School re-opened after the Christmas Holidays Monday 5^th January 1931. Staff all present. Admitted 6 children from the Infants Dept. No of children on roll = 423, number present = 404.

Mr. Ferris visited the school.

Average attendance for the week = 398

Mr. Ferris visited the school today.

Mr. W.E. Capon of the School Managers visited the school during the morning session. The variable weather seems to have affected the health of the children so that the attendance has decreased this week. Average attendance = 386.1 = 90.8%

Mr. Panter, late S.A.O. paid a visit to the school in passing and stayed a few minutes.

Mr. Freeman and Mr E. Sugars visited the school during the afternoon session.

Mr. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school re-attendance.

The attendance has showed a steady decline due to sickness. Average attendance 376.9

Mr. A.W. Morris Ex.P.T. fainted whilst taking his class during the last lesson of the morning session. He was absent in the afternoon.

Mr. Morris absent from school duties. It appears that he is suffering from a strained heart which is responsible for his fainting fits. The doctor has ordered him a complete rest in bed for some time.

Mr. A. Allebone & Mr. T. Baxter visited the school during the morning session and inspected the work of the new caretaker Mr. W. Goosey, who had taken up his duties on the 1^st February 1931. Mrs. Rose Ann Knighton, who had been connected with the school as caretaker for over thirty years finished her work here on the 31^st January 1931.

Mrs. Ada Ground commenced duties here this afternoon viz Mr. A.W. Morris.

School closed today for the County Council Elections.

Mr. E. T. Huke absent today suffering from influenza.

Mr. Huke still absent.

The annual Schools Examination took place today. The Head Teacher, Miss Groom, & Miss Croft were invigilators at the Newton Road School. Mr. Saddler of Newton Road School took charge at this school. 71 children were entered from this school. Two were absent so that 69 actually took the examination.

Mr. Huke resumed school duties this morning. Gave the school a test in dictation, handwriting and composition.

Mr. W.E. Capon, school manager and Mr A Sheard visitor, paid a visit to the school in the afternoon session.

A special gardening lesson was taken today. This was to take an opportunity proved by the fine weather for preparing the ground and making the first plantings of shallots, onions, parsnips and broad beans.

Mrs. Ada Ground who has been doing temporary duty here during Mr. Morris’ illness ceased duties today after the close of school.

Mr. A.W. Morris, who has been absent since the 13^th February last resumed duties this morning. The whole school was during the morning given an examination test in Arithmetic.

Mr. Prothero visited the school today. He also visited the school on the afternoon of the previous day. Mr. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today.

Received and replied to a letter criticising the arrangement of the children in the hall for the Annual School’s Examination.

Mr. Prothero and Mr. Ferris visited the school to enquire into the relief of the pressure on the accommodation of this school. The question of re-zoning the districts was considered but the limits of zoning appear to have been reached. The attendance for the week reached a percentage of over 90 viz. 91.2 for the first time since the middle of January.

Mr. F. Green, chairman of managers, visited the school to enquire into the possibility of the children collecting eggs for the Northampton Hospital. The Head Teacher pointed out that the L.E.A. did not approve of any collections by school children which were not directly concerned with the educational work of the school. Received notice that the Heating Arrangements are to be completed during the Easter Vacation. Received a reply from the L.E.A. in answer to the Head teacher’s observations on the organisation of the Annual Schools Examination.

Mr. L.E.A. Prothero sent a letter asking for a return of the children attending this school arranged according to the streets from which the children are drawn.

Completed Form ix and forwarded to the Education Offices, Northampton. Times opened 421, total attendances 162255. Average attendance for the year 385.4

School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the Easter Holidays Wed 1^st April to Monday 13^th April 1931. During the holiday 14 children leave school to commence work, namely 6 girls and 8 boys.

School re-opened after the Easter Holidays with an attendance of 405. All the staff were present. 9 children were admitted from the new housing area. This has caused a considerable re-arrangement in the classes which was not desirable.

Mr. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today having been absent from duty for some time owing to illness.

Mr. W.E. Capon, school manager, visited the school during the afternoon session.

Mr. L.E.A. Prothero and Mr. Ferris visited the school today.

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

Mr. Huke resumed duties today.

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school this morning.

Mr. H.R. Sweeting H.M.I. called to make enquiry re-instruction given in the subject “The League of Nations.”

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today.

Visited school, checked registers W.E.Capon./

Mr. Ferris visited the school today.

The Head Teacher was absent for the greater part of the afternoon session attending the funeral of Mr. H. Jackson, the Head Master of Wellingborough Freeman’s Endowed School.

Empire Day was celebrated during the morning session, the programme being similar to that adopted in former years. Mr. Leonard Baxter the Chairman of the School Managers was present during the final proceedings in the School Hall. School closed at the end of the morning session for the Whitsuntide Vacation Friday 22^nd May to Monday 1^st June 1931

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide Holiday. Staff all present. No of children present = 397 no on roll 420

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school in the afternoon session. Received notice yesterday that three children were called up to Northampton in connection with the A.S.E. they are Clifford Bond, Lelia Holman and Dorothy Perkins. Several children are very disappointed at their lack of success. Certainly a better result had been anticipated from the children presented.

Received notice that 10 children had been called to an oral examination on Monday 15^th June in connection with the award of free places in a secondary school. The names of the children are Norman Bennett, Peter Causebrook, George Chapman, Winifred Jacques, Doreen King, Charles Leeson, Margaret Perkins, Philip Tye, Hedley Underwood and Eric Valentine.

Messrs Thomas H.M.I. visited the school and inspected the work of the Senior girls, also the needlework of the whole of the girls during the day.

