Re-opened school today – attendance in morning 91, afternoon 82.

A very poor attendance this morning, only 58 present there being a deep snow.

Miss White has been in the Mixed school to help with the sewing, a teacher being absent (for 3 hours).

A few children have returned to school after a long absence, but more are absent – several fresh cases have occurred recently.

Examined the 2^nd class in Writing and found that they had improved though the letters were not made sound enough.

Some of the 2^nd class girls hem very nicely but the boys are rather backward.

Lessons according to timetable.

Miss Packwood, the Mistress of the Mission Hall School being ill, Miss White has gone to take charge for a few days.

Miss Clara Packwood coming to assist me in Miss White’s place.

Attendance very bad the latter end of this week it being such sunny weather.

Several children this week have stayed from school with measles.

Measles and whooping cough seem to be spreading very much amongst the little ones.

Owing to the few children present I have not kept strictly to the timetable this week.

There being a very deep snow this morning and so few children present I sent them home without marking registers.

Opened and rain this afternoon and there being 34 present went on as normal.

A very poor attendance this week the weather being so bad.

Miss White returned from the Mission Infant School on Monday, Miss packwood being able to resume her duties.

Attendance a little better this week.

Miss White has been teaching the children the words of a new song.

School visited by the Rev’d Canon Barker and the Rev’d J T Hayes.

Diocesan examination this morning by the Rev Lawson, Diocesan Inspector.  Only 83 children were present.

Canon Barker and Rev’d Richards visited school.

The examination not being completed before 10a.m. I did not keep the children.

A few more children in attendance this week and admitted and re-admitted some.

Had a day holiday today.

Examined Miss White’s class and find that the children have very much improved in reading, most of them can keep their places and read the small words, several being able to read a short passage very nicely.

Mental Arithmetic still requires great attention in the lower classes.

Commenced Addition on slates with the 1^st class, many of them working very quickly and accurately without the aid of fingers or strokes.

Attendance better this week.

School visited by the Rev’d Canon Barker.

Received the Diocesan Report this week.

Lessons as usual.

Commenced PT’s lessons in the morning from 7 to 8a.m.

A very snowy morning, only 35 present.

Missed coming to morning lessons this morning on account of having a very bad cold.

A very poor attendance this week owing to the snowy weather, average being only 55.

Miss White was absent on Tuesday with a bad throat.

Made out a fresh list of object lessons taking several from the last list, so many children having been absent this Winter.

Miss White has taught the children the words of a new exercise song.

School visited by the Rev’d T Richards.

Lessons as usual.

Attendance rather better this week.

Examined the second and third classes in Writing this week, the former class have improved very much, the lower class owing to the irregular attendances of the little ones is not so good as it should be.

Taught the children to sing a new song from note.

Most of the 1^st class children have made a plaited Kindergarten mat.

School visited by the Rev’d Canon Barker.

A few children have completed the strip of knitting for examination.

Commence school in the afternoon at 10 minutes to 2, closing registers according to timetable.

Average attendance lower this week owing to the bad weather.

Lessons as usual.

                                                                                                                Inspected Feb 7^th 1886

Diocesan Report

In spite of the small and dwindling attendance since harvest the children showed a good knowledge of Scripture and said Catechisms carefully and readily.

                                                                                                F P Lawson

                                                                                                                Dio Inspector.

Lower Division (ages 3 and 4)

Old Testament “G” New Testament “G”

Repetition of Scripture, Hymns and catechism “Good”

Upper Division 6 and NS “Good”

Catechism and Scripture “Good”

Hymns “V. Good”

General quality of

1.       Religious Knowledge “Good”

2.       Repetition “V Careful”

3.       Discipline and Tone “V Good”

4.       School in regard to Religious education as a whole “Good”

5.      

Admitted some fresh scholars this week and several have returned who have been absent several weeks.

Average attendance for the week 107.

Commenced teaching the children to sing the third song from note required by the Code.

Examined the 2^nd class in hemming, some did it very nicely.

A few of the 3^rd class also work very fairly.

Attendance very much better this morning, 135 being present.

Gave the 1^st class a piece of easy dictation which they did very well also a subtraction sum on their slates without borrowing, more than half did it correctly.

