1912

08 Jan

School re-opens today, all the staff and 271 scholars being present.

10 Jan

Mr Vickers, sub Inspector of Schools, visited today and remained all day.

17-19 Jan

A very bad snow storm extended over these three days, affecting the attendance very greatly.  Week’s percentage 87.  The water has penetrated the roof, making the work in the three back classrooms very difficult.

26 Jan

The roof has been repaired during the week.

Attendance for week has been very bad, colds ad sore throats being prevalent.

                Boys 92.2             Girls 84.5              Total 88.1

29 Jan

Attendance still very bad today. 

The temperature was extremely low at 9 o’clock this morning 1 39°, 2 below 46°,

3 32°,4 30°, 4 30°, 5 39°, 6 35°, and as a result work was very uncomfortable for the first hour.

02 Feb

Attendance for week Boys 93.1; Girls 83.3; Total 88.1.  20 girls absent all the week.  Much illness is prevalent.

16 Feb

Bad attendance still holds.

Girls for week 88%; Boys 92.5%; Total 90.1%.

Mr Smythem left here on Wed aft (Feb 14^th) to take temporary duties as head of Hardingstone Council Sch

N’n Mercury  30/8/1788 p3

STRAYED on Tuesday night the 19^th, or early on Wednesday morning the 20^th of August instant, A RED Finch’d STIRK. Is Douk-horn’d, and the hair is rubbed off the Hock on the milking side, by being Ham bound.  Whoever has found the above stirk, and will bring her to Thomas Knighton, of Stanwick shall have HALF-A-GUINEA reward for their trouble.

13 Feb

No Cookery lesson given today.  Girls attended the centre and were marked in the register as usual, but later retuned, saying they had been sent back.  I cannot find the reason for this.

20 Feb

No Cookery lesson given today.  Notice received today from office that the instructress is ill.

28 Feb

Diocesan Scripture exam held today.  Registers not marked.

01 Mar

Attendance has improved slightly this week being Boys 94.1; Girls 90.2; Mixed 95.0.

29 Feb

1^st Gardening lesson taken today.

06 Mar

Too wet for Gardening.

07 Mar

Gardening lesson taken today.

08 Mar

Week ending today shows a greatly improved attendance Boys 97.6; Girls 92.6;

Total 94.9.

15 Mar

Mr Smythem still absent at Hardingstone.

Percentage has greatly improved this week.

Attendance Boys 98.4; Girls 94; Total 95.9.

23 Mar

Mr Smythem still absent.

Medical exam this week Thurs and Friday all day.

25 Mar

Mr Smythem resumes duties here today.

The medical exam concluded today, the med officer expressing satisfaction at the attempts made to improve the cleanliness of the children.  No children were excluded this year

29 Mar

Attendance for week 94.4.

04 Apr

During the week I have completed the third term examination of the upper class.

School closes at noon for the Easter holiday.

15 Apr

School re-opened today with a full staff and 253 children.

M E Tall who has been commencing attending Bedford Modern School commences a month’s probation here today.

19 Apr

I have completed the final term exams of Stds 4a, 4b and 5 during the week.

24 Apr

Have sent Violet Page home with bad head.

26 Apr

End of week attendance B 96.1; G 90.9; Total 93.3.  No on books 269.

01 May

Classes re-arranged and children promoted today.  All working smoothly by 9.15am. The classes and staff are arranged as follows:-

29 Apr

Miss Elsie Wright absent today owing to injured foot.

02 May

Miss Wright again absent.

09 May

Miss Wright again absent.

10 May

A bad week of attendance on the part of the girls.

M E Tall completes a month’s probation here today.

17 May

Work proceeding satisfactorily under the new timetable.

Percentage for week much better 94.9; Boys 98.2.

24 May

Empire Day celebrated today by hoisting of the flag, saluting, singing of God Save the King, and “O God our help in ages past,” this was followed by competitive games in the playground from 11.30 to 12.

A short lesson on the Empire had been given in each class.

School closed today for Whitsuntide holiday.

All walls have been cleared ready for colouring during the holiday.

03 Jun

School re-opened this morning with a full staff and 284 children.

During the holiday the walls have been recoloured and the school thoroughly cleaned.

Received timetable signed from office today.

11 Jun

Water meter inspector visited and recorded 50,000 gallons of water used during the last 3 months.  This was obviously so great that I with him made a close inspection and found that the tank discharge pipe in the girls’ lavatory, instead of being a nozzle, as thought, was a ½” pipe.

26 Jun

George Fountain, a Std 7 pupil, was today called to attend at Northampton for the oral part of the scholarship examination.

Elsie M Wright P T has received news of her success in the Preliminary Certificate examination.

04 Jul

Gardening class held today instead of yesterday, owing to bad weather of yesterday.

08 Jul

Yesterday and today I have examined Std 1 and find that while in the oral subjects they are up to a Std 1 standard, Spelling and Reading are deficient.

09 Jul

Miss Howard, though present at school, is unable to teach oral work today owing to voice failure.

12 Jul

I have examined Std 2 in the written subjects during the week ending today.

The attendance for the week of the boys has been very good, 98.3, but that of the girls, owing to much sickness, is only 90.5.

19 Jul

School closed yesterday owing to the combined Sunday School treats of the town.

17 Jul

Visit of Surveyor from Education office to inspect water supply and to find out reason for abnormal use.

22 Jul

Dr Mason, the schools medical officer, visited today at 11.40 to consult with me about the Diphtheria and Scarlet Fever cases of the last 4 months.