The Head Teacher left school during the afternoon to attend the opening ceremony of the new Wellingborough Grammar School for boys.

Mr. L. Baxter visited the school during the morning session and paid a tour of inspection of all the classes at work.

School closed today for the Rushden and District Schools’ Annual Sports Day.

School re-opened after the sports day with a good attendance.

The Head Teacher was absent today attending the funeral of a brother-in-law, an ex schoolmaster, in Hull. In the afternoon classes 1, 2, 3 & 4 were assembled in the hall to listen to a lecture on the work of the “League of Nations” given by Mr. T.C. Archer of the League of Nations Union. The Rev. Stoney, Rector of Rushden was present and promised a prize to the best essay on the subject of the lecture.

The Head Teacher resumed duties.

Mr. Prothero, chief attendance officer, visited the school in the afternoon session.

Commenced the exam of the written work by tests in dictation, handwriting and composition. Received notice that Clifford Bond, Peter Causebrook, Lelia Holman, Dorothy Perkins, Doreen King and Margaret Perkins had been offered free places in the Wellingborough Secondary Schools.

Routine Medical Inspection commenced today by Dr. Newton. There are 68 girls and 67 boys to be examined.

Received notice that Charles Leeson had been offered a free place at the Wellingborough Grammar School. Medical inspection was resumed today.

The routine medical inspection was continued on the 14^th and completed on the 15th July.

School closed today Thursday 16^th July for the Annual Children’s Sunday School celebrations.

School re-opened after the holiday for the Sunday School Treats. In spite of the heavy rains during the three previous days the children enjoyed a fine day for their celebrations. Gave the whole school a test in written arithmetic.

Mr. L. Baxter visited the school to consult the Head Teacher during the morning session.

Mr. L. Perkins, head master of the Intermediate School, came to interview the Head Teacher in respect to the children to be transferred to the Intermediate School. Mr. W.E. Capon, school manager and Mr. F. Corby school manager and Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. conferred with the Head Teacher as to the solution of the problem of finding accommodation for the children to be transferred from Alfred Street and Moor Road Infants Schools.

Inspector Knight interviewed the Head Master in regard to the disappearance of a gold-mounted fountain pen which was lost and mysteriously found at the Higham Ferrers Cookery Centre a week ago, the 13^th July.

Mr. L.E.A. Prothero, chief attendance officer and Mr. J. Ferris visited the school to investigate the question of overcrowding. Mr. L. Baxter, chairman and Mr. W. Capon, school manager, also visited the school in regard to the overcrowding etc.

In the evening the schools Swimming Gala was held. Alfred Street School succeeded in winning back the Challenge Shield which they lost last year. The winning team were Maisie Worrall, Thurza Hodgkins, Enid Bennett and Ronald Illife. Peter Causebrook won the boys’ race and Joan Sayer the girls’ race for the children under 12. Maisie Worrall won the back swimming race for girls and Ronald Iliffe the similar race for boys.

There are 14 children leaving school today to commence work viz. 8 girls and 6 boys. Norman Bennett has received a free place. There are nine children leaving to attend Secondary Schools, 5 girls and 4 boys and 33 being transferred to the Intermediate School. School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the Summer Holidays Thursday 30^th July to Monday 31^st August 1931.

School re-opened after the Midsummer Vacation. Staff all present. Bernard T. Langdon ceased duties at the end of July. No of children on roll 429, no of children present 409. Admitted 15 children from the Alfred Street Infants’ Department and 40 from Moor Road Infants Department.

Organisation of School 1931-1932

The stock for the present term arrived during the holidays and was unpacked and checked today. Mr. W.E.Capon, school manager, visited the school.                 

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today.

Mr. J. Ferris and Mr. Prothero visited the school and discussed the question of admitting 11 children from the Moor Road Infant School. A solution of the difficulty was not agreed upon.

Mr. Capon visited the school and went over the question of accommodation.

Mr. E. Freeman visited the school and went over the question of accommodation.

School closed today Monday 21^st September for the usual Rushden Feast Holiday.

Miss Marjorie Lily Eveline Wright of Bozeat commenced duties here today temporarily.

A class was formed today in the Hall to absorb the children who cannot be accommodated in the Standard ii classroom. This class is being taken by Miss Wright.

There have been admitted 27 children since the class was formed in the Hall. Mr. Capon, vice chairman of the school managers, visited the school during the morning session.

The School Dentist commenced an examination of the children’s teeth in all the classes of the school. Miss Constance C. Croft who has been a Certified Teacher in this school since 11^th July 1928 ceased duties here today. She is taking up an appointment at Kettering, so that she can live at home for personal reasons.

Miss Winifred Berry commenced duties today at this school as a temporary assistant teacher in place of Miss Croft. The School Dentist continued the dental examination of the children today. Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today.

Mr. H.R. Sweeting H.M.I. visited the school during the morning session and discussed the question of accommodation with the Head Teacher. Mr. W.E. Capon, vice chairman of the school managers was present and took an interest in the problem.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today. Also Mr. Capon called to make enquiries re-accommodation.

Mrs. Levy absent from school today on account of the death of her brother who died last night.

Mrs. Levy absent today attending the funeral of her brother.

Mrs. Levy resumed school duties this morning. Mr. Baxter, chairman and Mr. Capon, vice chairman of school managers and Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. consulted the Head Teacher in regard to a letter from the L.E.A. dealing with the question of the class in the Hall.

Forwarded the Swimming Registers to Northampton in reply to a request from Mr. W.H. Abbott.

Mr. E.J. Huke absent from duty on account of illness.

