Beginning of New School Year 1919-1920. Admitted from the Infant Department 23 girls and 33 boys. No. on roll last day of school year 1918-1919 = 296. No on roll 1^st day of school year 1919-1920 = 352

Staffing arrangements for 1919-1920

Admitted from Infant Department 2 girls and 2 boys.

Admitted Melba Harrison from the Infant Department making a total of 61, namely 26 girls and 25 boys.

Completed Gardening register and forwarded to County Education Offices, Northampton.

Mr. J.E. Millican H.M.I. called in the school for a few minutes conversation on School Organisation.

Completed form IX and passed on to Mr. Mantle for secure signatures and forwarded to Northampton.

Forwarded to Northampton Superannuation Forms for all the members of staff.

At the close of the morning session the children were assembled in the Hall for the presentation of Attendance Medals to the following successful children.

White Medal (for 2 years perfect attendance) Bert Bazeley, Margaret Bozeat, Wm. Denton, Arthur Cuthbert Ingram, Kathleen Ingram, Gladys Scroxton and Mabel Wooding.

Gilt Medal (3 years) Elsie Holmes.

Silver Medal (5 years) Grace Morris

Silver Bar (6 years) Frank Norris and Herbert Packwood

Silver Bar (7 years) Arnold George Harbour

Silver Bar (10 years) Henry Dunkley

Mr. J. Corby presented the medals to the winners and afterwards addressed the children.

Tomorrow being Saturday and Empire Day, the celebration of this event was organised for today. The school flag was raised and lessons were given having special reference to the British Empire. In the afternoon the school was assembled in the Hall after the play interval when the Headmaster gave an Empire address and the children sang Empire Songs.

Mr. J. Claridge visited the school in connection with the Northamptonshire Hospital Week Fund. The school flag was raised in honour of the Queen’s birthday.

Today being the King’s birthday the school flag is raised to honour the occasion.

School closed at noon today for the Whitsuntide Vacation: Friday 6^th June to Monday 16^th June 1919.

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide Holidays with an attendance of 329 no. on roll 359. Staff all present.

Owing to the factories being closed due to the signing of the Peace Treaty on Saturday 28^th it was considered advisable to close school for the afternoon session.

Commenced examining Reading and Recitation in the various classes.

The attendance this week has been unsatisfactory. The Peace Celebration on Monday has been a disturbing factor. Average attendance for the week 324 no on roll 359.

Amy Byron began her probationary period in this school last Monday 30^th June.

Completed staffing returns for week ending 20^th June also class pupils for special subjects after the Midsummer Vacation and forwarded to county Education Offices, Northampton.

Commenced the examination of the written work in the various standards.

Examined the school throughout in the subject of arithmetic.

School closed at noon today in order that preparation may be made for the Peace Celebration Tea on the morrow.

Before the school opened this afternoon some of the boys affected by the closing of the factories absented themselves from school.

The referred to above were assembled in the Hall and were severely reprimanded by the Head Teacher.

School met at 1.30pm instead of 2pm in order that dismissal might take place at 4pm and so enable the Peace Sports to be conclude, which were adjourned on Saturday afternoon on account of the rain.

Amy Byron completed her month’s probation and the report on her general fitness for the teaching profession was forwarded to the County Education Office.

Completed the examination of the papers worked in various classes during the examinations.

School closed at 4pm today for the Midsummer Vacation. Thursday July 31^st to Monday 8^th September. This includes an addition of a week to the usual holiday, being the Peace Holiday instituted by the King for all schools.

School re-opened after the 5 week’s holiday above mentioned. 22 children have left school in the meantime, some to attend Secondary Schools but chiefly to begin work in office or factory. The number now on the roll 340 and the number present in the morning session was 315. All the staff were present at the opening of the school.

Verified registers. J. Colson.