Ellen May Packwood commenced duties as a candidate.

I inspected registers, found correct.

                                                J T B

Average attendance for the week 135.

Admitted several fresh children.

Have only given occasional Scripture lessons during the past months, taking subjects in which I think the children most backward owing to the bad attendance this Winter.   Commenced teaching paper folding to the 1^st class and colour from 1^st ... ... to the Babies.

Examined 2^nd class needlework and find the children have improved, also that a few of the children can knit.  Babies can now do the needle drill and a few thimble drill.

Attendance has fallen off again slightly this week, whooping cough being very bad amongst the children.

Examined the 1^st class in Arithmetic.

The breaking up for Easter Holiday will take place tomorrow.  I being obliged to go to London before school on Thursday, Miss White will close.

Re-opened school this morning after the Easter Holiday with a good attendance.

Admitted several fresh children and re-admitted some.

Heard that the Government exam was to take place on the 24^th and 25^th of this month.

School visited by the Rev’d Canon Barker.

Recapitulation of all lessons this week.

Commenced new registers on Monday last.

44 transferred to the Mixed school.

Admitted several fresh children and re-admitted some this quarter.

Miss White absent today with a bad cold.

A very wet day.

A very poor attendance today owing to the very wet weather.

May Packwood absent from lessons this morning and from school this afternoon with a bad throat.

Several ... ... 96 ... 18 less than during the previous week on account of the wet weather.

One of the little ones attending this school died today from inflammation of the brain.

Attendance has been rather better this week but three or four children are away this week with fever and several with whooping cough.

Gave the children throughout the school an examination in Needlework and the 1^st class also in Knitting.

Cautioned the children against being late on Monday morning.

Average for week 156.

Government examination took place today by W E Currey Esq, H M Inspector of Schools.  Mr Currey informed me that it was not legal to keep children or send them home without marking the registers.

School visited by Mrs Barker who heard the children sing by note and also looked at Kindergarten ... and paper folding.

I Louisa Fisk resigned the post of Head Mistress today of the Rushden National Infant School, to serve under the London School Board.

School opened this morning under charge of Rosamund May White.

Children present 105.

                                J T B

                                Manager

Visited school, found all going on satisfactorily, inspected registers found correct.

(Omission – A holiday was given on Friday last may 28^th the Government examination having taken place at the beginning of the week.

Transferred on Monday 31^st the 1^st class to the Mixed school.

A holiday was given on Tuesday afternoon on account of a Choral Festival at the church.)

May Packwood was absent from school this morning her mother being ill.

Mrs and Miss barker visited the school this afternoon and heard the children sing.

Admitted one new child this week.

Average attendance 116.

Lessons according to timetable.

School visited by the Rev’d T Richards.

The Rev Canon Barker visited the school.

Commenced teaching 1^st class to knit.

Broke up today for Whitsun Holidays.

Re-opened school this morning – 86 present.

School visited by the Rev Canon Barker.

Average attendance 102.  Several children absent with measles.

The Rev Canon Barker and Miss Barker visited the school.

Commenced school this afternoon at 1.30 and closed at 3.30.  Marked registers half an hour earlier, on account of a cricket match.

Gertrude Whittemore, who has been assisting since Miss Fisk left, as monitress, has gone to assist Mrs Wagstaffe at the lower Infant school.

The Rev T Richards visited the school.

Commenced school at 1.30 and closed at 3.30 owing to a cricket match.  Registers were marked half an hour earlier.

Lessons according to timetable

Examined registers, found correct.

                                                                J T B

Monday July 5^th a holiday owing to an excursion for the children belonging to the Temperance Society.

Mrs Barker visited the school and inspected the children’s writing.

Average attendance this week 96.

Several children still absent with measles.

Lessons as usual.

The following is a copy of the Report on the Government Inspection:-

Rushden CE School

Infants School No. 1

“The school is successfully managed and taught.”

E Waller failed in Arithmetic and Composition.

The Excellent merit Grant was awarded.

                                                                John T Barker

School visited by the Rev Canon Barker.

Taught the children anew song.

School visited by the Rev T Richards.

Admitted some new children this week, and some returned who have been away through illness.

Average attendance for the week 123.