Mr. Huke resumed school duties. Messrs. E. Freeman and E. Sugars, school managers, visited the school in the afternoon.

Miss N.L. Groome absent from school owing to illness. Mr. W.E. Capon visited the school.

Miss Groome resumed duties this morning. Mr. L. Baxter, chairman of the school managers, visited the school this morning and informed the Head Teacher that the school would not be closed for the General Election.

The General Election today had no effect upon school attendance, the children attending school as usual.

School closed at the end of the afternoon session today for the mid-term holiday Friday 30^th October to Monday 2^nd November. The Head Teacher attended a managers’ meeting to assist in selecting a teacher to take Miss Croft’s place. Two of the three applicants called for interviews attended but neither was recommended.

School re-opened today after the mid-term holiday. Staff all present.

Mr. Prothero, chief attendance officer & Mr. Ferris visited the school re accommodation.

Mrs. L.M. Ladds commenced duties here today in place of Mrs. Levy who has to undergo a period of quarantine owing to contact with a scarlet fever case, her nephew, Geoffrey Morris.

Mr. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school.

At the assembly for prayers this morning the Rector of Rushden was present, The Rev. Stoney. He presented Fred Maycock with a book prize for the winning essay upon a lecture given by Mr. Archer on the “League of Nations and its work”

Mrs. Ladds ceased duties here today in view of Mrs. Levy’s return to duty.

Mrs. Levy resumed duties this morning after her period of quarantine.

Mr. H. R. Sweeting H.M.I. came to school to hear Miss Wright give a lesson.

Mr. C.F. Lawrence, horticultural superintendent, visited the school re a gardening demonstration in grafting fruit trees.

Miss Winfred Berry ceased duties here this afternoon after two whole months temporary service.

Miss Josephine Margaret Gertrude Courtney commenced duties today as a permanent certificated assistant teacher. She is taking charge of the class vacated by Miss Croft.

Miss C.M. Bennett absent from school duties owing to severe influenza cold. Mrs. L.M. Ladds took up duty in the place of Miss Bennett temporarily.

Mrs. Ladds ceased her temporary duties here today.

Miss Bennett returned to school duties today.

Mr. L. Baxter, chairman of the mangers, visited the school today.

The Annual Christmas Concert was held in the school hall at 6.30pm. There was a very good attendance of parents, old scholars and friends. Mr. L. Baxter, chairman and Mr. W.E.Capon, vice chairman, represented the managers. The first half of the programme consisted of carols, folk dances, Morris dances, recitations by Enid Bennett and a sketch entitle Derby & Joan by children from Miss Bennett’s class. The second part of the programme was a cantata entitled “Santa Claus is coming” by children in the Junior Department trained by Mrs. Levy. After the conclusion of the entertainment Mr. Baxter moved and Mr. Capon seconded a vote of thanks to performers and teachers and to the parents for having so prettily dressed the children for the occasion. The Head Master in responding thanked Miss Groome, Mrs. Levy and Miss Bennett for their preparation of the children.

After the first lesson in the morning the whole school was assembled in the hall and the concert of the previous evening was repeated. The children were exceptionally well behaved and followed the various items with great interest. After the concert the Head Master addressed the children and wished the children the Season’s Greetings. After prayers the school was dismissed for the Christmas Vacation 23^rd December to 11^th Jan 1932. The Head Master bade farewell to the 8 girls and 8 boys from the Senior School who were leaving to commence work.

School re-opened after the Christmas Holidays Monday 11^th January 1932. Staff all present. No of children present 405, number of children on roll 442. Admitted 3 children from the Infants’ Department and one other girl.

Mr. L.E.A. Prothero, chief attendance officer, visited the school today. He demanded to see the admission register, but as he produced no authority for his demand, it was with great reluctance, the Head Master, allowed him to see it. Mr. J Ferris was present on the occasion.

Completed Form 225 and forwarded it to the County Education Offices, Northampton. This was done because of a request for a pre-dated return by the L.E.A.

Mr. Prothero and Mr. Ferris visited the school again today. The Head Teacher was asked about admitting several children from Moor Road Infants School but could not consent to any more admissions.

Completed and forwarded the A.S.E. forms to Northampton. The time allowed for filling in these forms was much shorted than usual and consequently there was a great hustle to prepare them.

Mr. F. Corby visited the school in the morning.

Mr. W.E. Capon, chairman of the managers and Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today.

Mr. C. Claridge called to see the Headmaster during afternoon school.

Miss Wood, the school nurse gave a routine inspection of all the girls and boys in the school. Mr. J. Ferris visited the school during the morning session. A girl named Dorothy Phillips was transferred from Moor Road Infants School to this school and her address was given as 138 Westfield Avenue by Miss Packer, the Headmistress. Having entered the child in the Admissions Register, I find from enquiries made that the child in question has removed to 31 Tennyson Road and is therefore not in the zone allocated to this school. The error is due to accepting the details given by the Headmistress and as this child was one of four to be admitted about whom considerable objection had been raised by the Head Master, it is naturally to be expected that no question about the zoning could possibly arise.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school during the morning session.

The attendance throughout the past four weeks has been considerably affected by the epidemic of influenza. For the week ending 5^th February the average attendance was 367, the number on the books being 449. Thus an average of 82 children each session were absent. This bad attendance is having a serious effect upon the work this term.

There has been a slight improvement in the attendance during this wee, the average attendance being 380.7

Mr. F. Thorpe, principal of the Wellingborough Technical School, visited the school during the afternoons session.

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today re attendance.