Mr Shaw, Inspector of Drawing, visited the school today and spent the afternoon here.

26 Jul

Rain came in through roof of St 1 room during dinner hour wetting half the area of the floor.

I have examined Stds 4 and 5 during the week.

Percentage for week 94.4.

01 Aug

Attendance during this week end has been poor.

School closes today for summer holidays at 4.15pm.

02 Sep

School re-opens today with a full staff and 267 children out of 284 on books.

During the holidays the school has been completely cleaned, the painting of the walls has been completed.

I have today received notice from the County Authority that the attendance of children at Higham to meet the medical officer may be counted towards their medals.

The Ed Committee are supplying us with a 6 month supply of “Duams”, and during that time a record of children absent from whooping cough, measles diphtheria and scarlet fever is to be kept and reported to medical officer.

06 Sep

9 children have left during the month of August, having reached the age of 13 yrs, leaving the number on books 283.

Percentage for week B 96.3; G 94.9; total 95.5.

Notice has been received that the engagement of Elsie M Wright P T terminated before the holidays I e on July 31^st.

11 Sep

18 girls commenced a course of Cookery lessons at the Newton Road Centre today. 

I accompanied the girls today and opened the register for the Cookery mistress.

13 Sep

Mr Hartley H M I and Mr Northrop H M I visited the school this morning to look over the school building.

Attendance for the week shows a decrease on that of last week, being B 94.8; G 93.2; Total 93.9.

18 Sep

I have today excluded Florence Edwards of 36 Little Street, for a filthy head and have reported the same to Sec for Education.

20 Sep

I have had to complain to Mrs Tew of Bedford Road about the condition of her children’s heads.

School closes today for annual Feast holiday.

25 Sep

School opens today (Wednesday), all the staff and 270 children out of 282 being present.

I have made application to the Correspondent to have the lighting attended to ready for the winter.

26 Sep

Six white medals for 2 yrs perfect attendance

1 gilt          ,,      ,,   3  ,,       ,,          ,,

2 bronze     ,,      ,,   4  ,,       ,,          ,,

have been received from the correspondent today.

27 Sep

Attendance for school for week 95.2.

04 Oct

Attendance for school for week 95.1.

10 Oct

Today during a science lesson to 6 and 7 by Mr Rattan (C A) a piece of burning phosphorus flew on to the hand of Florence Underwood of Crabb Street, Rushden burning a slight wound.  As it was 11.55am she was at once sent home and Mr rattan went to see the mother.  I have asked Mr Rattan to try all experiments beforehand with which he is not familiar.  I have reported to County Sec by this evg’s post.

20 Oct

Checked registers and found correct.

                                                Signed
                                                       Geo Miller

The attendance for the week has been better in the case of the girls, and lower in the case of the boys.

B 94.4; G 93.5; Mixed 93.9.

30 Oct

A number of children have been supplied with spectacles by the Education Authorities at a cost of 2/- or 2/6 and payment has been sent in today.

01 Nov

October requisitions have been handed into the correspondent manager today.

Mr Smythem (C A) is to act as supply teacher at Irthlingborough C E School for 3 weeks, commencing on Monday next Nov 4^th.

Percentage for week 93.8.

There have been many cases of sickness during the latter part of the week.

08 Nov

I was absent from school today, having been summoned to met the managers of the Blue Coat School, Walsall.

15 Nov

Attendance for week B 96.2; G 92.8; Mixed 94.3.

Many girls have been absent all the week with bad colds.

18 Nov

Mr Smythem returns to duties here today after two weeks supply duties at Irthlingborough C E School.

22 Nov

I have this week commenced the second term examination of the upper classes.

A slightly better attendance has been registered this week 95.1%.

25 Nov

Mr J N Garrett commenced duties at Dingley today for a week on supply duties.

29 Nov

Attendance is much lower this week as there are many cases of sickness, colds etc. probably due to the November weather.

Miss hanger absent for greater part of morning, giving evidence at police court in case of theft from a shop by a scholar.

02 Dec

Mr Garret returns to duties here.

05 Dec

Mr G Rattan absent ill.  He was very unwell yesterday at school.

09 Dec

Mr Rattan returns to duties today.

13 Dec

The attendance has been very bad during this week end, many cases of sickness causing absence of the whole or the large part of the week.  Attendance 93%.

Three more children have left today, bringing the number on the books to 269.

20 Dec

School closed today for Xmas holiday (at noon).

1913

06 Jan

School re-opened this morning with a full staff and 248 children present.

Form 67A completed and sent to School Attendance Officer.

Walter Odell excluded from school owing to bad head, until doctor’s visit.  S A 6 and Sec for Education notified accordingly.

08 Jan

Dr McDonald commenced the medical exam of the children today at 2.0pm.

During the early part of the week I have weighed, measured and tested the sight of over 80 children.

09 Jan

Medical exam continued today, the Wing room being given up to that purpose.

10 Jan

Medical exam concluded this afternoon.

Att for week 93.4.

Florence Edwards excluded till 10^th Feb for filthy head.

Hilda Smith               ,,     ,,   10^th May ,,  throat and chest weakness.

17 Jan

Attendance for week Boys 93.8; Girls 90.8; Mixed 92.2.

24 Jan

Attendance for week Boys 95.8; Girls 91.6; Mixed 93.6

The number on books today is only 258.

26 Jan

15 minutes lesson on Monday (Recitation) for Stds 1 and 2 for the future will be taken on Wed 11.45 – 12 and the Wednesday lesson of word formation on Monday.

