Appendix C.j

XXXVII

E.—2.

whose management inspires confidence, and whose influence is powerful for irood, and especially in the training of pupil-teachers ami probationers is one from which the whole educational dis~ 11 id may reasonably expect benefit in the future. We can again congratulate the district upon the distinction of baying won ilie first place in the Junior National Scholarship examination, now for the seoond year in succession, the honour on this occasion falling to Westport District High School. We have, &c, G. A. Hakkmoss. M.A., i r A. Crawford, 8.A., I Ins Pectors. The Chairman, Education Hoard. Nelson. GREY. Siit, Education Office, Greymouth, llih March, 1911. 1 have the honour to submit my general report on the schools of the Grey District for ihe year 1910. During the year inspection and examination visits were paid to thirty-five public and three private schools. In all, 127 pupils sat for the Sixth Standard examination, of whom sixty-six qualified for the proficiency certificate. In all the schools which were in charge of unc rtificated teachers 1 have myself examined the pupils, and Intimated to the teacher what pupils to promote The following table shows the Dumber of pupils on the roll, the number present at the Inspector's annual visit, and the average age of each class for the whole district : —

Three Catholic schools were examined, and the results are summarized in the following table: — [Separate schools omitted.]

Whilst making due allowance for the fact that a few former competency-holders find a place amongst those who were this year successful in qualifying for proficiency certificates, the above result must still be taken as indicating a high degree of general efficiency. Speaking of the district generally, it may be said that most of the subjects are fairly well taught, and the work of the y*;iv lias gone on smoothly and satisfactorily. One or two individual subjects call for brief remark. History.—Though still figuring in time-tables and schemes of work, this subject is, owing chiefly to the freedom permitted to teachers by the syllabus regulations, practically disappearing from the curriculum of our schools. Every teacher may choose his own course of lessons; under certain conditions the subject may be taught from reading-books, or every alternate year, if the teacher so chooses, the whole subject may lie dropped altogether. The result Is that the teaching is scrappy, indefinite, and disjointed. The remedy would seem to be the introduction of a simple and judiciously graded class-book, a definite portion being assigned for each standard. At present it is certain that this subject is not receiving the adequate treatment which its growing importance demands. Geoohapht.—ln spite of much honest effort on the part of teachers, geography still remains a weak subject, partly because of the drawbacks attendant on the multiplicity of courses available, Iml chiefly because of the excessive difficulty of the syllabus requirements. There seems to be little

Classes. Roll. l N - b -° n P ' e Annul. the Examination, in each Class. Annual xaminat a lie on. ii of Pupils in each Class Standard VII VI V „ - IV III II I Preparatory 48 137 152 170 195 213 195 860 43 127 149 166 189 204 191 813 Yrs. nios. 14 8 13 9 12 10 12 5 10 10 9 10 9 2 7 0 Totals 1,970 1,882 11 4* 11 4* * Mean of average age.

Roll Number. 406 1 Resent at ! Certificates gained, tion. ' Proficiency. Competency 403 32 31 1 lotals