The attendance this week has been the best for many weeks. There are signs of the epidemic of influenza passing away and therefore the attendance should go on improving. Some casual attendance has developed during the visit of influenza but it should be easier to combat now. Average attendance = 402.8 number on roll =452

Messrs. E. Sugars and E. Freeman school managers visited the school in the afternoon session.

In the afternoon the Annual Schools Examination Intelligence Test was given to all the children who will be 11 years of age before 1^st August.

Mr. A.F. Austin, member of the L.E.A. spent the afternoon looking round the school and observing the work going on in the various classes. He remained until after the assembly for Evening Prayers.

Despatched results of the Intelligence Test to Northampton, also a letter explaining reasons of the staff not taking part in the place name survey.

The Annual Schools Examination took place during the morning session. There were 82 children who took the examination at this school 41 boys and 41 girls. The invigilators were Miss Watson, Mr. Allen and Mr. J. Reynolds assistant teachers at the Newton Road School. The children were accommodated in three classrooms and the examination in each classroom was quite independent, complete arrangements for each classroom having been pre-arranged. The Head Teacher and Miss Groome and Mr. E.J. Huke were invigilators at the Rushden Newton Road School where a similar arrangement to the foregoing was made.

Gave all the classes an Examination in Handwriting, Dictation and Composition.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today.

Mr. L. Baxter and Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school and conferred with the Head Teacher in regard to the admission of 6 children from the Infants Department after Easter.

The Head Teacher left school shortly after the 11.30am to attend the funeral of Mr. H.H. Hobbs J.P. at Podington which took place at 12 o’clock.

The Medical and Dental Cards were sorted and classified then packed and forwarded by Messrs Lack Carriers to the L.E.A. Offices, Northampton after the closing of the afternoon school.

There has been an unexpected drop in attendance this week perhaps due to the spell of very cold weather. Attendance 403.8 number on roll=450

Mr. W.E. Capon, vice chairman school managers visited the school in the morning session. Mr. L. Baxter, chairman of School Managers visited the school in the afternoon. Completed Form XE and forwarded to the County Education Offices, Northampton. Times opened 410 total attendances 161,358 average attendance for the year 394.

There were 7 children who left school to commence work, 3 girls and 4 boys. It is pleasant to record that in spite of the prevalence of a very bad epidemic of influenza, the whole of the staff of 10 teachers have registered a perfect attendance during this trying term.

School closed after the end of the afternoon session for the usual Easter Holidays Wednesday 23^rd March to Monday 4^th April.

School re-opened after the Easter Holidays. Staff all present. Ten children left school during Easter and ten children have been admitted from the Alfred Street and Moor Road Infants Departments so that there are the same number of boys and girls on roll as last term namely 228 girls and 222 boys making a total of 450. There are 424 children present on the opening day in the afternoon.

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school during the afternoon session.

The attendance for the week has been the highest recorded since the Rushden Feast in September last. Average attendance 418.6 no on roll = 450

Mr. Ferris visited the school today and visited the parents of several children whose absence was of a questionable nature.

Mr. W.E. Capon, vice chairman of school managers visited the school today.

Mr. L. Baxter, chairman of the school managers visited the school and conferred with the Head Teacher on school accommodation.

His Majesty’s Inspectors Mr. H.R. Sweeting and Mr. P. Burns visited the school for the purpose of routine inspection of the work of the classes.

The Inspectors continued their inspection today.

Mr. P. Burns H.M.I. again visited the school and inspected the handwork and nature study of the Junior School.

Miss Courtney informed the Head Teacher that she had secured an appointment in Leicester in a R.C. School.

Mr. Ferris visited the school today and attended to several cases of absentees

His Majesty’s Inspector of Physical Culture visited the school and inspected the Physical Exercises of the Senior Boys conducted by Mr. Brightwell. Mr. W.A. Goddard, the inspector, expressed himself as very pleased with the work.

Mr. P. Burns H.M.I. called to collect the examples of school work he left for the use of the teachers. Mr. W.E. Capon visited the school in the morning session. Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. also visited the school re attendance. School met at 1.30pm today instead of 2pm so as to complete the regulation period of 2 hours secular instruction by 3.30pm. The arrangement was made to give the children an opportunity of attending the Palace Theatre to view an educational film entitled “India; its Romance and Big Game.” The presentation of the film was accompanied by an explanatory lecture of an interesting and instructive character by Mr. Fred A Ellis himself, the well known traveller and big game hunter who figures throughout the film.

Completed and forwarded the Text-book requisition to the Education Offices, Northampton.

School closed at 12 o’clock today Friday for the Whitsuntide Holiday – Friday 13^th May to Monday 23^rd May 1932

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide Holidays. Staff all present – no of children on roll = 446, number of children present = 416

Received the notice that the following children had been called up for the Oral Examination at Northampton on Saturday 28^th May in connection with the A.S.E.:- Robert Henry Bates, Geoffrey Buttling, Gweneth Elizabeth Clark, Raymond Owen Dunmore, John Charles Dunn, Ronald Elkington, Frances Lilian Maddams and Frederick William Maycock.

Mr. W. Abbott, physical instructor, visited the school in the afternoon.

Mr. Fred Corby, school manager, visited the school during the morning session and Mr. W.E. Capon, vice chairman of the managers visited in the afternoon. Mr. J. Ferris visited the school re attendance etc. this day being Empire Day special arrangements were instituted for its celebration. The “Union Jack” was kept flying during the day, special lessons were taken and in the afternoon after the recreation interval the children were all assembled in the Hall and a special address was given by the Head Teacher. Empire Songs were sung and the saluting the flag with the singing of the National Anthem completed the proceedings.

