School opened after Christmas vacation two wks.  201 present in the morning.  Admitted Laura and Emily Maddock Standards 1 and 3 respectively from the Board School.

The Rev’d Richards, the new Curate, visited in the morning as did also the Rev’d Canon and Miss Barker.

Mr Bond called to say that Ethel had “the itch” and consequently was unable to attend school.  He thought it was caught at school.

Attendance a little better in the afternoon, 223 present.

Sent after all the absentees in the morning, the principal cause of absence seemed to be illness.

The Rev’d T Richards visited and took the 1^st class in New Testament.

206 morning and 217 afternoon attendance.

The Rev’d T Richards took the 1^st class in Scripture, the Rev’d Canon Barker being unable to give his usual lessons.

The attendance this week has been very bad the average being

Miss G Coe commenced duty this morning as assistant mistress and took Standard 4. She was formerly pupil teacher at St Giles Mission School Northampton.

The weather was very bad and only 193 children were present in the morning and 204 in the afternoon.

Admitted Geo Henry Earl from All Saints School Wellingborough and Sarah Smith from Greens Norton near Towcester.

Sent a long list of absentees (giving attendances for the last 4 weeks) to John Sargeant, the newly appointed Attendance Officer.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and G Richards visited in the afternoon.  I informed the Rev’d Canon of the opposition to Home Lessons and that I had told the children that all who did not learn them would not be allowed to come to the annual treat.  This he told the children should be strictly carried out.

214 present in the morning and 215 in the afternoon.  The Rev T Richards visited in the morning and took the 1^st class in Scripture.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took the 1^st class in the Old Testament.  He told the children the result of the Examination on December 17^th/85.  Frank Margetts 1^st obtained 41 marks, William Pettit 2^nd 37 marks and Ernest Cave 3^rd 33 marks.

The Rev’d Canon promised to tell them about the New Testament on Friday.

The Rev’d T Richards visited and took Standards 5, 6 and 7 in Scripture.

Attendance very bad in the afternoon owing to a children’s tea being given in the Baptist Chapel.

The Rev’d Canon Barker attended and took the first class in New Testament.  He also distributed the Old Testament prizes.

The work of the school has proceeded very satisfactorily during the week, all the teachers being present.  This is the second week since the last exam that the full staff has been present.

Attendance a little better today, 212 present in the morning and 239 in the afternoon.  The Rev’d T Richards visited in the afternoon.

Commenced a system of marks viz – Punctuality 4 marks, Home Lessons 4 marks, Spellings 4 marks, Writing 4 marks, Good Conduct 4 marks, General Industry 4 marks thus making a possible 24 each attendance.

The Rev’d T Richards took the first class in Scripture in the morning.

The Rev’d T Richards did not give his usual lesson this morning.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took class 1 in Scripture and distributed the prizes for New Testament – Frank Margetts 1^st 85 marks, Gertrude Wittemore 2^nd 50 marks, Emily Compton and Ernest Cave 45 marks.

The attendance has been a little better this week the average being 219.5.  The discipline and general work has improved, most of the children are evidently trying to get as many marks as possible.

A heavy snow storm during the night (Sunday) has greatly affected the attendance today, only 159 present this morning.  The Rev’d Richards visited this afternoon.

The Rev’d T Richards visited as usual.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took class 1 in Scripture.  Called the Rev’d Canon’s attention to the bad attendance.

The Rev’d T Richards visited as usual.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took the 1^st class in Scripture.

The attendance all this week has been very bad, the average being     a decrease of     from the preceding week.

A large new cupboard has been erected in the classroom.

Received notice on Monday that the Diocesan exam would take place on Tuesday February 9^th at 10am.  The children were informed and the usual notice fixed in the room.

Attendance a little better today, 211 present in the morning and 218 in the afternoon.

The Rev’d T Richards visited and took class 1 in Scripture.

The Rev’d Richards took class 1 today instead of the Rev’d Canon Barker.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and brought a notice from W E Curry H M I stating that the Pupil Teachers examination would be on April 10^th instead of the 24^th as previously noticed.

The Rev’d T Richards took his usual class in Scripture.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took the 1^st class in Scripture.

The attendance this week has been much better than last week but is still much lower than it should be.

Edith Gertrude Watson of Wootton Grange Northampton and formerly monitress at Brampton School near Northampton commenced duty in this school as monitress, in view of being Pupil Teacher here on Tuesday February 2^nd 1886.

Attendance better, 222 present in the morning and 242 in the afternoon.

The Diocesan Examination this morning 296 children were present being 44 more than last year.  Nearly all the absent children were ill.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d T Richards were present during the examination.  The registers were marked as usual in the afternoon.

Attendance 229 in the morning and 230in the afternoon.

Called register and found correct.

                                                                J T B

Attendance 233 in the morning and 233 in the afternoon.

School closed today (a reward for good conduct and attendance on the Scripture Examination Day).

The attendance has been much better this week the average being 232 – an increase of 12.

Attendance 222 in the morning and 246 in the afternoon.  Several children who had been away through fever returned to school.  Sent a list of absentees to the attendance officer.

Attendance 221 and 231.

The children are progressing favourably in their work.

Attendance for the week average 226.

Received the Diocesan Report the following of which is a copy

“In Scripture the two lower groups did well especially in Group 2.  Group 3 did creditably.  Group 4 has been very diligently taught, but here the results were very uneven.  A few did well but most did moderately in Old Testament and fairly in New.

Group 1 Old Test “G”, New Test “G”, Scrip “vf”, Hymns “vf”.

Group 2 Old Test “vg”, New Test “G”, Scripture “vg”, Hymns “vf”.

Group 3 Old Test “G”, New Test “G”, Scripture “f”

Group 4 Old Test “A few did well, most mod”, New Test “ditto” Rest “f”, Singing Hymns “nicely”

General remarks – Religious knowledge “G”, Discipline and time “G”, Repetition “G”.  School in regard to religious Education as a whole “vf”

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the afternoon.

Good work has been done in the school during the week and a great improvement has taken place particularly in Standard 2.

There are still a great many children away through illness but the attendance is slowly improving – average for the week 227.

A very heavy snow storm this morning has seriously affected attendance 173 present.

Examined Standards3 to 7 on paper.  The work was very neatly done.

Examined yesterday’s absentees.

Returned the papers to children.

Attendance has been seriously affected by the weather this week the average having diminished by 37.

Examined St 1 in the morning and St 2 in the afternoon, both did badly.

Examined St 1 again this morning as they got very much upset the day before owing to changing from one room to another.  The results on the whole were very satisfactory.  Gave lessons to Standards 1 and 2 this afternoon and also on the 10^th.

Examined St 2 in the morning and 3-7 in the afternoon on paper.

Examined yesterday’s absentees.

The results of Exam St 2-7 show an improvement.  St2 66 per cent in Arith.  72 per cent in Writing.