Mrs Barker visited the school.

Called register – found correct.

                                                J T B

Commenced school this afternoon at 1.30 and closed at 3.30 owing to a cricket match.  Registers were marked half an hour earlier.

Good attendance this week.  Average 132.

Lesson according to timetable.

Gave a half holiday it being the Baptist Tea.

Made an error in registers this morning by marking them in Monday afternoon’s column instead of Tuesday morning’s.

School visited by the Rev Canon Barker.

Average attendance for this week 128.

Lessons as usual.

First quarter in school year ended today.

Gave a holiday this afternoon it being Bank Holiday.

School visited by the Rev Canon Barker and another gentleman.

Admitted 3 new children.

School visited by the Rev Canon Barker.

Average attendance this week 123.

Had leave of absence yesterday afternoon.  Miss Day came in from the Mixed school to take my place.

Attendance better this week.  Average 134.

Lessons according to timetable.

School visited by the Rev Canon Barker.

School Treat takes place this afternoon.

Break up today for Harvest Holiday.

Average this week 142.

I, Rosamund Mary White, leave the Rushden National Infant School today.

Succeeded Miss White, Taking charge of the Rushden national Infant School after the Harvest Holiday.

                                I M ...

Admitted several children under 4 years of age.

Canon Barker visited this morning.

Two children under three years of age admitted.

The Rev T Richards visited.

Took the two Pupil Teachers at 7.45a.m. for lessons in the Mixed Department of this school.

Taught the words of a new song.

157 children present.

Average for the week 148.

Sent the P T’s to enquire after the sick absentees.

Admitted two children to the Babies’ class.

Several children away still through sickness.

Many in class 1 scarcely able to read or write.  Began with letters in their easiest forms.  Progress very slow indeed.

Yesterday ... were in attendance but this afternoon, owing to a heavy fall of rain, only 81 were present.

Class II very backward.  Examined their Kindergarten this afternoon over which they are moderately intelligent.

Admitted one boy.

Separated classes 1 and 2 for object and scripture lessons till they are reduced to better order.

A very wet day – only71 present in the afternoon.

Work making now some little progress.  Discipline not so lax as last week, consequently there is an improvement in order.

Bad weather again affects the number of daily attendance.

The Rev T Richards called in the morning.

First class very slow at their Needlework this afternoon.

Yesterday and today the children walked in procession from Wymington Rd and Crabb St respectively so that all unnecessary noise in the playground may be prevented during the illness of a child living opposite to the school.

Reclassified the children on finding so many of the 5 year olds with the Babies and of the 6’s with the 5’s.

Admitted a boy this morning aged 5.

The scholars still walk in procession to and from school.

Preparatory to making a new timetable, am now working by a draught in order to discover how and where improvements may be introduced.

Attendance improving this week.

Gave a knitting lesson to class 1 today.  Only 7 children able to knit.

Drew up a list of object lessons for this year.

Holiday in the afternoon.

Admitted two boys and one girl.

Wet weather, but attendance fairly good 143 and 143 being present in the morning and afternoon respectively.

The Rev Canon Barker called in the afternoon.

Pupil Teachers began their examination work, sewing and knitting.

Gave a 2^nd lesson on Paper Folding to class 1 and 2.

Taught the 2^nd class reading from books this morning.  In the first class a first attempt was made at writing words – results fair.

In spite of the bad weather during the past 4 days, the average attendance for the week is 138.

List of object lessons:-

Animals

Vegetables

Minerals

Miscellaneous

Human body

Domestic ...

... ...

Sources of food

Fish

Insects

Birds

... ... ...

... ... ...

The ...

A rose

Ivy

Phenomena:- garden mould

Ice

Snow

Coins

Gold

Coal

Salt

Minerals

Earths

Leather

... of the World

A chair

The Printer

The Farm

Form and colour

Common fly

Lack of illustrations leads to the removal of lesson on the Oak and the Rose.

Admitted one boy in the morning.

Received in the afternoon a visit from the Rev Canon Barker who brought the monthly account and settled it.

Taught Knitting to class 1.

Present this morning 57.

Gave a lesson on The Farm.

Took the 3^rd and 4^th classes for a lesson on the Square.  Gave class 2 a first lesson in Paper Folding.