In consequence of a cookery class seriously interfering with the Physical Exercise and Singing Lesson of the Upper Standards on Friday morning, the time table has been altered so that Thursday morning and Friday morning lessons are transposed. The class above mentions ends in November and this arrangement applies to Standards V,VI & VII. School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the customary Feast Holiday viz Monday & Tuesday September 22^nd & 23^rd.

School re-opened after the Feast Holiday with a good attendance and staff all present. Muriel Huke and Winifred Page have gained scholarships, have now left and are attending the County High School Wellingborough.

All children were assembled in the Hall for the presentation of attendance medals to Jessie Tuffrey (2 years) Bert Bazeley (3 years) Arthur Harris (5 years) and Grace Morris (6 years). Also a wristlet watch to Henry Dunkley to commemorate his 10 years perfect attendance. Mr. John Claridge presented the watch and medals and congratulated Henry Dunkley on his unique performance. Messrs. T. Colson, B. Vorley and Green were also present as School Managers and addressed the children.

School inspected by several visitors from Hull including Mr. L. Kilburn, headmaster of a large boy’s school in that city.

Re-admitted Annie Morris. She is intending to sit for the next probationer’s examination with a view to entering the teaching profession.

Dr. Mason and Dr. Newton attended to examine the defective children of the Rushden District. Received notice that the Medical Inspection will commence Thursday Nov 13^th. Completed Gardening register and forwarded to County Education Office, Northampton. Received notice that a Uniform Education Year for this area has been decided upon, running from August 1^st to July 31^st in the year following. The new system will be inaugurated on August 1^st 1920.

Received notice of alteration of date of Medical Inspection from Thursday No 13^th to Monday 17^th November.

Forwarded School Gardening Accounts to County Education Office, Northampton. Miss Tall assisting in the Infants’ Department today.

Mrs. Levy assisting in the Infants’ Department. I’ve assistance due to extra work in connection with Medical Inspection.

Yesterday the meeting of the afternoon session was advanced from 2pm to 1.30pm. the lessons will be therefore half an hour in advance of the time stated on the time table, school closing at 4pm

School assembled in the Hall at 10.50am. The Head Teacher addressed the children on the subject of the “Anniversary of Armistice” and its celebration. At 11am a solemn two minutes silence was observed, after which the Upper Standards sang “The Lord’s Prayer”. Finally the school sang the National Anthem.

The children then had the usual play interval. In the afternoon the boys engaged in making a carton Cenotaph during the practical Mathematics lesson.

Head teacher left school early to journey to Wellingborough on H.M.I. business of importance.

Half yearly stock arrived after great delay. Letter from L.E.A. offices, Northampton asking if arrangements could be made to allow of Mr. Brightwell temporarily instructing the Manual Work Classes at Newton Road Woodwork Centre.

Medical  Inspection of the children commenced today. Dr. J.H. Mason, school medical officer in attendance.

Medical Inspection continued today. Tomorrow Dr. Mason is otherwise engaged, the Inspection will be postponed therefore until Thursday.

Medical Inspection completed today. No. of children examined = 105 (57 boys and 48 girls) A good proportion of the children’s parents attended the examination.

Sent George Barnes home for wilful disobedience. This is the culmination of disobedient conduct over a long period. The time table alteration (see 19^th Sept) is no longer necessary. Hence the ordinary routine is being strictly adhered to from this date.

Admitted two children, Florence Marjorie and Colin S. Forrester from High Road School, Kirkliston, near Edinburgh.

George Barnes admitted to school again, upon his father giving an undertaking with respect to his behaviour in the future.

Received Medical cards to be sent to parents of children in immediate need of Medical attention.

Checked registers and found all correct. B. Vorley.

This morning being the last meeting before the Christmas Holidays, the school was assembled in the Central Hall and a concert was given consisting of songs, country dances, recitations, action songs, sketches and a Cantata entitled “Santa Claus and his Comrades.” The concert which had been given the previous evening to the parents of the scholars was greatly appreciated both by the parents and managers at the evening performance. The managers were represented by Messrs Claridge, B. Vorley and E. Freeman.