Received notice that seven further children had been called up for an  Oral Examination at the Wellingborough Grammar School next Friday 3^rd June in connection with the award of the free places at a secondary school. The children were Frederick Allen, Joyce Miriam Baker, Keith Norman Clark, Vera Joan Coleman, Gwendoline Marie Evans, Frank Harold Eyre, Gerald Augustus Safford.

Miss Josephine M.G. Courtney terminated her services here today after a period of exactly six months service.

Miss Winifred Berry commenced duties here today being temporarily employed to fill the vacancy caused by Miss Courtney’s resignation.

Received report that Frances Lilian Maddams and Raymond Owen Dunmore have been awarded scholarships.

School closed today for the Annual Rushden and District Schools’ Sports.

School re-opened after the Annual Sports Day. Donald Chettle gained the gold medal as the Champion Boy in the Sports. He won the 440 yards race, the long jump and was third in the hurdle race.

Received notice that the following children had been awarded free places at a Secondary School:- Geoffrey Buttling, Robert H. Bates, Gwyneth Clark, John C. Dunn, Frederick W. Maycock and Ronald Elkington.

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school re-attendance.

Received notice that Keith Clark, Fred J. Allen, Vera Coleman and  Gwen Evans had been awarded free places at a Secondary School.

Copy of H.M. Inspector’s Report
Inspected on 9^th June and 25^th, 26^th and 27^th April 1932
Report by H.M.I. Mr. H.R. Sweeting.

Mixed Department

In 1929 the Local Education Authority issued instructions that this school should be re-organised into Senior and Junior classes on the basis of the clean cut at 11+. This was done. It was understood that the Senior classes contained only children who have not reached the promotion mark in the Annual Schools Examination and this fact was taken into consideration during the assessment of the work of those classes.

Senior Classes

The lowest of the three Senior classes us mixed and until last Easter, contained only children between eleven and twelve years of age. The other two – one of boys and one of girls – contain children in three age groups. It is not an easy matter to provide adequately for these children; indeed it is apparently only in the girls’ class that efforts to devise a technique of teaching Seniors, different from that which the teachers had developed under the old standard system before the issue of the …. Report have not met with success.

The girls, few of whom are bright, are provided in many branches of the curriculum with exercises that call for independent effort and there can be no doubt that this training is doing them good. The hygiene, first aid and needlework are amply provided and skilfully taught.

The work done in the Senior Boys’ class is less valuable. Excepting in arithmetic and composition in the work is individual and the attainments are distinctly creditable, the instruction does no give the boys full scope for self-development; it consists largely of oral lessons and copying blackboard summaries in notebooks.

The mixed class is taught by a young trained certificated teacher, who, though in her probationary year, handles her class well, and is full of promise, but the class needs a teacher of riper experience if, as is desirable, a more solid foundation of advanced work is to be lid.

Music is a pleasing feature in the Senior Classes. The children can sing at sight music written in the staff notation and their voices are well trained.

Junior Classes

There are seven junior classes. All these classes and the Senior classes too were seriously disturbed and the instruction interrupted last Easter owing to the admission of ten children from the Infants’ Department. As the junior classes were already full, ten of the juniors were transferred to the Senior classes: this involved not only an infringement of the Local Education authority’s instruction, but also the transference from class to class of nearly a hundred children who had not completed the courses of instruction which they started last September and had missed two terms’ work of the classes in which they were placed. Thus the admission of the ten children from the Infants’ Department caused an unwarranted retardation of the progress of nearly a hundred children in this department; and the Infants’ Department is not full.

In so far as the aim of the instruction in their Junior Classes is proficiency in the 3 Rs, that aim is substantially achieved, and the teachers are to be complimented upon their success. In some of the other branches of the curriculum, however, there is need for some adjustment of aim and for more progressive courses of instruction. In Geography the study of isotherms and rock structure and such like topics is out of place in a Junior Course: in Nature Study too much time is devoted to the learning of technical terms; it would be better if the systematic collection of specimens so well begun in two classes were extended and the wider aspects of the Study of Nature as outlined in the “Suggestions for the Consideration of Teachers” were included in the course. It was suggested that Handwork be given greater prominence that things of more permanent worth be made and that the instruction in crafts be more clearly associated with the Art Training.

Needlework

The shortage of supply of materials for needlework for all classes in the school seriously hampers the instruction. Excluding materials for dusters and towelling, 480 yards of material were ordered for the whole of the current year. As there are 210 girls in the school, this cannot be regarded as excessive. At the request of the Local Education Authority the requisition was cut down to 312 yards – an average of less than 1½ yards per girl; this is inadequate if the girls are to be taught to make a suitable range of garments. The total cost of the materials supplied for the year was £16-1-3. The fact that the school last year returned £15-12-6 in cash is sufficient warrant that every care is taken here to avoid waste. The adverse effect on the instruction of this undue restriction of supplies is clearly seen in the class consisting of the girls in Senior mixed class and Standard V. the majority of the girls in this class have made no garments at all during the school year and only sufficient material was available for 8 pinafores; a few of the girls were working at dirty things begun by others and left unfinished.

School closed today for the Annual united Sunday Schools’ treat.

School re-opened after the Sunday Schools’ Treat Holiday. Joyce Baker received the invitation to the Northampton High School for Girls with a view to being offered a free place.

Stock was delivered today for the Autumn Term commencing after the Summer Holidays. The early arrival of the stock is unusual but it overcomes the difficulty of the stock arriving when the school is closed.

Messrs Freeman and Sugars visited the school today.

