for 1913 would include a commercial course, as foreshadowed. —The communication is to be forwarded to the principal for information.