St3 Arith 53 per cent. Writing 73

Standard 4 did very badly passing only 45 per cent in Arith and Writing.

St 5-7 did well in Writing passing 82 per cent.  In Arithmetic they were completely muddled.  The sums were very difficult.

The attendance was a little better than preceding week average being 216.  This is very much lower than it ought to be.

Attendance 222 and 215.

Took Stand 4 in Arithmetic and Dictation morning and afternoon, found that they knew how to do their work but were abominably careless, the teacher having neglected to give them the necessary individual attention particularly with regard to correcting and printing out mistakes.

Attendance very bad owing to a severe snow storm – 166 present.

The results of exam this week show a decided improvement Stand 2 passed 73 per cent in Writing and 62 in Arithmetic.

Standard 5 passed 97 per cent in Writing. 

Standard 3 60 per cent in Arithmetic and Writing.

Standard 4 is still very bad, most of the mistakes are careless.

Average for week 206.

Arthur Ward 1^st year PT away ill.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and asked for dimensions of the various schools.

The Rev’d T Richards visited the school.

During the week I have spent the greater part of my time with Standard 2 which promises to do very well.

There have been no examinations this week.  Arthur still ill.

Admitted Sarah Eliz. Gibbs from Raunds National School and Geo Hy Baker from Riseley.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited.

Examined Standards 3-7 – paper work not so neatly done.

The school has done good work this week.  I have again been with Standard 2 this week, their teacher being still unable to come to school.

Average 233.

The school was visited during the week by the Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d T Richards.

Arthur Ward resumed his duties this morning after an absence of two weeks.

Examined Standards 3-7 in Writing and Arithmetic.  Mrs Watson mother of Edith the candidate for pupil teacher visited the school.

In the morning I examined Standard 2 and in the afternoon yesterday’s absentees in Standards 3-7.

The results of the examination were encouraging.  Standard 2 passed 81 per cent in Arithmetic and 85 pc in Writing, an increase of 16 per cent in these two subjects.

Standard 3 passed 60 pc in Arith and Writing at last exam and 73 per cent this week.

There was also an improvement in the higher standards.

Took the PTs to Northampton to attend their annual Government Examination.  Weather was very bad.

Average for the week 243.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited during the week.

Attendance 243 and 242.

Sent after absentees.  Roland and Edgar Noble away through fever also the Bridgeford and Burford families.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and enquired about the attendance.

Weekly examination of Upper School in Arith and Writing.

Examined Standards 1 and 2.

The work this week has borne very satisfactory results.  Many of the backward ones showing decided signs of improvement.

Average for week 245.

Arthur Ward again away ill.  This is the fourth illness during this school year and has been absent nearly three months.  The staff difficulty and the illness of the school has been a great drawback all through the year.

I took charge of Standard 2 and continued working them up in backward subjects.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited respecting the Sunday School Treat which was to take place on Easter Tuesday at Milton near Bedford.

Examined the school in Arith and Writing.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited.

The attendance during the week has somewhat improved, the average being 248 the highest since the end of the second quarter.  The average for the 2^nd quarter was 253 or 14 lower than the 1^st quarter.  The average for the 3^rd quarter was 223 or 30 lower than the 2^nd quarter; for the 4^th 226 or 3 more than the 3^rd.

The highest weekly average is 298 and the lowest 190.  Twice during the year it has been 190.  The school has suffered through illness since the Harvest holidays, the average for the first week being 272, the second 253 and from this there was a gradual decrease until January when the fever seemed at its worst.  The attendance began to improve again at the end of March 86.

The school was closed until May 2^nd very much to my regret but circumstances left no alternative.

Arthur ward has been away all the week.

Copy of Government Report for the year ending April 30^th 1886 (see page 293)

Mixed School  “The handwriting and style of paperwork are now very good, having greatly improved.  The spelling has also improved.  The first standard needs attention in Reading.  English and Geography are fairly good.  Needlework is fair.  Order excellent.”

Infants No 1  “The school is successfully managed and taught”.

Infants No 2  “The school is very efficiently conducted”

Arithmetic

I am to enquire whether in the event of admission E G Watson will be lodged in some respectable household near the school.

Commencement of the school year with very good attendance.  New registers. 

Fred Denton away ill with scarlet fever.  This is another serious drawback as I hear if he progresses very favourably he will be unable to come until after the examination.

Received notice that the Gov’t Exam would take place on May 24^th and 25^th.  The Rev’d Canon Barker.  I informed the children that they must all attend on the exam days.

Examined  the children this week, found they had gone back very much in consequence of the week’s holiday but this I believe will only be temporary.  The Rev’d Canon Barker visited.

Examined Wm Pantling for admission into a Government Orphanage.  He made two mistakes in Dictation and had only 4 sums right out of 5.  He was well able to do the other but was evidently purposely careless.  I think it will be an excellent thing to get him away, as he seems to be going wrong and his step-mother has sent to me after 9am to say he is in bed and will not get up.  He is a sharp boy and well able to pass standard 5 although only 11 years old.

His paperwork was beautifully neat.  The exercises were sealed and came from the Gov. Office.

The Rev’d Richards visited.

Mr Hewitt, assistant master, away ill.  Arthur Ward did not come until 11.30 this morning and so I was without 3 teachers during the morning.

Mr Hewitt still away.  Mrs barker visited in the afternoon and heard the 1^st class sing their songs.  She is a thoroughly trained musician and expressed herself as being well pleased with their singing, believing that they had improved very much.

There has been no examination this week as the attendance has been very bad owing to exceedingly wet and rough weather.

Admitted Geo Chs Timpson a very delicate boy subject to fits.  He had not attended a school for three years and is only now able to come half days.  He will evidently require exceptional treatment.

Mr Hewitt resumed duty.

Mrs Partridge applied for admission for her daughter Alice Lee, another very delicate child.  She was 11 years old on May 9^th and has only passed standard 1.  Her mother says she is too weak for constant attendance at school and may only be able to attend periodically according to state of health.  I impressed upon her the advisability of sending every time she was able to come and he promised to do so.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the morning.

On Saturday the 18^th inst. I received the class list of the Scripture Exam of Pupil Teachers held Saturday March 13/86.

Fred Denton was 2^nd in 2^nd class of PTs in 2^nd year.

Arthur Ward 12^th in 1^st class of PTs in 1^st year and Frank Margetts 3^rd class prize 1^st Division of Prize Scheme.  This is a great improvement upon last year as Fred was 3^rd class and Arthur failed.  I think it will stimulate to further exertions.

During the week the papers for the examination have been prepared and the necessary returns completed.

Mr T H Simpson H M A I commenced the examination at 9am.

W E Curry Esq visited during the morning as did the Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d G Richards.  The examination was continued in the afternoon by W E Curry Esq and Mr Simpson.

All the Standard work was finished and the class subjects of Standards 1 and 3.

Examination continued today by W E Curry Esq and his assistant Mr T H Simpson.  All was finished in the afternoon.