28 Jan

This afternoon at playtime Eva Ward was brought to me having had her pinched in the lobby door, the flesh being burst at the end.  I bandaged it up and the girl remained at school until the close of the session.

29 Jan

Above case reported to County Office.

05 Feb

Eva Ward returned to school today.

31 Jan

Checked registers.          Geo S Mason

05 Feb

Sewing machine received today from the County Authorities, with treadle attachment.

07 Feb

The Building Surveyor of the County Authorities visited today to inspect the colouring recently done in the school walls (interior).

07 Feb

The Rector (Ven A Kitchin) visited school today bringing notice of Scripture exam on March 11^th, such notice being read and posted in the school.

10 Feb

Particulars of children, with their ages, sent into County office today, show that there are 57 children of such an age as to be able to leave during the next twelve months.

19 Feb

Sewing machine representative attended school to add hand attachment to machine.  Mr Smythem absent from school today to meet the managers of Bolsover Schools.  Temperature of main room this morning at 9 o’clock 42°F.

Gardening lesson postponed from today owing to frosty weather.

25 Feb

The Gardening lesson postponed from the 19^th inst taken today.

26 Feb

Ordinary Gardening lesson taken today in proper routine.

28 Feb

I visited the Handicraft class at Newton Road Centre this afternoon and while there the boy Albert Cox Std 6 cut the ball of his thumb with a chisel.  I took him to Dr Owen’s surgery where the wound was stitched.  I reported same to the Secretary by the Evening’s post.

The numbers this week have not once reached 240.  There are 254 children on books and the average for the week has been 238.6 – 93.2%.

05 Mar

The Rector visited the school today.

I have examined Std 5 in the 3 R’s today.  The reading reaches a good standard but is not very vivacious.

I found Std 3 doing good work in Drawing today.  School is to be closed tomorrow for the County Council Election in the north ward of the town.

07 Mar

Average for week 230.2.  I find that 74 children have left school this school year (10 mo).  The whole of these have left to other districts, emigrated or reached the leaving age.

I have examined St 5 and partly 1 and 4 during the week.  Std 5 Arith was weak.

10 Mar

Stds 1 and 2 Girls took sewing today

Stds 1 and 2 Boys took Drawing and Drill     2 to 3pm

Stds 6 and 7 children visited an Industrial Exhibition at the Co-operative Hall this afternoon, at which a collection of fur bearing animals was also exhibited.  Children left school at 2.30pm and returned at 3.30pm.

I examined Std 4 in the 3 R’s this morning.

11 Mar

The Rev’ds A E A Jones and Phillips examined the children today in Religious Instruction.  The exam concluded about 1pm.  The examiner seemed particularly pleased with the work of Standard 3.  The Ven A Kitchin visited the school during the morning.  Registers were not marked all day.

12 Mar

School as usual this morning.

19 Mar

Today I have examined Std 5 in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.  Gardening lesson postponed – wet.

20 Mar

Gardening lesson today instead of 19^th.

School closed today for Easter holiday.

Percentage for week 92.8.

31 Mar

School opened this morning at 9 o’clock, the full staff and 233 scholars being present.  There are 244 children on the books today.

Fire Drill taken today during the morning session.

02 Apr

Gardening lesson postponed from today owing to wet.

03 Apr

3^rd term and final exam for the year commenced today.  Gardening lesson taken this morning.

04 Apr

Attendance for the week has been 95.4, being the 2^nd highest attendance for the year.  The week ending Sep7th 1912 was 95.5.

08 Apr

Stds 6 and 7 examined in written papers in the oral subjects this morning.

Football, as an organised game, is today discontinued for the season.

09 Apr

Gardening lesson taken today by Mr Rattan.  Eight children absent today by appointment with the School Medical Officer at Higham Ferrers; they are to be examined for eye glasses, having been proved to have defective eyesight.

Mr Smythem absent today suffering from neuralgia.  I have taken Std 5 but was unable to examine them as so many were absent at gardening and Medical Inspection.

10 Apr

Mr Smythem returned to duties today.  I have begun the examination of Std 5 today.

11 Apr

I have received forms for supply of spectacles from Northampton for Annie Furniss, Arthur Darnell and Florence Bass.

I have received a medical Cert for Elizabeth Newsam saying that she is not yet able to attend school.  She is at present off the register by medico’s orders.

10 Apr

The school was visited today by the Rector (Ven A Kitchin) who brought the Scripture Report which is as follows:-

“Both groups 2 and 3 did well in all subjects, and there was an advance on last year, especially in the Catechism, where greater attention seems to have been paid to its explanation.

The examination again brought out the excellent quality of the Religious Instruction.  I was especially pleased with the work of the highest group in which the children showed a sound and intelligent knowledge of a full syllabus.  The written work was very good throughout.  The singing is an excellent feature, and the tone and discipline are very satisfactory.

                                                                A E A Jones
                                                                         Diocesan Inspector

14 Apr

Elsie Harris, a scholar here, commences a month’s probation at Newton Road Schools and Mabel Wooding, a pupil from North End Schools, commenced a month’s probation here.

15 Apr

Today I have examined Std 4 in Arith and Composition.

16 Apr

School Gardening lesson postponed today owing to wet.  Manual instruction taken today instead of Friday.

17 Apr

School gardening class taken today.

Mr Elliott, County Inspector, visited the school today at 12 o’clock to see where the requisitioned desks were needed.  I was absent at the school garden 11.45 to 12.

24 Apr

Stds 1 and 2 took the nature study lesson in the lanes today in charge of their teachers.

25 Apr

The boys’ attendance this week reached 98%

29 Apr

Checked the registers and found correct.