School viaited by the Rev T Richards.

Several children now making rapid progress in Knitting.

Sent E Waller out for the ages of some children unable to bring messages themselves.

Average for the week 149.

Admitted two children.

Florence Simpson began her work in this school as Candidate for the Second Year.

The Rev Canon Barker visited in the afternoon.

Attendance lowered this week by the weather’s inclemency.

Received some sewing materials for examination purposes.

Order improving gradually though the children are still very restless.

School now commences at 1.35 instead of 2p.m.

Called registers – found correct.

                                                J T B

Mrs barker visited this afternoon and looked at some of the knitting.

Emily Waller not well and absent from lessons asked to be taken in the evening for her work.

Very cold frosty weather and consequent low attendance.

Taught some of the words of a new hymn.

E Waller had to go home through illness.  In her absence I examined her class and found them making very fair progress.

Admitted a boy and re-admitted a girl.

Only 120 at school today, weather unfavourable.

Mrs and Miss Barker visited in the afternoon.

Emily Waller returned to school.

Progress made in the discipline of classes 3 and 4.

M Packwood and E Waller absent from lessons through colds.

Average for the week 121.  Many children absent through blister pox.

Emily waller away owing to her mother being ill.

The Rev Canon Barker called in the afternoon to settle the monthly accounts.

Admitted one girl.

Gave out several Kindergarten mats to be made before the holidays.

Attendance diminished still further this week by the severity of the weather.

E Wller not returned to school owing to her mother’s death.

Gave M Packwood instructions in the methods of teaching writing and figure making to the 4^th class.

Excused the PT’s Home Lessons for this morning as they were freed from work last night.

Yesterday afternoon the Rev T Richards visited the school.

Gave lessons on the deer and Mackerel.

Attendance very low indeed this week.

Broke up today for one week’s holiday.

Returned to school.  Attendance very poor.  The weather being very severe none of the children under 4 years old were at school.

Kindergarten mats made by several children today.

Found much knowledge had been lost during the holidays.

E Waller at school.

Average for the week only 66.

Bad weather still keeps down the number of children attending this school.

Began to make straw frames today.

See some little improvement in the discipline of the school, though restlessness is rife among the scholars.

Many 1^st class children can now sew fairly well.

Taught a new hymn today.

Class 2 had needle drill this afternoon and the 1^st class took Knitting for an hour.

Admitted 2 scholars this week.

Recommenced the Scripture stories for examination in Division 1.

Gave a Writing lesson to class 1, the chief aim being to teach the joining of the letters.

Took Knitting this afternoon and allowed several children to begin their examination specimen.

Average attendance a little higher this week, being 98.

132 scholars present this afternoon.

Kept in some idle children.

Admitted two boys from Daventry.

Taught the Commandments today.

Yesterday nailed up the notice of the Annual Diocesan Inspection.

M Packwood away this afternoon, having obtained leave to go to the dentist.

First class making progress in writing.  Third and fourth classes seem to be working well under F Simpson and M Packwood respectively.

Commenced recapitulation of Scripture stories.  Find much difficulty in obtaining answers from the majority in group 2.

No less than 152 present this afternoon.

Re-admitted several children.

Examined class 1 in dictation.  They are very prone to copying.

The Rev Canon Barker visited today.

Average for the past week 141.

Diocesan Examination.  Registers not marked in the morning.

Canon Barker called.

PT’s progressing fairly with their lessons.

Began to recapitulate the object lessons in both groups.

Kept classes 1 and 2 half an hour later than usual to cure their restlessness.

A whole holiday tomorrow as none was given after the inspection.

Several children away this morning, so they were reprimanded as their absence was the result of late rising.

Attendance gradually improving.

Re-admitted three children this week also admitted two Babies.

Several specimens of 1^st class Needlework completed today.

The Rev Canon Barker visited today.

Class 1 improving in dictation but progressing very slowly with Arithmetic.  Many children are now at work with their Specimen Knitting.

School visited in the afternoon by the Rev T Richards.

The week began with an attendance of 140 scholars.

Class 1 working hard at their Needlework specimens.

In the lower classes several strips were commenced today.