Proceeded with usual work today.  Allowed the children to have a little play both morning and afternoon during the remainder of the week.

Holiday today.

Eliza Sharp and Esther Abbott admitted.

Choral Festival at Church.  Half Holiday.  The Rev’d G Richards gave his usual lesson.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited.

Attendance a little lower this week.  Admitted the infants from Miss Fisk’s and Mrs Wagstaffe’s departments on Monday morning.

The Rev’d Canon Barker attended twice during the week and took the 1^st class in English (King Lear).

Received the duplicate examination schedules.  272 examined, 243 passed in Reading – 89 per cent.

257 passed in Writing – 94½ per cent.

207 passed in Arithmetic – 76 per cent

Total per cent throughout the school 87.

Standard 1 passed 80 per cent

    ,,        2     ,,    90   ,,     ,,

    ,,        3     ,,    93   ,,     ,,

    ,,        4     ,,    89   ,,     ,,

    ,,      5-7    ,,    85   ,,     ,,

Standard 1 did much worse in Reading than I had expected and also in Arithmetic.  Three sums were given 1 addition and two subtraction.

Standard 1 suffered more with fever during the year than any other class the attendance being for a long time only one half of what it should have been.

The percentage of the school is 11 higher than last year.

During the week I have re-arranged the children according to their success, putting the children who failed in two or three subjects in the same standards.

The Rev’d G Richards visited three mornings and gave on each occasion his usual Scripture lesson.  The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and gave 1 Scripture lesson and two lessons in Shakespear’s King Lear.

School closed today for a week.  Edith Watson away ill on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Fred Denton 3^rd year PT returned to school after an absence of nearly 2 months (7 weeks).

All the teachers present this morning.  Admitted Florence Emily … from St Faith’s School, Lincoln.

Admitted Fred Tester from Higham Ferrers Board School.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited yesterday and took class 1 in English.  He informed me that he should be unable to attend again this week.

The Rev’d G Richards attended 4 mornings this week and took the 1^st class in Scripture.  The children have made a good start with their new Standard work this week.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the afternoon and gave his Shakespearian lesson.  The children are apparently taking great interest in the subject.

Had the children in at 1.30 this afternoon and dismissed at 3.45 in consequence of a cricket match being played in the village.

The Rev’d G Richards took his usual class.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and gave his usual lesson this afternoon.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited yesterday and the Rev’d G Richards this morning, they each gave a Scripture lesson.

The average attendance is much lower than it ought to be, there are several fresh cases of fever in the village.

School closed today in consequence of the Temperance trip to Harwich.  This day appears to be a general holiday of the villagers, most of them going out by excursion.

A very bad attendance today owing to yesterday’s holiday making.

The Rev’d G Richards was unable to attend today.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited this afternoon.  He has been suffering from bad cold all the week and unable to give his usual lesson.

The attendance has been very bad this week, the average being       .

Received the Government Report yesterday for copy of which see page 282 (72).  It is very encouraging.  The percentage is 11 more than last year, the class subjects for the merit Grant have improved from “fair” to “good” and the Government Grant shows an increase of 3/11 per head or £64.17.10 in this Department.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the afternoon.

The Rev’d G Richards took the 1^st class in Scripture yesterday and today.

Called registers and found correct.

                                                                J T B

The Rev’d Canon Barker took the 1^st class in “King Lear” this afternoon.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took the 1^st class in Scripture.

All the children were photographed this morning in ten groups of thirty each.

The Rev’d G Richards did not attend this morning.

The attendance this week has improved, average being       .

Admitted Fanny Goodfellow from the Board School.

Mrs Barker visited this afternoon respecting the sewing.

The Rev’d G Richards took class 1 in Scripture in the morning and The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the afternoon and gave a lesson to the 1^st class on “King Lear”

School opened at 1.30 and closed at 3.45.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took class 1 in Scripture.

The Rev’d G Richards took class 1 in Scripture.

The school has progressed favourably with their new work.  There are still several away on account of measles at home.

Holiday in the afternoon owing to a great many children attending an annual tea at the Baptist Chapel.

The Rev’d G Richards attended as usual.

The Rev’d G Richards did not attend this morning.  The Rev’d Canon gave his weekly Shakespearian lesson this afternoon.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the morning and gave a Scripture lesson to class 1.

Frank Lack came to school at 6 minutes to 10 and was accordingly sent home.

End of the first quarter of the school year.  The children have made very satisfactory progress and good results are to be expected next year if corresponding progress takes place during the next three quarters.

The children are in every way superior to what they were this time last year.

The attendance has scarcely been up to expectations at commencement of the quarter.

Examined registers found correct.

                                                                J T B

Bank Holiday attendance very bad in the morning.  Sent after every child who was absent, nearly 200.

Gave a holiday in the afternoon.

Attendance much better this morning.  The Rev’d G Richards has gone away for his holidays and so will not be able to give his usual lessons for a few weeks.  The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the morning with his brother-in-law         Chapman Esq and heard the 1^st class sing a song.

The Rev’d Canon gave his usual lesson on “King Lear”.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and gave a Scripture lesson to 1^st class.

The attendance since Monday has been fairly good.

Miss Coe was absent on Wednesday afternoon.  She sent word that her head ached.

The attendance on Monday morning was good, 278 being present. In the afternoon and on Tuesday it was not so good.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took the 1^st class in “King Lear”.

The Rev’d Canon took the 1^st class in Scripture.

Allowed the children to go in the playground this morning to see a troop of soldiers pass.  The attendance during the week has improved the average being 263 or 10 more than preceding week.

259 present in the morning and 277 in the afternoon.  The Rev’d Canon Barker visited.

Attendance very good this afternoon, 291 present.

Very wet day, the annual treat which was to take place today was in consequence postponed to Friday.

No Scripture this morning, school closed at 11.30.

The School Festival was held this afternoon in the Rectory Grounds.  The weather was beautifully fine and children and parents appeared to enjoy themselves very much.

Prizes were distributed for punctuality, regularity, diligence and good conduct.

School opened after 6 weeks holiday.  All the teachers were present.  Re-arranged the classes and teachers.  Divided Standard 1 into two divisions giving the 1^st to Edith and the 2^nd to Arthur, Standard 2 into 2 divisions Fred to take the 1^st and Miss day the 2^nd.  Standard 3 to Miss Coe.  Standard 4 to Mr Hewitt.  Leaving Standards 5, 6 and 7 for myself.

Previous to the holiday I gave a lesson to all the teachers and assistants on discipline and impressed upon them the necessity of obtaining a good moral influence over the children by which they should keep good order themselves, particularly as they must at some future time be thoroughly dependent upon their … powers for the maintenance of good order in the schools.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited preparatory to going for his holidays.

The Rev’d G Richards visited on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and took the 1^st class in Scripture.

The school week has progressed very favourably, the children have gone back during the holidays, the backward children especially being worse.

Admitted several children.

