CARE OF SCHOOL GROUNDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1918, Page 7

CARE OF SCHOOL GROUNDS.

JHE TISCH SHIELD^

WON BY KAPONGA,

The following report on tne Tkch omeld competition was submitted to the meeting of the Tarannki Education ooard, by the seuior inspector The allotment of marks for the Tisch Mueld serves two purposes: one to decide the competition for the honor of holding the trophy for the ensuing year, and tc other to encourage interest'jn the planning and maintaining a suitable environment to the schools. It appearß to the inspectors that it is desirable to give a statement embodying a more definito interpretation of the requirements in connection with the allotment of marks-, (1). Fifty per cent of the marks is allotted for the general arrangement and maintenance of the grounds. It is important that there should be ad far as possible unity as well as taste in achieving a final result. The director of agriculture is naturally one who should advise in this important matter. If a suitable general design is adopted, all improvements can 3>e effected in accord with thiß until completion ia reached. The chief point that requires attention is the position and character of plantations and garden plots, forming in the first place a tasteful approach from the front entrance and, developed from this, an effective arrangement of other features, including, where they form part of the scheme, ferneries, pergolas, etc. The clearing and levelling of playing spaces and the tidiness of the whole ground are taken into consideration. (2). Twenty per cent of marks is awarded for the tidiness of fences, boundary hedges, out-buildings, and the necessary paths, floors of sheltersheds and areas devoted to physical drill. The latter may or may net be constructed of asphalt or concrste, but they requite to be of material that ia firm enough to avoid mud and dust This section largely concerns the school committees whose co-operation is nfecessary in the whole scheme, (3). A further twenty per cent of markij is devoted to the encouragement of a tidy and tasteful arrangement of the appointments of the school building. This is reached by a proper disposition of the furniture, and of maps and diagrams together with such a use of pictures and of other suitable objects, as will supply both information and training of the artistic sense. (4). The remaining ten per cent, of marks are given for special effort. This is meant to recognise the active local interest shown bv expenditure and work. apart from the disbursement of funds received from the Board. It seems the fairest course to consider partly the work done during the current year and partly the present value of operations of previous years. In comparing the general result in various schools, the limitations of opportunity must receive consideration The position of the school building prevents in some cases the adoption of a completely acceptable scheme and for such a condition allowance hfts to be made. Further, a Bmall school must work on a reduced scale in many respects. There is room in all, however, ( for a display of tidiness and taste. In the award of marks for the pre - , ent year many, but not all, of the above . points have been taken into consideration and there is consequently some modification of the results of the previous year, chiefly in the form of a general reduction of the totals. It is hoped that a more definite indication' of what is Te- | quired to obtain high marks will lead to i a better direction of effort. In the award in connection with the leading school the inspectors have had the assistance of the Director of Agriculture. ( The following schools obtained the . highest totals, viz :—Kaponga 93, Mahoe 92,.Otakeho 9.1, Pihama, Mangatoki, Norfolk, and Carrington 90, Bell Block and Oaonui Sfi. Matapu M. Tluiroa and ( Okaiawa 87, Ttuirancri »nfl 86. , The right to hold the shield for the j ensuing year is gained by the Kaponga . School. The report wa* received, and it was decided, on the recommendation of the inspector, to send copies to teachers and ( school committees.