After the concert the children were given a Christmas Present and the Head Teacher addressed the children and then dismissed the school for the Christmas Holidays.

The holidays extend from Friday Noon to Monday Morning Jan 5^th 1920

The quarterly returns were completed and forwarded to the Clerk Mr. Mantle.

Average no. on roll during quarter 338

Average attendance during quarter 312.5

Nine boys and fourteen girls left school today.

School re-opened after the Christmas Holidays with an attendance of 286. No.  on roll = 316. Staff all present.

The attendance has not been good this week. No on roll 317. Average attendance 277.7 = percentage 87.6

Mr. W.B. Sanders, school management committee, visited the school during the morning session.

Attendance still continues to be unsatisfactory. Average attendance 271 = percentage 85.7

Miss Margaret Underwood ceased duties here today. She has taken up an appointment under the Northampton Borough L.E.A. Her period of service at this school amounts to 4 years 9 months.

In consequence of Miss Underwood leaving and a decrease of the number of children on roll, the Upper Standards of the school have been re-organised. Standard VI has been promoted to Standard VII and Standard VB promoted to Standard VI so that there are now 7 classes instead of the usual 8. The change has been made in view of the lengthened school year.

The school was closed at noon today, the afternoon being reserved for a meeting of the teachers in the immediate neighbourhood to be addressed by H.M.I. Mr. Hands.

In the afternoon over 130 teachers from the district assembled in the Central Hal and H.M.I. Mr. Hands gave an interesting address on professional matters in general. Mr. Millican H.M.I. was also present and Mr. L. Perkins presided at the meeting.

From today the afternoon session will commence at 2pm instead of the time 1.30pm which was fixed in the winter term.

Commenced the Third Term Examination of school. The reading and recitation of the various classes is being examined as opportunity occurs.

Verified registers. J. Colson.

Mr. W Sanders visited the school during the morning session.

Completed the examination of the school in dictation and composition.

Miss N.L. Groome absent from duty owing to an attack of influenza. Miss Stringer of Moor Road Infants is assisting during Miss Groome’s absence.

Examined the school in Handwriting during the morning.

Miss Groome resumed duty this afternoon.

Miss Stringer left this morning to take up work at Moor Road School.

Forwarded annual return of average attendance “304£” also monthly return of attendance and a list of school children who are employed to the County Education Office.

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the Easter Vacation, Wed. Mar 31^st to Monday April 12^th 1920.

School re-opened after the Easter Holidays. No. on roll 302, number present 279. Staff all present.

Completed form ix and forwarded to Mr. Mantle. Average attendance for the year = 304

Mrs. Levy is assisting at Moor Road Infants School this afternoon.

Miss Tall is doing duty at Moor Road School today.

Miss Tall is assisting at Moor Road School again today.

The stock for the ensuing half year arrived today.

The attendance has been seriously affected owing to the Ascension Day Service at St. Peter’s church. The vicar has instructed the children that they can legally claim the whole day’s holiday. A printed form is distributed by him and parents sign the form claiming exemption from school attendance

Empire Day (May 24^th) occurring during the holidays, the celebration was taken this morning. The school flag was hoisted, the scholars assembled in the Hall and addressed by the Head Teacher. A long play was then given.

At 12 o’clock school was concluded with the singing  of the National Anthem.

School closed at noon today for the Whitsuntide Holiday, Friday 21^st May to Monday May 31^st.

School re-opened this morning after the Whitsuntide Holiday with an attendance of 267. No. on roll = 305. Staff all present.

Miss E.M. Tall absent owing to illness of mother.

Miss Tall has resigned her position on the staff. Owing to the unfortunate circumstances at home she states it is impossible to serve out her notice.

Examined the school in dictation and composition.

Examined the various classes in Arithmetic.