Average 263.

Taught Standard 5 “compound practice” and Standard 6 Reduction of Decimals.  The other standards are very forward with their work.  Taking the whole school into consideration we are quite 3 months more forward than last year.  The children too seem brighter and have more confidence.

The Rev’d G Richards visited on Tuesday and Thursday and took 1^st class in Scripture.

Average 252, 11 lower than last week caused by wet weather principally on Friday.

Commenced fires this week.  The school has been beautifully warm.

The Rev’d J Napleton, rector of Wymington, visited and heard the 1^st class sing, he said he was very pleased with what he saw and heard.

The Rev’d G Richards came on Thursday only this week.

During the week I have taken all classes in writing.  Standard 2 have commenced Dictation on paper.

Average 261.

Admitted several backward children from the Board School.  One boy in Standard 3 had 17 mistakes in a short piece of Dictation.

Attendance better, 272 present this morning.

The Rev’d G Richards did not give his usual lessons this week.  The first class show great improvement in writing, neatness and general industry.  Have not allowed the children to assemble in the playground before school owing to the serious illness of a little girl, Lizzie Barwick, who lives opposite.  Divided the school into two parts, one part assembled in front of my house and the other near Mr Perkin’s.

Average

Admitted Alf Wm Page from Kimbolton and Rose Ethel Sinfield from St Edmunds Northampton.

Commenced evening school with --- scholars.

The Rev’d G Richards took 1^st class in Scripture.

Very wet afternoon, a great many children away in consequence.  Miss Coe absent today.

Have given attention to all classes during the week.  Standard 1 is progressing favourably with subtraction.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited this afternoon.  Commenced school at 1.35 closed registers at 4.  I propose continuing this through the winter months to enable children being a great distance from the school to reach home before dark.

The Rev’d Canon visited and took the 1^st class in new Testament.

The assistants have been late every afternoon this week.  I told them they must be here in the mornings at 8.45 and in the afternoons at 1.30 and get all ready for lesson to prevent a waste of time when changing from one lesson to another.

Examined registers found correct.

                                                                JTB

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited.

Received a set of questions from the Rev’d Canon Barker on the Old and New Testament for the 1^st class.

The Rev’d G Richards visited and took the 1^st class in Scripture.  The Rev’d Canon took same class in King Lear in the afternoon.

The Rev’d Canon Barker went through the Examination papers with 1^st class.  Good work has been done this week in all classes.  Standard 1 has progressed favourably in subtraction, St 2 in short division, St 3 in subtraction of money, St 4 in reduction, St 5 in Rule of Three

The attendance has improved, the weather being finer – average 274.

Commenced an evening class of 1^st class scholars to prepare for Diocesan Prize Scheme Examination.

289 marked present in the afternoon.  The Rev’d Canon Barker visited both morning and afternoon and gave Scripture and Shakespearian lessons.

The Rev’d G Richards visited and took class 1 in Scripture.

Received no help today at Scripture time.  There has been some improvement this week in punctual attendance.

Average 273.

Admitted Chas and Jos Simms St 1 and 4 respectively, they are only residing here for a short time.

Admitted John Holton from the Board School.  St 1 and ….years old.

Weather very wet in morning and attendance lower than it otherwise would have been.  260 present in morning and 278 in afternoon.  During last week I spoke to the children about irregular attendance and the consequences of such irregularity.  I told them that if they wished to be good scholars and among the best in their class, they must be the most regular and punctual at school.  The highest attendance last week was 289 and I expressed a hope that it would be over 300 this week.

298 present this morning.  The Rev’d G Richards attended and gave his usual Scripture lesson.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took the 1^st class in the morning for Scripture and in the afternoon in “King Lear”.

In the evening at the Rev’d Canon’s request I conferred with him respecting Miss Coe.  It was decided that she should leave at Christmas.

Rev’d G Richards took class 1 for Scripture.

No help in Scripture today.

Attendance this week has been much better, the average being 276.  This is the highest since the examination.

For the last 4 weeks I have taken first class boys and girls in Scripture in the evening preparatory for the Prize Scheme Exam in March next.

Received a quantity of school books etc from the Educational Supply Association.

Re-arranged the slates, there are now

100 for Standard 1, 90 for St 2, 60 for St 3, 56 for St 4 and 49 for St 5.

The usual lessons were given by the Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d G Richards during the week.  No help on Friday.

The weather has been very bad during the week particularly on Wednesday, the attendance has consequently been lower than it would have been under more favourable circumstances.  Average 273 but without Wednesday 278.7.

Weather very bad and attendance poor.

The Rev’d G Richards visited and gave a lesson to the 1^st class in Scripture.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took the 1^st class on St John’s Gospel in the morning and “King Lear” in the afternoon.

The attendance this week has been diminished by the severity of the weather.  Average for the week.

During the week I have examined Standard 1 in Arithmetic and Writing.  The spelling is very good and writing good, the arithmetic is fair.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d G Richards gave their usual lessons.

The attendance has been very bad partly owing to bad weather and partly through the children being kept at home to help their parents.

The children assembled this morning for a few games preparatory too “breaking up” for Christmas holidays (1 week).

Miss Coe ceased duty as assistant mistress.

School opened, attendance fair.  Sent to every child that was absent this morning.  Attendance very good in the afternoon, 274 being present.

A heavy snow storm during the night seriously affected the attendance today.

Miss Rebecca griffin Art 84 commenced duty as assistant mistress in place of Miss Coe.  I removed Miss Day to Standard 3 and put Miss Griffin in charge of Standard 2 as she had never taken St 3.

The weather since Monday has been very bad and consequently the attendance very low.  Average for week 218.

Admitted Kate Lewis on Monday from Wymington a girl twelve yrs old in St 3.

The Rev’d Canon and Rev’d G Richards gave their usual Scripture lessons.

The attendance during this week has improved but the continuous cold weather very seriously affects it, the average for the week being only 234.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d G Richards gave their usual lessons during the week.

The managers decided that Ernest Warren and Fred Dickens, children attending Mrs Wagstaffe’s should be retained in her school until after the examination as they are totally unfit to proceed with standard 1 work, their backwardness being due to illness and delicate health.  Also that Ellen Bull, Mary Jane Lewis, Harry Cave, Geo Deighton and Frank Underwood should remain in Infant School no 1 as they are unfit to proceed with St 1 work, not yet having worked in class 1 infant Room.

                                                                                John T Barker

                                                                                                Manager and Correspondent

Mrs Auger informed me that Priscilla who has only made two attendances since Nov 18^th is still unwell and not able to attend school this week.  I impressed upon her the necessity of sending her as soon as possible but her mother said the doctor has told her she must not send her regularly to school and that the girl must not be pressed to learn.  She (the mother) promised to send her as often as her health permitted but wished me to excuse her home lessons and let her take lessons as lightly as possible.

The girl will evidently require exceptional treatment.