                                                                Geo Miller
                                                                       Ap 30.13

01 May

WE have commenced the new school year today.  The children have been promoted and the classes at once fell into working order.  All the teachers remain at the same posts as last year.

The children detained in the same class as last year number as follows:-

Std 1 4; Std 2 2; Std 3 0; Std 4 5; Std 5 1; Std 6 2 while 6 have been promoted 2 classes.

I have admitted today 42 children from the Infants school, 3 from North End Sch and 1 from Letchworth Sch.  The last 4 have come to live in this part of the town.

The classes, numbers and staff are arranged as follows:-

05 May

Visited  F Northrop

05 & 06 May

Mr Northrop, Inspector, visited the school on these two days,

09 May

Percentage for week 95.7.

School closes at noon for Whit holiday.

19 May

School re-opens today with a full staff.

The attendance is poor there being 268 present out of 283.

Peace day was celebrated today in the school by order of the ED Sub Committee, Lord Channing, Chairman of the U D Council, Chairman of Bd Sub Com and other gentlemen visiting the school and addressing the scholars.  Playtime taken 4 – 4.15

21 May

Mabel Wooding finishes her course of probation here today.

22 May

Copy of report received today from Correspondent Manager.

Mixed

“The department continues to be characterised by an atmosphere of thorough work.  The master spares no effort; his example is followed by his staff and the children apply themselves steadily to their work.

Throughout the school the written exercises are very neatly and accurately done, and the answering in such subjects as geography is both general and fairly fluent, although the distinctness of articulation in answering praised in 1911 does not seem general now.

The teaching tends, in several cases, to remove too many difficulties from the children’s paths; in the upper classes, for example, more should be expected from the children’s own preparation.

Viewing the work as a whole, the master is to be congratulated upon the general level of attainment throughout the school.

                                                Signed
                                                    Geo S Mason     Correspondent

23 May

Empire celebration made today from 3.15 to 4.15pm

Percentage for week 96.5

09 Jun

Samuel Colgrave sent home at 11.50am this morning owing to, apparently, chicken pox.  He is absent this afternoon.

I have today sent in the Gardening register for Course A.  The Course B commenced on June 4^th.

I have received a notice from the Sec for Education, saying that new desks have been ordered for the main room, these I shall be very glad indeed to have.

I have not yet received the stock which was requisitioned from the County Committee through the managers on March 20^th.

Mr Lawrence called today to see the school garden and expressed himself very favourably on the same.

During the weekend the offices at both ends of the school have been whitewashed.

10 Jun

School opened at 1.15pm.  Registers closed at 1.20 and school closed at 3.15 to enable children to go to Irthlingborough to witness a mimic battle being held there.

13 Jun

Att for week 93.4.

16 Jun

Dr McDonald visited the school today to examine certain special children chosen by the officials.

19 Jun

Three small chairs received today supplied by the Education Committee through Bennett Furnishing Co, Glasgow.

20 Jun

Attendance for week     Boys 98.4             Girls 93.1              = 97.3%

24 Jun

Today I Have received for the Bennett Furnishing Co 40 dual desks, 1 swing black board, 2 black boards and 1 model table.

27 Jun

The boys’ attendance has again been VG being 97.3%, Girls 93.4 and total 95.3.

The old desks I have sold to Mr A Packwood for £1.1s

01 Jul

Stock received today from Messrs E J Arnold which was ordered by requisition on March 20^th.

08 Jul

Extra gardening lesson taken today.

09 Jul

Second Cookery course concludes today.  I have made up the register and have sent it to Northampton.

10 Jul

Form SM 11 forwarded to Correspondent.

11 Jul

Percentage for the week shows a decrease of 1.7%.  There seems to be an increase of sickness, as eleven scholars have been absent all the week.

14 Jul

Vide July 9^th.  The Cookery register returned today from the office, saying that no directions for concluding the Course have been issued, which must therefore continue.

17 Jul

School closed today on account of the Sunday School treats.

16 Jul

School visited today by the Bishop of Peterborough and the Rector of Rushden.

18 Jul

Attendance for the latter part of the week has been good there being none absent except the cases of sickness.

Percentage for week 95.7.

25 Jul

Attended and checked registers

                                                Geo S Mason
                                                         Correspondent

25 Jul

Attendance for week is 96%

Today is the end of 1^st quarter. There are 61 girls and     boys who have not been absent this quarter.

28 Jul

The Rev’d E F Braley visited the school today.

Mr Smythem absent this afternoon to attend a business meeting at Northampton, by the Managers’ permission.

31 Jul

Poor attendance this week.

School closes today till Sept 1^st for the summer vacation,

01 Sep

School re-opened today with a full staff and 247 scholars out of 267.

A very wet morning is no doubt the cause of the large number of absentees.

Six scholars have left during the holiday on reaching the age of 13 yrs.  The schools have been thoroughly well cleaned during the holiday.

Miss Nora A Ball commenced teaching duties here today, though nominally she commenced on Aug 1^st.  I have put her with Mr Garrett to Std 4.

05 Sep

The attendance this week has been 94.9 which is good considering the wet weather of Monday and Tuesday.

Six children have left during the holiday.  The number on the books now is 268.

08 Sep

The Cookery and Handicraft registers were received from Northampton today.  The classes have been arranged for Friday afternoons.

10 Sep

The following minor changes in the timetable will be made:-

Stds 1 and 2        Mon am Word formation 11.45 – 12 instead Recitation.

                          Wed am Recitation 11.45 – 12 instead Word formation.