School closed for the afternoon session for staff to attend an “Address on Handwork in School” by H.M.I. Mr. T. Reed.

Received notification that Eric James Roe and Victor Nunley have been awarded Junior County Scholarships.

Messrs. W.J. Hands and T.C. Millican, H.M.Inspectors visited the school and inspected the classes at work.

School closed at the end of the afternoon sessions for the Midsummer Holidays, from Thursday 29^th July to Monday 30^th August.

School re-opened after the Midsummer Holidays. The new school year now commences. During the holidays there left school eight girls and ten boys. Two of these girls and four of the boys are going to Secondary Schools.

From the Infant Department have been admitted 24 girls and 32 boys. There are now on roll 134 girls and 186 boys making a total of 340.  no. present this morning girls 142, boys 176 = 318

Staffing arrangements for 1920-1921

The above staffing will be altered after the next month when another teacher is to be appointed. Also Miss Groome is taking both, Standard VII and Standard Ex. VII owing to the shortage of staff.

Winifred Bates, Training College Student, is assisting for a fortnight with the work of Standard IVB.

Mr. T. Millican, H.M.I. visited the school to examine Edna Leeson for a proficiency certificate. He also looked over the new Time Table with the Head Teacher.

Notice received that Edna Leeson failed to pass the proficiency certificate test.

New Cookery Class commenced. 18 girls attend Newton Road Cookery Centre on Thursday morning.

Seven more girls commence a cookery course. They attend the Newton Road Centre on Friday afternoon.

Miss Winfred Bates ceased duties here at the end of the afternoon session.

Registers examined L. Rowthorn

Verified registers. J. Colson.

Report by H.M.I. Mr. W. Hands.

School inspected on July 22^nd 1920

Mixed department.

For the last month the Head Teacher has had to teach a large class and has been unable to supervise adequately the work of his staff. This is to be regretted as the staff are not highly qualified and need a good deal of supervision. In this large school of 300 children, it is desirable that some at least of the staff should be trained Certificated Teachers familiar with the most modern methods of teaching as, otherwise, the Head Master is unduly handicapped.

In spite of the difficulties under which the instruction has been given, the work shows a marked improvement since the last visit of inspection and much of the work in the elementary subjects is creditable to the staff. The composition exercises of the upper standards are however lacking somewhat in fluency and originality and show the need of a wider acquaintance with good books on the part of the children.

A great improvement is noticeable in Physic Training – the children enter into the lessons with great zest.

Handwork is applied successfully as an aid to the teaching of various subjects and some of the models are of considerable merit.

Singing by note needs much attention in Standards 6 & 7.

The Head Master has endeavoured to improve the classification and hopes it will become normal during the ensuing year. The experiment of promoting boys and girls of 9 & 10 to standards 6& 7 is of doubtful value – during the inspection it was found that many of these children had not a sufficient grasp of fundamental principles to benefit fully by their accelerated promotion.

Signed J. Colson Chairman of School Managers

23^rd September 1920

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the customary Feast Holiday of two days, Monday and Tuesday next.

School re-opened after the Feast Holiday with an attendance of 311, no. on roll – 338

Miss Mabel Winifred Wooding, Uncertified Teacher, commenced duties here this morning.

Apparatus in connection with the Upper Standards’ scheme of Science Study arrived from Messrs. Harris of Birmingham.

Mr. T.C. Millican H.M. I. accompanied by Capt. Parker, Chief Inspector of Physical Culture under the Board of Education, visited the school and inspected the Physical Exercises of the Upper Standards.

The heating apparatus is being attended to and, as the fires have been put out, the school is very cold at the beginning of the morning session. This necessitates an increase of time being given to vigorous physical exercises in order to increase the natural heat of the children.

The heating apparatus is sufficiently advanced in respect of the repairs as to be working satisfactorily. The afternoon session begins at 1.30pm instead of 2pm from this date. The lessons on the time table will thus be advanced half and hour in the afternoon. the alteration is due to economy in the matter of heating and lighting during the winter months.