There are 16 children leaving school to commence work today viz. 9 boys and 7 girls. There are 13 children leaving to attend Secondary Schools: 6 girls and 7 boys. Also 38 children are being transferred to the Rushden Intermediate School. Miss W. Berry ceased supply duty today. School closes at the end of the afternoon session for the Midsummer Vacation. Thursday 28^th July to Monday 29^th August.

School re-opened today Monday 29^th August After the Midsummer Holidays. Staff all present.

Miss Kathleen Mary Miller commenced duties as a Certified Teacher.

W.W. Rial Head Teacher.

The opening of the afternoon school session has been changed from 2pm to 1.45pm on the instructions of the Secretary of the Local Education Authority.

Mr. W.E. Capon, chairman of the managers visited the school also Mr. Fred Corby, school manager.

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today

The Head Teacher attended a conference of Head Teachers with Mr.  Prothero and Mr. Ferris present to consider the question of zoning the school districts for each school.

The question of zoning is still unsettled and daily visits are being received from parents and children seeking admission to this school.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today

The Head Teacher was absent from school today attending a conference of the National Savings Association at Buxton by permission of the L.E.A.

School closed today for the Feast Holiday

School re-opened after the Feast Holiday

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school during the morning session.

Mr. Ed Freeman and Mr. E. Sugars, school managers, visited the school during the morning session and made a tour of the classrooms etc.

Miss Kathleen Miller received notice that in the Certificate Examination she had been referred in English.

Mr. W.E. Capon, chairman of the managers, reported that the Education Office had offered to retain Miss K. Miller as an uncertified teacher pending her taking English in the next Certificate Exam 1933 to secure qualifications as a Certified Assistant. School closed after the afternoon session for the mid-term holiday. Monday and Tuesday 31^st October and 1^st November.

School re-opened after the mid-term holiday. Staff all present. No of children present 394 no on roll =428

Armistice Day was celebrated in this school with short appropriate service, all the children being assembled in the hall.

Three children who had been attending this school because the Head Teacher did not like them playing in the street were ordered by L.E.A. not to attend Alfred Street School, because this school was not in their attendance zone. Three children had not been place on the school registers.

Received notice that the Routine Medical Inspection will take place on Tuesday 29^th November.

Dr. Newton and the school nurse commenced the medical inspection of 212 children. The inspection will take altogether 5½ days, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in the present week and Monday, Tuesday morning and Wednesday the following week.

Medical inspection continued today. At the commencement of the afternoon session a lecture on the work of the League of Nations was given to the Senior children by Mr.T.C. Archer. The chairman of the managers Mr. W.E. Capon and the Revd. Travers Stoney were present during the lecture.

The medical inspection was continued today.

Medical inspection continued today

The medical inspection was continued during the morning session only.

The medical inspection is concluding today with the examination of the last section of 39 children.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today

Gave the whole of the classes in the school a term test in Arithmetic this morning.

The stock for the Spring Term arrived today.

The stock was unpacked and stored away.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school during the afternoon session.

Mr. W.E. Capon visited the school today and judged the essays on the “League of Nations Address” given on the 30^th November. Mr. Capon is giving a book prize to the boy and girl whose essays are the best.

The Annual Christmas School Concert was held in the school hall at 6.30pm (Wednesday). Every available seat was occupied by a record attendance of parents, old scholars and friends. Mr. W.E. Capon, chairman of the managers, was present during the greater part of the proceedings. Miss Groome, who was in charge of the first part of the programme, gave a wonderful display of dancing with the Senior Girls. The Sword Dance deserves special mention, whilst the Morris Dancing and the Folk Dances were a delight to watch. Several beautiful carols were also rendered by the girls. The second part of the programme was a cantata entitled “Topsy Turvy Christmas” by the children in the junior School. Trained by Mrs. Levy. This was a very successful performance which was very well appreciated. After the performance the Headmaster, in absence of the Managers, thanked the parents for their support, the children for their services and Miss Groome and Mrs. Levy for their work in preparing the children. The National Anthem closed the proceedings.

In the afternoon today (Thurs) the whole school were assembled in the hall and the concert of the previous evening was repeated. Dr. & Mrs. Rieley and several old boys and girls were present. The children were exceptionally well behaved and followed the various items of the entertainment with great pleasure. Afterwards the Head Master addressed the children. The prizes for the Peace Essays by Mr Capon were presented to violet Greenwood and Raymond Freer. After prayers the school was dismissed for the Christmas Vacation 23^rd December to 9^th January 1933. Farewell messages and greetings were given to the 3 girls and 3 boys from the Senior School who were leaving to commence work.

School re-opened after Christmas holidays. Staff all present. No of children present 408 no of children on roll 434. Admitted 10 children from Moor road Infants School and 4 from Alfred Street Infants School, also one other child from Higham Ferrers Council School.

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today.

The School nurse commenced a routine inspection of the children today. Completed A.S.E. Forms and forwarded them to the County Education Officer. There were 83 children of A.S.E. age of whom 60 were entered on the Examination forms.

The attendance has dropped to a low level during the week owing to an epidemic of influenza. The percentage of attendance was 79.1 and the average attendance 345.8 no on roll = 437

Mrs. Levy absent from duty today owing to illness. Mr. W.E. Capon, chairman of the school managers visited the school in the afternoon. The attendance has got steadily worse. The percentage attendance being 71.8 average attendance 314 with the number on roll = 437

Mrs. Levy resumed duty in the afternoon session.

The attendance has only slightly improved this week.

Miss Bennett is absent visiting the Rockingham Road Senior school, Kettering, where she is to be shown the girls’ progress in handwork particularly “Weaving”.