I examined Standards 3 and 4 in Writing and Arithmetic, found them exceedingly careless.  They have a good knowledge of the work but make blunders.

The attendance has been much better during the week, the average being 264.  The Rev’d G Richards did not give his usual lesson.  The Rev’d Canon visited and taught as usual.  On Monday and Tuesday the school was visited by Mr T J Barford BSC who wished to understand the working of Elementary schools.  He expressed himself satisfied with his visit.

Sent after all the absentees this morning.  In the afternoon Mrs Watts sent a note saying that Effie a standard 3 girl would only be able to attend half days owing to delicate health.  She has only made 40 attendances in 10 weeks.  I consider she should be made an exception.

I examined Standards 3 and 4 in Writing and Dictation on paper.  The work was done much better, neater and more stylish.  Standard 3 passed 51 per cent but the dictation and sums were both very difficult.  St 4 passed 50 pc.  Standard 3 are extremely careless in spelling owing I think to their late teacher (Miss Coe) neglecting to see that they corrected and learnt the misspelt words.

I examined Standard 1 and found them very good spellers and fair in Arithmetic.

Examined St 2 1^st Division, 38 present and all passed in Writing but the Arithmetic was bad, the fault being in taking down.  The average no of mistakes was 1^5/38.

The school has done good work and promises very good results.  The average is 265 for this week, one higher than last week and 47 higher than for week ending Jan 7^th.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and taught as usual on Wednesday morning Scripture and in the afternoon King Lear.

Admitted Emily Smith from Kettering Road Bd Northampton, a girl 10 years old Jan 9/76 and she has not passed St 2 and is very backward.

Commenced the last quarter of the school year today.

Received a quantity of school books from the Educational Supply Association.

No. of children on the books 361.

The following are children which in the opinion of the managers should have exceptional treatment under Art 10g

Laura Whitehead             very delicate

Arthur Harris                  obvious dullness

Wm Childs                          ,,             ,,

Wm Skinner                    Delicate health and deficiency due to illness

Edith Cooke                    age and backwardness … 9/11/80

Geo Makeham                 backwardness and age 30/3/80

Rose Greaves                      ,,               ,,     ,,    6/2/80

Annie Howe                    delicate health

Wm Dickens                    backwardness and age 14/4/80

John T Barker

No examination this week.  The children are eagerly looking forward to the Scripture exam on Tuesday next.

The attendance has been better, the average for the week being 271.6.  The usual lessons have been given by The Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d G Richards.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited in the morning to make arrangements for tomorrow.  Unfortunately the hounds meet in Rushden at 11 o’clock tomorrow and the children expect according to custom to be dismissed earlier to enable them to witness the meet.  It was decided to ask the inspector to commence at 8.30 or as near as possible to that time in the following morning.

The Diocesan examination today, 328 children present, 42 in class 1, 57 in class 2, 60 in class 3, 83 in class 4, 86 in class 5.

Everything appeared to pass off satisfactorily.

Examined Standard 1 in Writing and Arithmetic.  I found them more accurate in spelling than arithmetic.  The greater part are very good but others exceedingly backward.

After school this afternoon I spoke to all the assistants and pupil teachers together respecting their instruction to their respective class, reminding them of what I had told them at the beginning of the school year about mechanical and intellectual teaching, that their object should be to train the faculties of their children, not merely to cram a certain amount of knowledge into them without any thought as to whether the children understood what they were learning.  I told them that the best way to make a child remember a thing was to reason with him and get him to thoroughly grasp the meaning of it.  In reading lessons they must get different meanings of the same words and phrases from different children if possible.  They must encourage the good children and shame the lazy ones and make them work.  The teachers themselves must remember that their character is depicted in their classes, if they are lazy the children will be lazy and if they persevere and are energetic, careful, neat and methodical in their work their children will imitate them.

School closed today.

Average 272.6.

Examined Standard 2 in Arith and Writing, found the second division very much worse in arithmetic than I expected.  This was the first time this division has been examined on paper but I was very disappointed.  The writing was very fair a percentage of 66 being obtained including several non–standard children.

In consequence of the failure of this class in arithmetic I put Mr Hewitt with my class St 5, 6 and 7 and sent Fred to St 4 and went to Standard 2 myself.  Gave lessons in arithmetic this afternoon and writing.

Continued working with Standard 2 today giving lessons and exercises to be worked.

This afternoon I gave them foolscap paper and explained the method of proceeding on Examination days and let them work sums and writing dictated to them, the writing was much better and the spelling better too.  Results 74 pc in writing, 38 pc in arithmetic.

20 children had only one sum right and 26 no sums right.  This is abominably bad considering that an assistant mistress and a 3^rd yr PT had been with them since harvest.

Examined Standards 2, 3 and 4 this afternoon.  St 2 passed 48 in arithmetic and 71 in writing, St 3 53 in arith and 54 in writing, St 4 33^1/3 in arith and 37 in writing, the mistakes in these standards are mechanical.  The children evidently understand their work.

Examined St 1 and found the progressing very favourably.

Attendance lower, average 261, 11.4 lower than last week.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited as usual and gave a lesson to class 1 in King Lear.

During this week the school has done good work.  I have been working with Standard 2 principally which has improved, the following results were obtained St 3 62 per cent in arithmetic and St 4 56 in writing.  This week all the half timers were examined and the arithmetic was lower in St 4 and the writing lower in St 3 than the preceding week.  I did not examine St 2 this week.

Average 266.4.

The Rev’d G Richards gave a Scripture lesson on Tuesday and The Rev’d Canon Barker took class 1 in English on Wednesday.

I examined Standard 2 on paper in writing and arithmetic, 75 were present, 4 sums were given out to them, two multiplication and 2 division.  16 had 4 sums right 19-3, 17-2, 11-1, 12-0, percentage 69^1/3

Writing 64 passed 11 failed 85^1/3 per cent

Reading 75 passed 9 failed 89 per cent

Total pc 81.6.  These results are encouraging and the children should pass a very good examination.  Arthur Makeham and George Robinson are children which ought to have exceptional treatment.

Maggie Auger’s mother told me that she (the child) was a delicate girl and must not be kept regularly at school.  She suffered very much with her head owing to a serious fall she had three or four years ago.

Standard 1 was examined and passed 71 per cent in Arithmetic and 93 per cent in Writing, 70 were examined.

Received the Report of the Scripture exam the following of which is a copy.

Group 1 Old Test “vg” New Test “vg” Scrip Rep “vg” Hymns “vg”

Group 2 Old Test “vg” New Test “vg” Scrip Rep “vg” Hymns “vg”

Group 3 Old Test “g” New Test “g” Scrip Rep “g”

Group 4 Old Test “vf” New Test “vf” Scrip Rep “g”

Group 5 Old Test “g” New Test “g” Scrip Rep “vf”

Private prayers “good”

General Remarks Religious Knowledge “g” Discipline and Tone “vg”

Repetition “v careful”.  Sch in regard to religious education as a whole “g”

Inspector’s Report “In the three upper divisions the answering was good, and sometimes very good, showing that the instruction had been very carefully given, but it was uneven, the unevenness no doubt being due to the presence of a large numbe of half timers.  For in the two lower groups where there are no half timers the answering was general as well as good”

                                                F P Lawson

                                                                Div Inspector

This report shows a great improvement upon last year (see pages 274and 5)

One stage … was taken and the results in each stage were better.