The Rev Canon Barker visited this afternoon and brought with him the Diocesan Report.  The following is a copy of the report:-

The children have been ably taught.  They have a good knowledge of Scripture and said Catechism ... if in a style that appears artificial still carefully and correctly and in a manner that aims at least at being intelligent.

General quality of ...:-

Religious Knowledge:     Good

Discipline and Tone:        Good

Repetition:                         V Careful

As a whole:                         Good

Attendance much better today, the weather being warm and fine.

First class kept in to work Arithmetic.

Several more specimens of knitting commenced on the completion of the completion of the Needlework.

Examined 2^nd class work and found it improving.

Took class 3 for Writing – found them careless.

Kept class 1 in after 4 o’clock to work Arithmetic over which they are exceedingly dull.

Heard class 3 reading, but found them backward at recognising small letters.

Yesterday took classes 3 and 4 for an object lesson.

Examined class 2 in Reading and Writing and found several who did not know their letters; the writing was a total failure.  Class to be re-examined on Wednesday.

Several children away owing to the foggy morning.

Several scholars away ill.

Admitted two children under four years of age.

Took classes 3 and 4 for an object lesson.

A large circus procession and performance today – a holiday in consequence.

Mr Vann brought a boy to be admitted.  He is over 7 and only fit for class 2.

Attendance has been poor and low all week owing to bad weather.

Class 1 still keep very backward with their Writing and Arithmetic.  Some children can read very well but others are exceedingly poor.

The PT’s Diocesan Examination took place on Saturday, so on the evenings of Monday and Tuesday in this week they are to have home lessons excused, their studies to be resumed on Wednesday.

Examined the Needlework of the Upper Division and found it but moderately well accomplished.

Gave the object lesson on Ice and Snow this week.

Taught the words of a new song to Division 1.

Notice a great improvement in the tone and discipline during the last few days.

Examined registers – found correct.

                                                                J T B

Yesterday admitted a boy of three years.

Examined Needlework of the Lower Division and found it very unsatisfactory.

M Packwood absent this morning owing to her mother being ill.

Gave Needlework to class1 and found it improving.  Took Needle Drill also with them.

Several of the children of the Lower Division commenced coming to school again today.

Taught Position Drill to the First class.

Pupil teachers are now recapitulating their studies in preparation for the examination which is to be held next month.

There were 155 present this afternoon, the weather being very fine.

Gave the PT’s an examination at which they only displayed moderate skill and proficiency.

Let the children learn their Repetition in the afternoon.

Took classes 3 and 4 and found them restless.

Attendance better today.

Took class 1 especially today; preparatory to examining them next week have worked particularly with them.  Examined their Needlework and Knitting and found it much better.

Took class 3 nearly all morning, and improved the general tone and discipline of the children.

With class 4 much headway has not yet been made.

Gave PT’s another examination at which they seem to have done better work than they did last week.

Class 2 Needlework is not quite so poor now but the discipline is weak and the quality of the class exercises is inferior.

Broke up this afternoon, tomorrow being Good Friday.

Received on Friday notice of the Government Examination which is to be held on the 25^th and 26^th of May.

One of the little ones died last week of fever.

Took class 3 Needlework and improved it very much.

Admitted several children under four years old.

Attendance is very good this week.

Gave the PT’s a final examination.  They will merely recapitulate during next week.

Division 1 are making considerable progress with their object lessons.

Average for this week 178.

Re-admitted a couple of children.

Gave the PT’s permission to study at home this week instead of having lessons at 7.45a.m. at school for their examination will take place on Saturday.

Took class 3 and found them dull at Reading but improving in needlework and Writing.

The Rev Canon Barker called this morning.

Classes 1 and 2 did not sing so well as usual today so tomorrow they must have another music lesson.

Today the school year ends.

Sixty three children are over ... yrs of age and are to be ... into the Upper department.

Have discovered that ... ... will be over 7 ... ... ...

Classes 1 and 2 are making considerable progress ...  ... Reading ... is very ...

Let the 1^st class knit this afternoon; the girls work very well but the boys are exceedingly remiss.

Mrs barker called and heard the singing.

The needlework and booklets made by the children pleased her very much.

A wet day and consequent poor attendance.