                          Wed pm Reading 3.10 – 3.45 instead Geog.

                          Friday pm Reading 10.25 – 11am instead History.

                          Friday pm History 3.45 – 4.15 instead Reading.

Football will be taken as an organised game on Tuesday morning during drill lesson in the playing field at the back of the school (kindly lent for the purpose by Mr Knight) under the charge of Mr Smythem.

12 Sep

Handicraft class commenced today, 16 boys attending Newton Road centre.  I accompanied them and interviewed the instructor.

The Cookery class should have commenced today but though 18 girls were sent, they were sent back owing to the absence of the instructor.

11 Sep

Miss Wilde absent this morning owing to bilious attack.  Present in afternoon.

19 Sep

School opened today at one o’clock and closed at 3pm (owing to the visit of a Wild West show) to minimise the absences as much as possible.

Cookery and Handicraft classes held today.  School closed today for two days holiday for Rushden Feast.

22 & 23 Sep

Feast holiday.

24 Sep

School opens today with a full staff.

26 Sep

The attendance has been very low this week no less than 12 being absent all the week.

25 Sep

Miss Hanger absent for part of the afternoon to attend the funeral of Mrs Sartoris.

30 Sep

Mr J Noel Garrett, certificated assistant, ceased duties in this school today.

11 Oct

Owing to Mr Webb, the assistant appointed in Mr Garrett’s place, not being able to commence duties before Nov 1^st, I am taking Std 4 during the month myself.

09 Oct

Too wet for Gardening lesson.

10 Oct

Gardening lesson taken this afternoon.

16 Oct

Miss Hanger absent this afternoon by managers’ permission.

17 Oct

Poor attendance this week.  92%.  Measles seem to be getting prevalent in the district.

Three children leaving this week reduce numbers on books to 260.

24 Oct

Percentage for week 93.4.  The measles do not seem to be affecting us as much as I expected they would up to the present.

Fires were commenced today throughout the school.

30 Oct

The Rector called and checked the registers.

31 Oct

I have spent the last month in teaching Std 4 and find them less sharp than I expected.  On returning the Salary sheet today I found I had mislaid the receipts for the insurance cards so made one from a sheet of foolscap and sent along with the new insurance cards for the 6^th Qr.

Received detailed report of Gardening Inspection.  The garden received 70% of marks.  All measles cases should return to school on Monday with the exception of Morns and Wesleys.

03 Nov

Mr Albert Edward Webb, certificated assistant, from Woodford Halse, commenced duties here today (being appointed from Nov 1^st).  He has charge of St 4.

07 Nov

Infants School has been closed during the week owing to an outbreak of measles.

Attendance for week 93.7.

14 Nov

I visited the school on Monday Nov 14^th before training for the vicarage of Hardingstone, Northampton

                                                                                A Kitchin
                                                                                       Rector

21 Nov

The attendance has been very bad during the last week.  88.7%.  The measles continues to be very troublesome.  We have 9 cases of absence from this cause, and 8 from other causes of illness.

No Cookery lesson has been held today as I have received a letter from the teacher saying she is too ill to attend.

28 Nov

No Cookery lesson given today.

Attendance for week 91.4%

01 Dec

I have today received from the doctor and forwarded to the Education Office the account for stitching up Albert Cox’s hand as recorded on Feb 28^th 1913.

03 Dec

The above account returned today for signature of managers.

04 Dec

Nora A Ball P T absent today owing to a bilious attack.

05 Dec

Attendance for week 92.5.

11 Dec

Nora A Ball absent today for prize distribution at Secondary School.

12 Dec

Attendance for week 92.1%

19 Dec

The attendance of the girls has been better than that of the boys for the past week or two.  There are a great number of boys down with colds.  Otherwise there are few absences.

24 Dec

During the past 3 weeks I have thoroughly examined the school, and, while falling below the standard aimed at in English and much below in Arithmetic, I find throughout an earnest endeavour to conscientiously achieve good results.

Std 1 reaches a fairly good average throughout.

Std 2 is weak in Spelling.

Std 3’s weakest point is Arithmetic.

Std 4 have a large weak section.

Std 5 is very weak in Arithmetic.

Std 6 reaches a very poor level.

Std 7 do very good work.

All the teachers’ reports have been finished and handed to the teachers.

School closes today for the Christmas vacation until Monday January 12^th.

1914

12 Jan

School re-opens today with a full staff and 231 children present out of 244.  Work commenced as usual at 8.55.

The school has been very cold today, the main room not reaching 46°F in the warmest parts of the day.

16 Jan

I left school at 2.25 today, leaving Mr Smythem in charge, to attend the funeral of my wife’s father.

Weather damp and cold this week so attendance has suffered during the latter part of the week.

19 Jan

I opened school this morning as usual.

27 Jan

Out of 241 children on books today 21 are absent mainly through absence.

A Letter was received from the S M O about spectacles for Flo Ev Thorpe and I forwarded same to the girl’s father.

29 Jan

Visited the school Jan 28 1914, checked the registers and found correct.

                                                                                Geo Miller

30 Jan

This afternoon’s attendance is 211 out of 240 which is the lowest attendance for a good number of years.  Percentage for week 91.8.

03 Feb

I have received this morning from the correspondent manager communication saying that salaries have been increased as follows:-

Mr Rattan £114 to £119

Mr Smythem       ,,

Miss Hanger £95 to £100

06 Feb

No on books at end of week 238 and 2 more children have left today.