Average for the week 270.

Admitted Chs Nichols from Olney Bd passed St 2 Age 10 yrs.

Re-admitted Alf and Fred Jolly who have been living at Moulton a little more than a year, and John Watts a visitor from London.

Examined St 3 and 4 in Arith and Writing.

Examined St 1 and 2 in Arith and Writing.

The results of this week’s exam are very encouraging.  The paperwork was done very neatly. St 4 passed 75pc in Arith and 80 pc in Writing.

Owing to Sanger’s circus visiting Rushden on Wednesday I found it impossible to keep school.

I examined Standards 3-7 together for the first time this year.  Standards 5-7 show a good knowledge of their arith and their work was neatly done

Stand 1 I gave them three sums, 1 addition and 2 subtraction. 
31 got three right 12-2, 14-1, and 9-0, average 1^65/66. 
Writing 83 pc.  This standard should do very well.  Their Reading is very intelligent.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d G Richards visited and taught as usual.

Average 244.6

Examined St 4 in Repetition and Geography with test map.  Found them going on satisfactorily

This afternoon I examined Standards 3to 7 on paper and found their progress steady.  Much of their former carelessness still remains but as compared with last year the school is in a very much better condition, many of the standards being better now than at the examination last year.  Standards 1 and 4 particularly.  Standard 3 seems less accurate but their knowledge is superior and I hope for improvement, they seem to do their work too quickly to … correctness.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took standards 4 to 7 in English this afternoon.  He seems well satisfied with their progress.

The Rev’d G Richards took class 1 in Scrip as usual.

Average 257.

Admitted Birdie Underwood from the Board school.  She is 100 years old and has not passed a standard.

I examined St 3 to 7 on paper this afternoon giving them the Stanhope Arith Test Cards.  I had just collected the papers when The Rev’d Canon Barker accompanied by the Rev’d Canon Watson came in.  They both went through the papers.  Canon Watson said he had been Diocesan Inspector for 12 years but he had never seen better paperwork.  He liked the style of the writing, the character of which he could trace through the different standards.  The Rev’d Canon Watson heard standards4 to 7 sing and say their poetry and expressed himself pleased with all.

Examined St 2 this afternoon.

Examined St 1 this morning.

The Rev’d Canon Barker took St 4 to 7 in English this afternoon.

The results of this week’s exam are very good particularly in St 1 and 2 the latter passing 78^38/79 in arithmetic with an average of 2^43/79 sums right (4 sums given) and the former 71^23/63 per cent average 2^12/63 sums right (only 3 sums given)

St 1 passed 88^8/9 pc in writing.  The other standards also had improved.  These results are encouraging.

Average 254.6.

Not having received the notice of the examination I decided to give no holiday this Easter.  I informed the children this morning and promised they should have a wk’s holiday “Jubilee” wk.

Examined standards 3 to 7 on paper in writing and arithmetic

This morning I examined yesterday’s absentees St 3 to 7.  In the afternoon I examined Standard 2, 68 present.

Examined St 1 this morning.  Evening school examined this evening at 7.30 by Mr T H Simpson.  24 were present and 2 absent.

I have endeavoured to have the children ready for the Gov. Exam this week and have consequently made my exam very important this week.

The results are very satisfactory and the style of paper very creditable.

St 1 81^35/65 pc in arithmetic average sums 2^24/65, 71 pc in writing.  The words were very hard containing diamonds, chimney, strength

The sums given were “Inspector’s Tests” as published in the educational papers.

In Standard 4 the following sum was given “Reduce twelve thousand eleven hundred and ten minutes to days”.  This was a failing sum, only two boys getting it right, otherwise much better results would have been obtained in this standard.  The results of the 1^st class arith are poor but the theory is in the children and the practical past will soon show to better advantage.

School closed today until Monday.

Attendance very poor, this morning being Easter Monday but quite as good as I expected to get, more than 170 being present.  Dismissed at 11.30 and gave a half holiday.

Attendance much better today.

The attendance this week quite came up to my expectations.  I gave a little play every morning and afternoon.

Average

Received notice that the Gov. Exam would take place on Tuesday and Wednesday May 24^th and 25^th.  This just gives us a full year’s work, the exam being the corresponding wk with last year.

The Rev’d G Richards visited on Thursday afternoon.

Attendance much better today.  The Rev’d Canon Barker visited.

Examined St 1 in Reading 65 passed, 5 failed pc 92^60/70.

Mrs J T Barker visited this afternoon and inspected the exam papers done on 6^th and 7^th inst.

Attendance during the week has been better and good work has been done and a steady improvement effected.

Average

Admitted Sarah Eliz Walker from Irchester born 10^th February/75, passed St 2.  Her mother wishes her to be a half-timer.

Examined registers, found correct.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took Standards 4 to 7 in English (repetition).

The Rev’d Canon again visited this afternoon and took St 4 to 7 in their poetry.

I examined St 2 73 children present, 26 had 4 sums right, 18 – 3, 19 – 2, 4 – 1, 6 – 0, percentage 86^22/73, average sums right 2^54/73.

I gave a long hard piece for dictation and only allowed 4 mistakes, percentage 76^52/73.

In the afternoon I examined St 1, 61 present 32 had 3 sums right, 18 – 2, 5 – 1, 6 – 0, percentage 82, average 2^15/61 sums right, only three sums given.  The spelling is very good in this standard, per cent 85^15/61.

I have not examined St 3 to 7 for three weeks.

The school should pass a good examination this year.

There are 349 children on the books.

Copy of Inspector’s Report/87

Mixed School – The writing and spelling are very good; Arithmetic and reading good; general intelligence, class subjects and needlework fair, Order excellent.

Infants School No. 1 – “The school is conducted with energy and intelligence”.

Infants School No. 2 – “The school is very efficiently conducted”.

                F J Denton, A Ward, E G Watson, E Waller and E M Packwood have passed fairly but Denton should attend to Geography, Ward to Geography and knowledge of Method, Watson to Geography History and Needlework at examination, Waller to Music and Packwood to History.

R Griffin is recognised under Art 84 and G E Wagstaffe is continued under that Article.

Article 42 precludes the admission of F W Margetts.

                                                John J Barker

Commencement of the school year.  New registers.  The number of children on the books 240 boys 200 girls, total 440.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took classes 1 and 2 with their repetition.  I informed him that we required 1 each of forms 61, 62, and 63 from the educational Department.

This afternoon I examined Standards 3 to 7 in their standard work.