The Upper Division took Repetition and singing in the afternoon.

Examined class 3 in reading; found it very weak.

Admitted five children.

This evening the PT’s are working at their examination specimens.

Classes 1 and 2 are improving very much in their reading.  Group 1 answer intelligently on the course of object lessons through which they have been taken.

Several children away today.

Gave an examination in Knitting to the first class.

Examined class 2 but they do not progress with Reading as they ought to do.  Class ... read better and ... can spell short monosyllables.  The Needlework of class 3 also is very creditably done on the whole.

Group 1 answer intelligently on their object lessons, and sing from note fairly well.  The Babies know most of their letters.

The Rev Canon Barker called in the afternoon.  Was pleased with the Recitations in Group 1.  He questioned the first class on the substance of a reading lesson.

A fair attendance and work done steadily as usual.

Gave Division 1 Music instead of Needlework in the afternoon.

Government examination today, 198 present.

Broke up this morning for the Whitsuntide Holiday.

Returned to school – 130 present.

F Simpson was transferred to the Mixed School.

The first class (consisting of all children who will be seven before next may) was removed to the Mixed School.

Classes 3 and 4 worked together till a monitress is engaged for them.  First class are now worked in the same room as the 2^nd class, a spare room having been given up to the 3^rd standard of the Mixed Department.

The Rev Canon Barker called.

The Rev Canon Barker called and heard the singing.

During the week twenty children have been admitted.

Good weather and good attendance.  Several children being at a distance have recommenced coming to school now that the days are fine.

Sold many of the towels, handkerchiefs, baskets and straw frames made by the children.

Distributed tickets for the Infants Tea Party on Jubilee Day.

Broke up for a week’s holiday.

Received the report on the Government inspection.  The following is a copy of the report:-

“The school is conducted with energy and intelligence.”

Shilling grants were awarded for Music and Needlework.  The Excellent  Merit Grant was also gained.

Emmeline Waller PT of 3^rd year, and E May Packwood PT of 1^st year have passed “fairly” but E Waller must attend to Music and M Packwood to History.

F A Simpson has passed.

                                                John T Barker

Staff for 1887 and 8:-

Miss ...

Emily Waller

E M Packwood

The Rev Canon Barker visited in the morning.

A good attendance and work just beginning to interest the children recently drafted up.

The Lower Division of the school is making rapid strides in discipline and tone.  Knitting lessons have commenced in Division 1, and it is very difficult for the children to learn to knit readily and quickly.

Gave the children a holiday. Temperance for Monday.

Poor attendance today in consequence of yesterday’s holiday.

Admitted two children under four years of age.

Needlework very indifferently executed in all classes today on account of the great heat.

M Packwood away in the afternoon of yesterday and today with neuralgia.

Gave Division 1 lessons on Animal Food.

Taught the words of a new song.

M Packwood not at lessons this morning, but came to her school duties as usual.

Taught several children how to knit.

Attendance rather meagre this morning owing to there being a Chapel Tea in the afternoon; a holiday for the half day was therefore given.

E Waller not at lessons owing to home circumstances.

Had 161 at school twice this week.

Am satisfied with the way in which the PT’s are doing their work.

The Rev Canon Barker visited.

Gave out tickets for the parents’ Tea on Saturday.

Average for the week 156.

Admitted a couple of children.

Took the Babies for their letters.

Improved the order in the upper classes during Kindergarten Practice.

Mr Stevens visited in the morning.

Took the Lower division for counting and figure making both yesterday and today.

Rather short of needles in the upper classes, so several are learning to knit and others to write, till the want is supplied.

The Sunday school treat takes place this afternoon so the children are to have a half holiday.

PT’s excused from morning lessons on account of yesterday’s gaiety.  They are now working at their examination Needlework on Saturdays.

Average for this week 104.

Work went on today with tolerable satisfaction.  First class Needlework is improving.  Received some needlework and Knitting materials for the examination purposes.

Attendance good.

Gave class 1 a Botanical lesson, subject, the parts of a flower.

Told the children of the holiday on Monday Aug 1^st.

Notice a great improvement in the order this week.

After the Bank Holiday of yesterday the attendance was poor (104+3) 107 only being here.