10 Feb

I have today forwarded the sum of £3..7..0 to the County Accountant as recepits from sale of Garden Produce for special subjects year ending Oct 31^st ’13.

Notice has been received today of the Scripture Examination which has been fixed for March 3^rd.

12 Feb

The Rev’d Percy Robson, the new rector of Rushden visited the school today fro the first time.

11 Feb

Gardening lesson postponed owing to wet.

18 Feb

Gardening lesson postponed owing to wet.

19 Feb

Gardening lesson taken today.

20 Feb

Percentage for week 93.3.

I have today forwarded the syllabus of instruction to the Religious Inspector.

27 Feb

I have been absent during the last two days by permission of the managers.  I believe the school work has gone on satisfactorily.  Mr Smythem has been in charge.

This morning the school was visited by the following Inspectors:-

Mr Marvin Chief Divisional Inspector

Mr Hartley H M I

Mr Northrop Assistant H M I

Messrs Hartley and Northrop also visited the school this afternoon.  The Rector met them at the school.

02 Mar

Part of the Medical Inspection carried out today by the Asst Med Officer Dr Jones.

03 Mar

School closed today for Examination in Religious Knowledge.  The Inspectors were the Rev’ds A E A Jones and Atkins.  The Rev’d P Robson visited the school.

04 Mar

Gardening lesson taken today.

05 Mar

I was absent from school for the greater part of the morning session and the whole of the afternoon to meet the managers of Sir John Cass’s Foundation Sch, London.

10 Mar

The Rev P Robson, Rector of the Parish, attended this morning and gave a Scripture lesson to Stds 6 and 7 from 9 to 9.30am.

13 Mar

The Schools Medical Officer Dr J H Jones attended today and completed the examination of the children.

Report received from the Inspector of Religious Education:-

Inspection mar 3^rd 1914

“The adoption of the Cumulative method has been productive of very good results and evidently a great amount of useful work has been done.

In addition to a sound knowledge of the Bible Stories, the children showed a good grasp of the meaning of the Catechism.  The oral repetition was excellent but the written work was somewhat faulty.

The discipline of the school is excellent and the children are reverent and attentive.”

The Rev’d E J Atkins reports:-

“The knowledge of the facts of the Bible History was very good, and their meaning and the lessons to be drawn from them were very well grasped.”

                                                                                A E A Jones

17 Mar

At the request of the Clerk to the Ed Sub Committee, acting for the Secretary, Miss L M Wilde has been working on supply duty at Stanwick school today and will continue until the end of the week.

The rector attended and gave his usual Scripture lesson to the upper class.

20 Mar

I have taught St 2 during the absence of Miss Wilde.

23 Mar

Miss Wilde returns to duties today.

24 Mar

The Rector attended today and took his Scripture lesson.

25 Mar

Visited the school signed the registers and found them correct.

                                                                Percy Robson
                                                                            Manager

27 Mar

Gardening lesson taken today.

Percentage for week 97.

31 Mar

The Rector attended today and took his Scripture lesson.

01 Apr

Gardening lesson today as usual.

02 Apr

I was absent from school until 3 pm today to attend the funeral of Mr Skinner a former manager of these schools.

07 Apr

School closed today until April 20^th.

20 Apr

School re-opened with a full staff and 217 scholars.

21 Apr

The Rector attended and took a Scripture lesson.

24 Apr

Attendance for week is 94.9.  Seventeen children absent this afternoon, three being from Cookery.

27 Apr

Wm Thos White of Alfred St School commenced a month’s probation here this morning.

30 Apr

The school year closes today with 228 children on books.

01 May

The new school year has opened today and by 9.30 work was proceeding as usual.  37 infants were admitted and the classes and staff were as follows:-

04 May

Mr Smythem absent today to attend funeral of Grandmother.

The Rector called at 12 noon.

Three children admitted today from Wymington.

06 May

Miss Hanger absent today suffering from toothache.

Gardening lesson (1^st lesson of the course) taken today.

11 May

Mr Rattan absent today owing to death of his mother.  I have taught Std 6.

14 May

Mr Rattan returned to duties today.

Gardening lesson taken for 1 hour today.

Percentage for week very good 96.7.

18 May

Peace day celebrated today from 10.50 to 11.20am when the school was visited by the Rector, Mr J Colson, Mr J Claridge, Mr Freeman, Mr Cross C C (members of Education Sub Committee) and Mr Green secretary of the International Peace Association.  Mr green delivered a short address to the children on the blessings of Peace.  The lessons were afterwards continued as usual.

19 May

The Rector attended and took his usual Scripture lesson.

Mr Elliott, County Inspector, called at 11.30 to see the probationer William White.

I complained to him of the quality of the rubber supplied by the contractors.

20 May

Half holiday this afternoon for Ascension Day.

Notice has been received by the correspondent that the vacancy caused by the resignation Miss E S Fountain will not be filled owing to a decrease in the number of children attending the school.

22 May

Empire Day was celebrated this afternoon, a variation of the timetable after 3pm being made to allow of this.  The Rector was present.

29 May

School closed at noon today for Whitsuntide holiday.

Miss E S Fountain ceased duties at this school today.  She is to be married tomorrow.

08 Jun

School re-opened today.  All the staff present and 241 out of 263 children.

The Authority has refused to supply another teacher in Miss Fountain’s place owing to diminution of numbers in the school.

I have taken the boys for their Gardening lesson today.

19 Jun

There has been a considerable amount f sickness about during the last two weeks but the other children have attended very well.  Attendance for wk 94.3.

25 Jun

Mr G Rattan absent today owing to a poisoned neck.  This was very bad and very painful yesterday.