Continued the Examination this morning.

Examined Standard 1.  Gave three sums two subtraction 36 had 3 right, 17 – 2, 8 – 1, 3 – 0 percentage 82^52/64 average sums right 2^22/64

Writing 90^40/64 per cent.

Examined Standard 2 Arithmetic 85^20/68per cent, average 2^64/68 sums right – 4 given.

Writing 83^56/68 per cent.

The work of the upper standards was very satisfactory especially in Standard 3.

Thompson’s Arith Tests given 83^18/54 per cent average sums 2^29/54.  These sums were very hard.

Writing in Standard 3 96^16/54 per cent.

On Monday May 2^nd I admitted James Waite Guildford.  He is residing now with Mr Gilbert.

Walter Randall applied for admission to the school.  I sent him home and advised his father to continue sending him to the Board School at least until after the Examination.

Average attendance 345.4.

Examined St 3 in Arithmetic – gave Thomson’s Tests, 11 children had 4 sums right,

16 – 3, 12 – 2, percentage 100, average sums right 2^38/39.

Examined St 2 in arithmetic per cent 89^46/48.

In the afternoon I gave Standards 3 to 7 their usual exam.

Examined St 1, gave them sums from dictation – 44 had 3 right, 17 – 2, 4 – 1, 3 – 0,

pc 92^28/86, average sums right 2^38/66.

Only 1 failed in writing – per cent 98^32/68.

Examined St 2 – Arithmetic 90 per cent, 4 sums given, average sums right 3^2/42.

Writing 64 passed 6 failed per cent 91^20/70.

The upper school results are very good.  St 3 still keeping best, the number of half timers being a great drawback to the 4^th and higher standards.

Received the results of the Pupil Teachers Diocesan Examination.

Fred Denton 3^rd year pupil teacher is 3^rd in his year in the Diocese and 2^nd in the County.  Arthur Ward is 8^th in the Diocese and 4^th in the County.  Edith Watson 13^th in the Diocese.

5 children of the 1^st class have obtained prizes in the Northamptonshire Prize Scheme Examination.  These prizes are competed for by the principal schools in the County.  Frank Margetts is 4^th in the 1^st Division and Willie Pettit 5^th, Millie Fountain 20^th, Alf Packwood 38^th and Ern Cave 42^nd have also obtained prizes.  These results are very encouraging and will, I feel sure, stimulate all to further exertions and successes.

Re-admitted Millie Fleming who has been living at Kettering.  Her mother says she was in Standard 3, this I doubt very much, I gave the mother a paper to get filled in by the mistress of Kettering Sch.

Admitted Kate Ellen Tiney from Woodford School.  She has passed St 2.  She is 11 years old and works at Mr Geo Denton’s.

Examined Standards 3 to 7 in arith and writing.  The results were very satisfactory.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited every day this week except Tuesday and Wednesday and took repetition.  On Friday afternoon the Rev’d Canon and his daughter heard all the poetry throughout the school.

The prize takers Pupil Teachers and scholars attended the distribution at Northampton.  The prizes were given away by the Lord Bishop of Peterborough.

Average for the week.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited this afternoon.

Mr T H Simpson H M A I commenced the examination at 9am today and continued in the afternoon.

W E Curry Esq H M I visited today and completed the examination.

No school the remaining portion of the week – closed for Whitsuntide holidays.

Commenced school.  During the recess I received the schedules which are I think satisfactory.  Several of the failures in arithmetic are disappointing as they knew their work and must have been careless.  3 who were considered best in Standard 4 failed.

The school has passed 94 per cent in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

                                                1886

St 1 95¼ per cent, St 2 96.3 per cent, St 3 97 per cent, St 4 92 per cent, St 5 – 7 84 per cent.  St 3 were certainly able to pass 100 per cent.  Standards 5 to 7 are lower than I expected but when these children were in Standard 3 they were in a very bad state and it has been very hard work to get efficiency where the foundation was bad, particularly considering that the greater portion are half timers.  Standards 4 to 7 passed a much better percentage than in 1883.  The school then obtained the “Excellent” Merit on a total percentage of 87.

Put children who passed in higher standards and re-arranged the school.

Received Infants from Mrs Wagstaffe’s and Miss Tyrer’s Schools.

Admitted Annie harper from Freeman’s School Wellingborough.  Annie Evans 11yrs passed St 4 and Kate Evans 7 yrs from Higham Board.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d G Richards have each attended twice and given Scripture lessons.  The children have all commenced their new rules and seem desirous to understand them.

Re-admitted Ada Wooding who has been attending the Board School about 10 months, her home being near that school.  She is a very great dunce.

Attendance is low, several half-timers have not attended since the examination wk.  Closed school for a wk (Jubilee Wk) – no holiday was given at Easter.

The children assembled on Tuesday at the school and a procession was formed headed by the School Band, the principal streets were traversed and thence the children proceeded to Mr Skinner’s field where tea and various amusements were provided for them.

Received the government Report, for copy see page 327 (81).  I cannot but think it unsatisfactory as with the Parchment Report “The general results of the school are decidedly good” we have only “fair” for English and Geog and the “good” Merit Grant the percentage 94 and the average passes must I know have been good.

Admitted Mabel Jane and Charles Edwd Goodman from Irchester.  Laura Waller and

Hbt Waller from Shefford, both in St 1.

During the week the children have proceeded with new work and have made satisfactory progress.  The attendance has been poor, average being only 307.5.

The annual Temperance trip to the seaside – school closed.

The attendance all this wk has been very bad.  This week is the worst in the year the majority of the inhabitants are always holiday making during 1^st wk of July.

Average 283.

Top meeting Sunday school Treat school closed in the afternoon.

Admitted George, Frank and William Hewlett from Bozeat, Lizzie Linnett, Eliza Annie Pearson, Kate Hew and Polly O’ Brien from the Board School.  These from the Board are very backward.

The managers decided that the following children should be retained in the Infant department until after the examination as they are not fit to proceed with standard 1 work, their backwardness being due to delicate health and deficient intellect.  The managers believe it would be better for the children to get more efficient in the work of the infants before being promoted to the upper department.

Chs Bayes, W Perkins, F Dickens, F Whilby, E Cox, G Harris, Ed Skinner, J Stokes,

E Brudenall, E Bates, Wm Roberts

                Signed on behalf of the Managers
                                                John T Barker
                                                Acting Manager and Correspondent

Attendance a little better this week.  Average 307.

Admitted Miriam Ellis St 5, Maud Parker and Frances Goodwin St 1 from Board School, Clark Smith St 3, Allen Smith St 1, from Wymington, George Waller from Shefford board School.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and made arrangements respecting Treat

Church Sunday School Treat today, half holiday in consequence.

Attendance rather poor today.  Wkly average 310.5.

Admitted Kate Hew, Ada Smith, Harry Linnett St 1 and Fred Wooding St 4 from Board School.