The attendance has continued to improve and the percentage this week reached 86.1%. Received notice that Mrs. W. Melhuish DSc PhD will visit the school on 30^th March 1933 to address the Senior Children on a Health subject.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school during the morning session.

The attendance this week has improved but slightly percentage attendance 86.6

Mr. Fred Corby of the School Managers Committee and Mr. J. Ferris visited the school during the afternoon session.

Planted broad beans in the school garden. Shallots were planted in the ground a fortnight previously.

Percentage attendance for the week 87.9

A blizzard sprang up during the afternoon and the ground became covered with a heavy fall of snow. School was dismissed a few minutes earlier without an assembly to allow the children reaching home before the conditions grew more difficult.

Though it has been a stormy weekend with heavy falls of snow occurring, when school opened this morning it is pleasing to note that little trace remained. Consequently the attendance did not suffer. This afternoon there is a return of sunshine.

Mr. Parker H.M.I. paid a visit today and spent the time making the acquaintance of the building and staff. The attendance has continued to improve and this week attendance has reached 89.1%

In the afternoon all the children in the school of A.S.E. age were given the …. Intelligence Test according to instructions received from the Education Offices, Northampton.

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today.

The Annual Schools Examination took place during the morning session. 59 children (28 boys and 31 girls) took the examination at this school and Mr. W. Allen and Miss Watson, assistant teachers at the Rushden Newton Road School were invigilators. The boys were accommodated in one classroom under Mr. Allen and the girls in another classroom under Miss Watson. The examination in each classroom was quite independent. The Head teacher, Miss Groome and Mr. Huke were invigilators at the Rushden Newton Road School

Gave the whole school a written test in dictation, handwriting and composition.

The various classes throughout the school were given a written test I Arithmetic.

Dr. W. Melhuish gave a lecture to the children in the Senior School from 10 to 11am on “Microbes and their effects.”

Nurse Milne commenced a routine inspection of the children in the afternoon. Form ix completed and forwarded to the L.E.A. at 6pm. No of school meetings 435 no of attendances 170855, average attendance for school year 392.7

Routine inspection of children continued today.

School closed after the afternoons session for the Easter Holiday from Wed 12^th April to Monday 24^th April 1933

School re-opened after the Easter Holiday. Staff all present. During the holiday 8 children, 5 boys and 3 girls, left school to begin work. Harold Sanders left this school to enter a Boarding School at Bury St. Edmunds. Admitted 9 children from the Alfred Street Infants Department and 4 children from the Moor Road Private School. Number of children present when school opened 417. Number of children now on the register 440.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school during the afternoon session. Yesterday Miss Kathleen M. Sugars commenced a probationary period of service here. The period is from 24^th April to 5^th May 1933.

Mr. Birkbeck Asst. Lec. visited the school after the close of the afternoon session to interview Miss Sugars. The Head Teacher was not present as he had been engaged at the school garden and was not informed of Mr. Birkbeck’s visit.

Miss Kathleen Sugars' probationary period terminates this afternoon. The report on her work has been forwarded to the L.E.A. Northampton.

Mr. W.E. Capon, chairman of the school managers, visited the school during the morning session.

Received notice that the following children are called up for the oral examination Wed. 24^th May in connection with the award of scholarships and free places – Joyce Doreen Page, Richard Harold Strudwick, Charles William Rose, Betty Winifred Toms and Jack Raymond Upton.

The following children received notice that they are to attend the Oral Examination at Wellingborough on Friday 26^th May in connection with the award of the places at a Secondary School – Donald Fred Bayes, Anthony Peterson Clark, Keith Harry Margetts, Kenneth Russell Martin, Derrick George Parker, Ena Blanche Safford, Rosemary Winifred Whitby and Jose Marie Ellen Wilford.

Empire Day was celebrated in this school today as in former years. The school flag was raised and kept flying all day. In the afternoon the whole school were assembled in the hall and were addressed by the Head Teacher, suitable hymns were sung and the proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

Mr. W.H. Abbott, physical culture demonstrator, visited the school during the afternoon session and gave the girls a lesson upon the table drawn up for exhibition at the Annual Schools Sports.

Received notice of the results of the recent entrance examination for secondary school scholarships in the county. The successful candidates at this school are Joyce Doreen Page and Richard Harold Strudwick.

The prevailing dry season has seriously affected the gardens this year and the promise of the crops is the worst experiences for many years.

School closed at the end of the morning session for the Whitsuntide holiday Friday 2^nd June to Monday 12^th June.

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide Holidays. Staff all present no of children present 414 no on the roll 444. Received notice that Betty Toms, Jack Upton, Charles Rose and Derrick Parker had been awarded special places in Wellingborough High School and Grammar School.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school during the morning session today.

Miss K. Miller absent from school duties attending the Certificate Examination at Avery Hill College. Received notice that Ena Safford, Donald Bayes, Kenneth Martin and Anthony Clark have been awarded special places in the Wellingborough Secondary schools. Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today. Mr. Arthur Allebone, chairman of the school managers, visited the school today.

School closed today for the Annual School Sports of the Rushden and District Elementary Schools.

Miss K. Miller again absent attending the Certificate Examination.

Completed and forwarded requisition for the ensuing term.

Commenced examining the reading and recitation of the various classes.

Messrs. Freeman and E. Sugars visited the school in the afternoon session.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school re-attendance.

Examined all the classes in the school in handwriting, dictation and composition. Rosemary W. Whitby has been offered a special place in the County High School Wellingborough this morning. This is a total of 11 awards this year up to date.

School closed today for the Annual United Sunday Schools’ Treat.