Many children absent this afternoon owing to the descent of an aeroplane in the vicinity of the school.  Att 215.

29 Jun

Mr Rattan still absent.  The doctor has now diagnosed his illness as pleurisy.

I am taking Stds 6 and 7 together during his absence.

School opened this morning with 235 children.

01 Jul

School Gardening lesson postponed until tomorrow owing to the difficulty of organisation during absence of Mr Rattan.

02 Jul

Gardening lesson taken today 10 – 12am.

10 Jul

Mr Rattan still absent.

Attendance during last week has been greatly improved.

A managers’ meeting was held in the school this afternoon at which the Secretary for Education was present.

14 Jul

The Rector attended and took his weekly Scripture lesson.

16 Jul

School closed today for the Sunday School treats for the whole of the town.

15 Jul

I took the boys to the garden today.

17 Jul

An extra Gardening lesson taken today.

22 Jul

Gardening lesson as usual.

23 Jul

Visited the school examined the registers and found them correct.

                                                                       Percy Robson
                                                                                 Chairman

30 Jul

School closed today until Aug 31^st for the Summer vacation.

Mr G Rattan has not yet returned to duties.

31 Aug

School re-opened today with a full staff and 225 children present.  The Rector visited the school during the morning.

03 Sep

Mr G Smythem has today enlisted in His Majesty’s army for the period of the war.  He informed me that the Secretary had verbally promised to keep his place open for him and to replace him at the same standing on his return.

He left school at 9.15 this morning for Northampton.

04 Sep

Mr Mantle called and said a supply teacher would be sent on Monday.

Attendance for the week 92.3%

07 Sep

Mrs Payne a county emergency teacher commenced duties here today in charge of Std 5.

08 Sep

The Rector visited the school.

09 Sep

Gardening lesson today.

11 Sep

Handicraft and Cookery classes commenced today, 18 girls attending for Cookery and 16 for Handicraft.  I attended at both centres with the registers.

Attendance for week 94.6.

16 Sep

Doris M Lawson commenced duties here today as 1^st Year Pupil Teacher.

18 Sep

School closed Monday and Tuesday (21^st& 22^nd) for Rushden Feast.

23 Sep

School re-opened today.

Gardening lesson taken as usual.

25 Sep

Miss Howard absent today.  I took the classes for the day except the Sewing which was taken by Mrs Payne.

Form 7.1.11 sent in today.

The following particulars have been received today from Mr G F Smythem

01344 Lance Corporal G F Smythem

                                11^th Co A O C
                                          Room 37
                                                    Dewsbury Barracks
                                                             York

28 Sep

Mrs Ballard (nee Miss E S Fountain) formerly of this staff, commenced duties here today as supply teacher.  Mrs Payne, county emergency teacher, ceased duties here on Friday Sep 25^th.

05 Oct

School visited by the Rector and the Rev’d Pelham.

07 Oct

Rev Pelham took Std 4 in Scripture today.

08 Oct

I have received letters for Mr Smythem which I have forwarded today.

15 Oct

School Gardening lesson taken today instead of yesterday owing to wet.

20 Oct

Visited the school, examined the registers and found them correct.

                                                                                Percy Robson
                                                                                           Manager

23 Oct  

A very bad attendance has been registered this week mainly due to sickness especially among the girls who only reached 89.4%.

28 Oct

I went to the Garden today with the Gardening class.

29 Oct

Mr Albert E Webb ceased duties at this school today to take up an appointment under the County Council as Asst Weights and Measures Inspector.

30 Oct

I have fully examined and reported upon Mr Webb’s class before his leaving.  I find satisfactory work has been done, although the Arithmetic is weak and the English yet only moderate (6 months work).

The att for the week has been 92.9.

I have been short staffed today and I have taught Mr Webb’s class myself.

04 Nov

A new school Gardening class was commenced today.  There is a great difficulty in organising the work on gardening mornings with the present short staff.

05 Nov

The Rector took Division 1 in Scripture.

06 Nov

Attendance for week is 93.1.

I have made application for a supply teacher to take Mr Webb’s place, until a permanent appointment could be made, but so far have not succeeded.  I have taken Std 4 during the week alongside Stds 6 and 7 in the main room.

09 Nov

The outhouses have been whitewashed during the weekend.

11 Nov

I was absent at Gardening class today 9.45 to 12.

16 Nov

Mrs Haigh of Rushden 10 years ago a teacher in this school (as Miss M Fountain) commenced duties today as supply (uncertificated) teacher.  No one has as yet, been appointed in Mr Webb’s place.

17 Nov

Requisition sheets returned from office today, to be cut down, owing to excess of expenditure over the ordinary expenditure allowed.

Form S M 8 re Mrs Haigh sent in today.

24 Nov

Rev P Robson attended school today.

Frank Swingler fainted at drill this morning.  He did not seem to know whether the cold or the exercise had caused him to faint.  I shall watch the boy at the next drill lesson and if again affected, debar him from drill until examined by the medical officer.

27 Nov

Two repaired cupboards from Alfred St Sch received during the week and placed in the main room.

Work is now progressing fairly smoothly again.  No Gardening lesson was taken on Wed.

Attendance was bad this week 92%.

01 Dec

Visited the school, examined the registers and found them correct.

                                                                                Percy Robson
                                                                                            Manager

02 Dec

Gardening lesson taken today.

04 Dec

Mr Smythem, Assistant at present with the Colours, called at the school during the morning.

During the week I have been examining Stds 5, 6 and 7 during the time I could get free from teaching.