Gave instructions to all the teachers respecting method and system of their work.  Explained the new timetable.

End of the 1^st quarter of the school year 1878.  Satisfactory progress has been made considering the number of holidays this summer.  There are now 436 names in the registers.  16 children have been admitted from the Board Schools this quarter. 

Average for quarter 326, 54 more than the corresponding quarter of last year.

Bank Holiday – school closed.

The attendance has been bad this wk particularly today owing to the Northamptonshire Agricultural and Horticultural Shows being held at Wellingborough.  Had the children in at 1.30 and dismissed at 3.45 this afternoon.

Admitted Nellie Waller 11 yrs old.  She neither knows letters nor figures.  Albert Waller brother of above in St 5 took Nellie Waller in the Inf room.  In the afternoon I admitted Maude Corby passed St 2 from Burnley Sch Lancashire.

The Rev’d G Richards visited and gave Scripture lessons to class 1

This afternoon I examined St 3 to 7 in Writing and Arithmetic on paper.

Attendance very poor, harvest operations having commenced.  During the wk have taken the names of children wishing to compete in the races at the School Festival.

Next wk being Higham Ferrers Feast this school was closed for the usual six wks holiday.

The annual treat was held today.  The children assembled at 12 noon and headed by the School Band proceeded to the Hall and thence to the Rectory Field where the usual sports commenced, but a continuous fall of rain caused a retreat to the schools; the children had their tea and indulged in games during a great part of the evening.

School commenced after 6 wks holiday, 293 present in the morning, 314 in the afternoon.  During the day I have admitted 12 children, 8 of whom last attended the Board School.  Most of them are very backward.  Hbt Hooper’s mother said he was very dull.  He seems to me, judging from my examination, to require exceptional treatment.  Arthur Clarke too is extremely backward and dull and I think unable to stand working up for examination in St 1 this year.

Mary Ellen Barker from Smithers near Barnsley Lancashire says she is ten years old and has passed standard 2 but I cannot think she has passed St 1 as she is totally unable to do that work now.  I have sent to her last school.

Rev’d G Richards visited this morning and gave a Scripture lesson to St 5 to 7.

Admitted Rachael Perkins St 2 from the Board School.  The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and gave a Scripture lesson to the 1^st class.

Rev’s G Richards took class 1 in Old Testament.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited this afternoon and took 1^st class in Shakespeare’s Henry VII.

Admitted George and Thompson Beaver from Old Marke Yorkshire, the latter is 10 yrs old and has not passed St 1.

Admitted Annie Maria Chapman, John Chapman, Arthur Chapman from Bythorn.

The Rev’d G Richards visited on Tuesday and Thursday and the Rev’d Canon Barker on Wednesday and Friday, on the latter day the Rev’d Canon took 1^st class in Shakespeare’s Henry VIII.

The prizes were distributed on Thursday Oct 13 by Mrs Sartoris.  There were also present the Rev’d Canon, Mrs and the Misses Barker, the Rev’d G Richards, Mrs Currie and others.  Some good advice was given to the children by the Rev’d Canon.

Admitted Alexander Strachan from Higham Park.

The Rev’d G Richards visited and took 1^st class in Scripture this morning.

The Rev’d G Richards visited but was unable to stay to give his usual lesson.

No play allowed this wk owing to the restless behaviour of the children at the prize distribution.

Admitted from the Board School during the wk Maud Brown, Wal Brown, Horace Brown and Annie Brown.

Admitted Samuel Humphreys from the Board School.

Admitted George Wm Whichelow from Clifton Church School.

End of 2^nd quarter of school year.  435 children on the registers.

The Rev’d Canon Barker and Rev’d G Richards gave their usual lessons during the wk, the former taking Henry VIII on Friday.

Attendance very good.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and took the 1^st class in Scripture.

The school is very full and the children are progressing favourably with their work.

The average for the wk is 327, the highest since Whitsuntide.  Commenced giving tickets to all who make the possible number of attendances each week.  Three of these tickets entitle the holder to receive a penny.

The Rev’d G Richards gave his usual Scripture lesson.

The Rev’d Canon Barker attended and took the 1^st class in Scripture.

The Rev’d Canon gave his Shakespearian lesson to the 1^st class.

The weather this wk has interrupted the attendance, average 322.

Admitted Eleanor, Gertrude and Ethel Langford from the Board School, Standards 4, 3 and 1 respectively.

Albert Spavin Standard 4 also from Board School.

Admitted Rose Spavins from the Board School Stand 2.

The Rev’d G Richards took 1^st class in Scripture.

The Rev’d Canon Barker attended and gave his usual lessons.

The attendance this wk has improved, average being 327.2.

Admitted Annie, Elizabeth and Amy Sugars, Standards 3, 4 and 2 respectively, from the Board School all very backward.

Sent Eleanor Langford and Annie Sugars to Freeman’s Endowed School Wellingborough to be examined for labour, their parents being very anxious for them to work.

The Rev’d Richards attended as usual.

The Rev’d Canon Barker gave his regular lessons this wk. 

The weather has been very bad this wk and the attendance has consequently suffered but the average is 321.

Standard 3 have now been through their arithmetic.

Admitted Mary Ann Knight from the Board School.

Mr Fenn gave a temperance lecture this morning instead of the usual Scripture lesson.  The Rev’d G Richards and the Misses Barker attended and Mr J Claridge, shoe manufacturer, and member of the Rushden school board.  The lecture was very instinctive and the children were very attentive.

The Rev’d Canon Barker attended as usual.

The attendance has been very good this wk, the average being 331.1, the Highest since Whitsuntide.

The Rev’d G Richards took class 1 for Scripture.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited and gave his usual Scripture lesson, he also gave his Shakespearian lesson on Friday.

During the week I have examined Standards 3 to 7 in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.  The papers on the whole were satisfactory.  Standard 5 is much better in Arithmetic than they were this time last year.

Average attendance 330.

Wm Childs allowed by Sch Bd to attend half time as they think he is not capable to learn.

Admitted Herbert Oliver from Harpur School Bedford.  He has passed standard 3.  The following day I admitted his brother Wm Oliver St 1 he is very backward.

Heard this afternoon that F U Sartoris of Rushden Hall died at his residence about 12.15 noon.  His death has cast a gloom over the whole village.  He was a great supporter of the schools.

The attendance has been much lower this wk, partly owing to bad weather and I suppose the approach of Christmas.  The parents will keep the children at home sometime before and after the holidays and all exertions on my part seem without avail.

Funeral of F U Sartoris Esq.  The 5^th, 6^th and 7^th Standards and all the teachers of these schools attended.

The school has undoubtedly lost a great friend.

School attendance bad this morning.  Sent after all absentees.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited this morning and gave his usual lesson.

The Rev’d Richards gave his usual lesson on Tuesday and today.

The Rev’d Canon Barker visited this afternoon and took class 1 in Henry VIII.  School closed this afternoon for a week’s holiday.