Sent after absentees.  E Waller not at lessons this morning through illness.

Prepared knitting for the first and second classes.

Excused PT’s Home lessons as a reward for diligence.

Went into school at 1.30p.m. and closed at 3.30 there being a show in the neighbourhood.

Average attendance 138.

Attendance improved this week.

Several children gone to the seaside so parents have sent messages to explain their absence for a week.

Taught Knitting simultaneously to the first class.  They are exceedingly backward.  Reading is slightly improving.

A teacher is greatly needed for the fourth class.

E Waller was away yesterday and today with tooth ache.

The tone of the school is improving and work is conducted very well on the whole.

Somewhat low attendance owing to the harvest having commenced.

Gave the third class a simultaneous Knitting lesson this afternoon.

PT’s asked to be excused Home lessons for this week as they are preparing to go out for the holidays.

Attendance rather low again.  Several of the older scholars working in the harvest fields.

Today broke up for six weeks holiday.

School re-opened after the harvest vacation.  Present 149 a.m. 152 p.m.

Admitted several new scholars.

Three children away with canker and two absent through measles.

More than 150 at school in regular attendance.

The Rev Canon Barker visited this morning.  He commented on the excellent discipline and agreed to the engagement of a Monitress as soon as one suitable can be found.

Yesterday evening the PT’s began their course of lessons for this term, lessons to be repeated for an hour every evening commencing at 4.45.

Dismissed at 3.30p.m. as the school is to be cleaned tonight.  Registers closed at ...

Morning rather cold and attendance rather lower in consequence.

Admitted a child under three years of age.

Sent PT’s out at noon for absentees.

Work progressing fairly well in the Upper Division but the lower group are backward as a monitress is much needed for the Babies.

PT’s not at lessons last evening owing to the children having play in the field till after 4p.m.

Prize distribution called the PT’s away from their studies today.

Examined class 1 in Writing.  They are very slow.  Class 1 Reading is making rapid strides.  The Lower Division are rather dull.

This week began with a well filled school.

Admitted two children.

First class Sewing was very good in the afternoon.

The Arithmetic lessons in class 1 are now about to commence, hitherto the Notation has occupied most of the time devoted to that subject.

M Packwood asked to be excused for not doing a Writing lesson last night as she was ill.

176 children marked today.

Weather favourable and attendance large.

Work entered into spiritedly.

Admitted one boy.

Wrote a list of requisites for the school.

Examined class 2 Needlework and found it bad.  The teacher is working steadily, however, with it.

Class 3 also are most backward in Needlework as they have to be taught in conjunction with the Fourth class.

Class 1 had a sum dictated to them this morning.  Many of the older ones put it down very well.

Nearly all the girls knitted well this afternoon.

The Rev Canon Barker called.  Commented on the excellent order and on the well-aired room.  He also signed report on the Government Examination.

Commenced work with 170 children this week.

Drafted some second class scholars into class 1.

The Rev Canon Barker called.

In the afternoon the Misses Barker and some lady friends visited.  They heard the singing, recitation and tables.  Drill exercises were very successfully performed and the ladies were both pleased and interested with all.

E Waller has been away again today as she is no better.

This morning classes 3 and 4 were separated by the Mistress.  E Waller who returned today is to teach class 4 for a few days.

Omitted to mention that several children were sent to the Infant Department from the Mixed school owing to their being both backward and dull.  J Stokes, M Roberts, W Elstow, G Harris, J Dickens, C Bayes, M Betts, L Cox, K Chambers, ... ...

Susan Evans began today her duties as Monitress.

Yesterday and today much time has been spent by the Mistress in the Babies’ room.  There classes 3 and 4 are settled to their work and M Packwood is working steadily and ... with class ...

Class 1 are rapidly improving in Reading.  Some of them can put their sums down neatly.

Attendance has been lowered this week by the bad weather.

Have begun to leave school at a quarter to four owing to the evenings being so dark and consequently take lessons a quarter of an hour earlier than is specified in the timetable.

Group 2 are backward with their Scripture and there is much difficulty in securing their attention during the lessons.

Class 1 answered well in their oral lesson on “Coins”.

The boys in this class are very backward with their Knitting.