Attendance for this week has been 91.9%

09 Dec

Gardening lesson taken today.

In the Gardening report, recently issued, this school was placed in the Very Highly Commended class, amongst the 1^st 14 schools in the County.

Mr Pelham attended school today.

11 Dec

During the week the term’s exam has been continued.

15 children have been absent all the week.

14 Dec

Mr Rattan absent today owing to the death of his child aged 2 yrs.

17 Dec

Mr Rattan absent today on the occasion of the funeral of his little boy.

16 Dec

No Gardening lesson taken today.

17 Dec

Miss Howard absent till 2.30 to attend funeral as above.

18 Dec

Attendance for week 92.9.

23 Dec

School closed for Christmas holidays

Distribution of prizes of merit and medals for attendance was held during the afternoon.  Mrs Sartoris presented the prizes.  Messrs J Claridge, J T Colson and the Rev’ds Robson and Pelham also attended together with a number of parents.

1915

11 Jan

School re-opened with a full staff and 217 scholars.

Mrs Ballard and Mrs Haigh are still acting as supply teachers.

During the day I had a visit from the Water-meter-Inspector who reported that a new meter had been put in on Dec 30 and that 1,500 gallons had already passed through.  I had all the taps shut off for an hour and even then 20 gallons were registered.

15 Jan

Gardening lesson taken today instead of last Wed (13^th) 14 boys present.

21 Jan

Mr Northrop H M I visited the school today and remained the whole day.

27 Jan

Gardening lesson today.

29 Jan

Colds and coughs are very prevalent.  36 children absent today and 35 yesterday.  I have had floors disinfected yesterday and today.  Mrs Haigh concluded duties here today.

Percentage for week 87.5

01 Feb

Mr H G Wills commenced duties today as Certificated Assistant.  I placed Std 4 in his charge.

02 Feb

Mr B Milburn of Victoria C Sch Wellingborough commenced temporary duties here this morning.

He will act as temporary Head master during my absence.

The Rector took Scripture this morning.

Mr Elliott called this afternoon.

Several alterations have today been made in the existing timetable.

03 Feb

I leave school at noon today to join the forces of His majesty’s Government for the period of the present war.

05 Feb

Gardening taken this morning instead of on Wednesday owing to wet weather.

Percentage for week 80.9.

09 Feb

Miss Howard has been absent today owing to illness.

10 Feb

Miss Ginns from the Infant school has been teaching Std 1 today.  Miss Hanger took Miss Howard’s class.

12 Feb

Miss Howard has not yet returned.

No Cookery taken owing to the illness of the teacher

15 Feb

Miss Howard returned to school.

19 Feb

No Gardening has been taken this week owing to rain.

26 Feb

The school was closed for Diocesan Examination today.

16 Mar

Report received from Inspector of Religious Instruction

“The examination of this school proved that the children had been carefully instructed in all parts of the syllabus.  The answering of the children especially in Standards 2 and 3 was general and keen.  Standard 4 apparently offered very little Catechism for explanation, while prayer books and Church History found no place in the syllabus.

The repetition throughout was excellent, and the written work was very creditable indeed.

The tone and discipline are quite satisfactory.”

                                                                                A E A Jones

19 Mar

Visited the school, examined the registers and found them correct.

                                                                                Percy Robson
                                                                                            Chairman of Managers

01 Apr

The school closed from noon today for the Easter vacation.

12 Apr

School re-opened.

15 Apr

Registers marked at 9am and 12.15 pm and closed at the same time owing to visit of circus to Rushden.

03 May

The new school year commenced today.

41 Infants were admitted

21 May

The school was closed at noon today for the Whitsuntide vacation.

28 Jun

Visited the school, examined the registers and found them correct.

                                                                                Percy Robson

01 Jul

The Gardening was taken this morning instead of yesterday owing to a thunder storm.

05 Jul

The last lessons in Std 1 on Monday and Tues afternoons will replace each other.

07 Jul

The medical examination which was to begin today has been postponed owing to the illness of the medical officer Dr Keir.

The Gardening has not been taken today owing to inclement weather.

08 Jul

Gardening taken this morning.

14 Jul

Mrs E S Ballard was absent from school this afternoon having received a telegram that her brother-in-law had been killed in action in France.

The school will be closed tomorrow 15^th inst. for the Sunday School treat.

29 Jul

The school closed today for the Summer vacation.

30 Aug

School re-opened with 236 children on books.

31 Aug

Miss Norah Bull finished her pupil teachership in this department.

13 Sep

Elsie M Harris commenced her pupil teachership at this school.  Miss D Lawson attended first time since the holidays.

16 Sep

Visited

                Northrop

24 Sep

The school closed today until Oct 4^th.

04 Oct

The school opened again today.  Medical Inspection

22 Oct

Visited the school, examined the registers and found them correct.

                                                                                Percy Robson
                                                                                             Manager

26 Oct

From today, afternoon school will commence at 1.30pm instead of 2.0pm.  In consequence each lesson will commence half an hour earlier than as set out on the timetable.

10 Nov

Gardening was postponed owing to rain.

11 Nov

Gardening was taken today.

12 Nov

I have examined the whole school.  The arithmetic is weak but the effect of the new arithmetic book is gradually making itself felt.  In other subjects the work has proceeded satisfactorily.

10 Dec

No Gardening has been taken this week owing to the wet weather.

16 Dec

Gardening was taken this morning.

23 Dec

The school closed at noon for the Christmas vacation.  Prizes were distributed by Rev’d P Robson.  Mr Claridge was also present.