Mr. B. Vorley visited the school during the afternoon session.

Mr. Leeson in the morning and Mr. & Mrs. Leeson in the afternoon invaded the school and constituted themselves a general nuisance and hindrance to the effective working of the school. This visit resulted from a slight incident in the playground with which Hubert Leeson was connected.

The school dentist attended and examined the teeth of the boys who had made a request for examination. This was in the afternoon session 1.30pm – 4pm.

The school dentist attended in the morning and examined the teeth of the girls who had given notice. No. examined 24 boys and 22 girls.

In the afternoon a parents’ visit was arranged. A very great number of visitors took advantage of the opportunity of seeing the children at work in the various class rooms. Various exhibitions of finished work were on show and attracted much attention. In the hall demonstrations were given in Physical Culture, Country Dancing and Organised Games. Historical plays, recitations and mass singing by the children were also given. Many of the visitors expressed the pleasure the visit had given them and the success of the Parents’ Day was beyond question.

Mr. E.J. Huke absent from school duties owing to illness.

A portion of the half yearly stock arrived in the afternoon session. Notice of Medical Inspection (Nov 29^th) received.

Mr. Huke commenced duties this morning.

Arrival of a portion of stock which with that mentioned on the 18^th  as received was “to follow” from the previous half year’s requisition.

Received M.I.D.7. notices which have been forwarded to parents concerned. Mr. F. Thorpe, Principal of the Wellingborough Technical Institute, visited the school in the morning session.

Medical Inspection commenced this morning (Tuesday) instead of yesterday as mentioned above. Stock for the current half year arrived.

Medical Inspection has occupied the whole of Tuesday and Wednesday and this morning’s session but is not yet completed. The doctor has n appointment at another school and will take the remaining cases next Monday afternoon.

Medical Inspection completed this afternoon. No. of cases examined 67 girls. 72 boys making a total of 139 cases.

Commenced the examination of the school in dictation and composition

Forwarded the Medical Inspection Cards per Lack Carrier to County Education Offices, Northampton.

Forwarded attendance etc. to Mr. Mantle for children who are claiming exemption.

A severe snowstorm has resulted in a very diminished attendance, there being present 239 out of 335 on the roll.

Verified the registers. J. Colson.

In the afternoon session the children were assembled in the hall for the Annual Christmas Concert. An excellent programme consisting of Songs, Carols, Recitations, Action Songs, a sketch (Bob Cratchit’s Christmas Dinner) and a cantata entitles “Santa Claus is Coming” was rendered. The concert had been given the previous evening to the parents of the children and was greatly appreciated by both the parents and scholars respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Vorley were present representing the school managers at the Wednesday evening performance.

After the concert on Thursday afternoon the children to whom gifts had been previously distributed were then addresses by the Head Teacher and afterwards dismissed for the Christmas Vacation.

The holidays are from Thursday 23^rd December to Monday 10^th January 1921.

The quarterly returns were completed and forwarded to the Clerk and Attendance Officer Mr. A. Mantle.

Average number on roll during the quarter = 337

Average attendance for the quarter = 304.3

Percentage attendance = 90.2

There were 16 girls and 10 boys who left school at the conclusion of the term, to begin work in the New Year.

School re-opened after the Christmas Vacation, staff all present namely Misses C.H. Gadsby, N.L. Groome, M.W. Wooding, Mrs. M. Levy, and Messrs. E.J. Huke, E.K.L. Brightwell, A.W. Morris, W.W. Rial, Headmaster.

No. of children on the roll =319. No. present = 301. Admitted nine children from the Infants Department, 3 girls and 6 boys, who have been allotted to Standard II. Also admitted a girl, Dora Mackness by name who has not been to school for 3 years and although 11½ years old she has been placed in Standard II because she can neither read nor write.