School re-opened after the school treat holiday yesterday. Received notice that the dental inspection of the children is to take place next Friday 21sr July.

Jose Marie Ellen Wilford has been called for interview at the Town & County High School, Northampton with a view to taking up a free place. This makes a total of 12 Secondary School Awards gained this year. Examined all the classes in Arithmetic and Mathematics.

The routine Dental Inspection of the children took place today.

Miss C. Bennett is absent from school duties. She is attending the City of London Vacation Course for Teachers and is taking the lectures in the Junior Course. She will not return to school until after the Summer Holidays. Her place is not being filled and the Head Teacher is taking the class as circumstances permit.

The stock for the autumn Term arrived during the afternoon session today. Its early arrival overcomes the difficulty of the stock arriving when the school is closed.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school this morning.

The Needlework, School Gardening and Petty Cash accounts were completed today and, being signed by Mr. Capon, were forwarded to the Education Office.

There are 10 children leaving school to commence work today, six girls and four boys. There are 12 children 4 girls and 8 boys) leaving school to attend Secondary Schools and 23 children (13 girls and 10 boys) being transferred to the rushed Intermediate School. School closed at the end of the afternoon session for the midsummer Vacation – Thursday 3^rd August to Monday 4^th September 1933

School re-opened today after the midsummer holiday, a week later than originally fixed owing to the playgrounds undergoing repair. Staff all present. No of children admitted from Alfred Street Infants Department 24. No of children admitted form Moor Road School 34. Number of children on roll = 457 Number of children present = 436

Organisation of School 1933-1934

Head Master W.W. Rial.          

Mr. J. Ferris S.A.O. visited the school today.

The needlework stock arrived today.

Miss N. Groome absent from school duties due to illness.

School closed today Monday 25^th September for the Annual Rushden Feast Holiday.

School re-opened today after the Feast Holiday. Miss J. Morton of the Emergency Staff commenced duties here this morning in the place of Miss N. Groome who is absent suffering from enteritis.

Mr. Ferris visited the school during the day.

Miss Jennie Morton finished duties here at the end of the afternoon session.

Miss N. Groome resumed school duties after an absence of three weeks.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school re attendance.

The attendance has continued to decrease owing to the prevailing epidemic of cold.

Mr. J. Ferris visited the school today.

The attendance during the week has not improved.

The Head Master received a letter of appreciation on his resigning his post from the L.E.A. Northampton.

School closed for the half-term holiday at the end of the afternoon session. Monday and Tuesday 30 & 31^st October.

School re-opened today Wed 1^st November after the half term holiday. Miss Kathleen M. Miller has received notice that she has successfully passed the Certificate Exam in English, the subject in which she was referred last year. She is now qualified as a Certificated Teacher.

Mr. J. Holland secretary of Northants L.E.A. visited the school in connection with meeting of the school managers.

Received notice that the Medical Examination of the children will commence on Thursday 23^rd November. Preparation has to be made for the weighing, measuring and eye-testing of 230 children. Messrs. Sugars and E. Freeman visited the school in the afternoon session.

Commenced the examination of the various classes in oral work.

The Medical Examination commenced today of the children qualified by age for this routine examination. Dr. Newton and the school nurse were in attendance at the School Clinic.

Medical examination continued.

Medical examination continued.

Medical examination continued

Medical examination continued

Medical examination continued.

Gave the whole school a written test in dictation, composition and handwriting.

Medical examination continued.

Miss K. Miller absent from school duties owing to illness. Several children were mentally examined today.

Mr. F. Corby, school manager, visited the school this afternoon.

School stock for ensuing Easter Term arrived today and was checked and stored.

The eighteenth Annual Christmas School Concert was held in the school hall today Wednesday 20^th December at 6.30pm there was a splendid gathering of parents, old scholars and friends. The school managers were represented by Mr. E. Freeman and Mr. F. Corby, the latter being the last remaining manager present at the appointment of the retiring head master. Miss N. Groome had charge of the first part of the programme and gave an excellent display of Country Dancing by the Senior Girls. The sword dance was greatly appreciated. In this part of the programme was included an action song entitled “You Dirty Boy” given by a number of boys of the Junior School and a “Floral Dance”, “The Bouquet Dance” arranged by Mrs. Levy and given by girls selected from all the classes in the school. The second part of the programme was a cantata entitles “Santa Claus is coming” especially because the concerts had been inaugurated with this same cantata. The presentation of this cantata was a great success and a tribute to Mrs. Levy’s staging ability. After the conclusion of the cantata the headmaster thanked the parents, scholars and teachers for their assistance and support and in bidding them farewell mentioned his indebtedness to the smooth working of the school during the past 25 years. Mr. Huke 1^st Assistant then made a presentation to the Head Master of a silver salver suitably engraved and in an able speech wished the Head Master a long and happy retirement on behalf of the present and past members of the staff. Mrs. Rial was also presented with a beautiful cushion in token of the interest she had always taken in the scholars and staff. Mr. W.W. Rial thanked the staff for this unexpected recognition. It should be mentioned that Mr. & Mrs J. Ferris, clerk and S.A.O. was present, also Dr. & Mrs. Reiley and Miss P. Rial.

In the afternoon today Thursday, the concert of the previous evening was repeated. It was greatly enjoyed by the children assembled in the hall. After the Headmaster had addressed the children, Agnes Charles, on behalf of all the children, presented the Head Master with an electric standard lamp and Mrs. Rial with a bouquet of carnations. The Head Master made a farewell speech to the children in thanking them for their token of love and esteem. There were 10 girls and 11 boys leaving to commence work. This completes my task as Head Master of this school.

W.W. Rial 21.12.1933