The children whose teeth require attention are being attended to at the school clinic by the School Dentist from Monday to Wednesday according to arrangement.

Messrs. F. Corby and W. Sanders, school managers, paid a visit to the schools.

The school nurse (Miss Mason) visited the school and inspected the children who had been specially reported upon at the Medical Inspection in December last.

Messrs. J.T. Colson & F. Corby visited the school to ascertain if any damage had been done to the building by the hanging of the decorations in the hall for the Public Dance tonight.

There is a considerable amount of sickness among the scholars in consequence of which the attendance has been very much affected this week. No of children on roll = 320. Average attendance = 282.8, percentage = 88.3

The Head Teacher was absent in the afternoon. He was present at a conference on “A New Scholarship Award Scheme” held at Northampton in the County Education Offices.

Messrs. Vorley & Green of the School Managers paid a visit to the school in the afternoon session.

 Sydney Perkins during a Physical Culture Lesson slipped and fell on his chin. He received a severe cut. First Aid was rendered and as the school session was ended, he was sent home in company with some companions.

 Morton Smith took a boy’s lunch from his coat pocket in the cloakroom. This has been going on for some time but this is the first occasion on which it has been proved that Morton Smith was the culprit. I have today written to the Inspector of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in this district as I have every reason to believe that hunger has driven the boy to steal food and the blame rests with the parents.

Mrs Levy is absent from school owing to the illness of her daughter. The child has severe diphtheria.

Mr. T.C. Millican, H.M.I. visited the school in connection with the Clinic. He took charge of Mrs. Levy’s class for a short time to allow the head teacher to attend to a visitor. Inspector J. Harper of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was the visitor  in question. He called in connection with the case of Morton Smith, a reference to whom is on the previous page.

The attendance shows a slight improvement this week. No. on roll = 320. Average attendance = 295.1, percentage 92.2.

Forwarded return in connection with Education Week s at Northampton.

Inspector J. Harper N.S.P.C.C. visited the school re Morton Smith enquiry.

Nurse Mason paid a visit to school to inspect the children especially reported upon.

Mrs. Levy attended school in the afternoon session from 2.45pm to 4pm

School closed at noon today until Monday morning 21^st March in order to allow teachers to visit Northampton in connection with Education Week.

School opened today after being closed Thursday afternoon and all day Friday as pointed out above. Mrs. Levy is still absent having forwarded a Medical Certificate the day after her short visit as reported on March 14^th.

Verified registers J. Colson.

School closed at 4pm today (Wednesday) for the Easter Vacation, Wednesday 23^rd March to Monday 4^th April.

School re-opened after the holidays for Eastertide. 7 girls and 8 boys left at the end of the last term. There were admitted from the Infants’ Department 2 girls and 6 boys. The number of children on the roll at the beginning of the new Civil Year began this morning is 314. Namely 134 girls and 180 boys. No. of children present when school opened = 287. Staff all present except Mrs. Levy of whom there has been no tidings for several weeks. She has been absent since the middle of February.

The Assistant Horticultural Adviser of the L.E.A. visited the school this morning and asked if the teacher of the gardening class could visit the school garden plots with him. It was not possible to make arrangements for this to be done as it would have left a large class without a teacher. An appointment was made for Thursday 14^th April when it is hoped Mrs. Levy will have returned to duty.

Mrs. May Levy presented herself at school this morning after an absence of practically two months.

Completed Form ixE and forwards to Education Office, Northampton together with forms 73 Pen. Etc. Average attendance for the year 293. Mr. Mantle visited the school for the first time since his illness.

First Annual Schools Examination for Children between the ages of 11 and 12 took place this morning. The Alfred Street scholars and those from the National School were examined here under the supervision of Mr. S. Saddler of the Rushden North End School. Number examined 36.

The Head teacher invigilated at the Higham Ferrers Centre.

Mrs. Levy again absent from duty after only a fortnight’s resumption.