This afternoon the third class commenced learning to knit.

Attendance poor owing to the weather being so damp.

Class 1 are very slow at repeating their hymns and verses.

Taught the words of a new song in Division ...

Admitted two boys who have been attending the ... school.

Began giving Dictation exercises to class 1; made them read individually and dictated ... for their working.

Taught several children to knit this afternoon.

Division 1 commenced learning a hymn.  ...3 and 4 repeat their texts very well.

E Waller, E N Packwood and ... ... ... ... with their classes.  Class 4 know many of their letters ...  

Weather rather unfavourable and attendance somewhat lowered.

Taught Knitting most especially to the first class this week.

The object lessons in the ... and on the ... greatly enjoyed in this class.

Many of the 4^th class know their letters well but some a totally ignorant of them.  Class 3 are not thoroughly acquainted with their small letters.

The Rev T Richards called today.

Very few in class 1 are now unable to knit.  The Dictation exercises are rapidly improving.

Average attendance for this week is 165.

Several children away with chilled ...  2 absent through their eyes being sore. 

Class 1 much ... in their oral lessons on “A ... in ... ... ...

Progress in Writing is very slow in classes 3 and 4.  Class 2 make very ... ... with their Reading.

Arithmetic in class 1 is but slowly advancing.  Discipline in class 2 must be rigidly maintained.

Only two first class boys failed ... in Knitting.

The Upper Division are busy learning the words of a new hymn and those also of a new song.

A considerable number of children away from school through illness.

Class 2 ... ... ... lesson in the afternoon instead of their usual Needlework exercise.

Notice an improvement in the order throughout the ... ... during the week.  Reading and spelling are ... in all classes.

Took the 2^nd class for a Reading ...

... ... steadily.  The teachers are this week ... ... ... ... of a ... ... for ...

... the ... Division are progressing fairly well with their Music.  Scripture lessons are now ... with classes 1 and 2.  The object lessons on the “... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Some snow having fallen, the attendance for the day is but poor.

Took the Upper Division for a Scripture examination.  The answering was but moderate!  Knitting was done remarkably well in the 1^st class today.

Commenced making straw frames this afternoon.  E Waller and M Packwood worked steadily with the other subjects while the Mistress took special charge of the “Varied Occupation.”

Promised a little outdoor recreation during this afternoon, as we now break up for a week’s holiday.  Gave cards to the good children and to those who have attended well this week.

Tested registers, found correct.

                                                J T B

Resumed our school work.  Find many little ones ill with coughs and sore feet.

Work goes on as per Timetable recently drawn up but not yet signed.

Two ladies visited in the afternoon.

Examined group 1 on two Old Testament stories with fairly good results.

Several hymns had to be repeated many times today as Group 1 had forgotten them.

The Rev Canon Barker called in the afternoon.

Classes 3 and 4 keep very backward with their Needlework.

Examined the 1^st class ... and find it lacking in regularity and beauty, but not bad.

PT’s are working steadily at their lessons.

G Evans is backward and does not seem to progress very quickly.

The Rev Canon Barker called today.

Attendance low this week in consequence of the bad weather.  Average attendance 147.

Scripture lessons in the Upper Division will be taken at 12 o’clock for a quarter of an hour.

Cold, frosty weather and consequent low attendance prevails this week.

Class 1 began their Needlework examination ... ...

Bad attendance resulting from the severe weather.

Class 1 working busily at perforating and embroidery.

PT’s busy this week with their studies and so their written exercises have been curtailed.

Knitting is progressing well in all classes.

S Evans, monitress, is very backward still with her Arithmetic.

Received notice of the diocesan Inspection.

Classes 1 and 2 answer fairly well.

The Rev Canon Barker visited in the afternoon.

Kindergarten exercises are almost complete this week.

Attendance very bad owing to the wet weather.

The Rev Canon Barker and another gentleman visited today.

Average for the week only 116.

Examined Group 2 in their Scripture.  They answer very well.  Found the Lower Division working very steadily today.

Examined Group 1 in Scripture with good results.

The Rev Canon Barker and ... Croome visited on Thursday and praised the work of Class 1.

Only 95 at school this morning, the day being a snowy one.

Took a few of the 1^st class for embroidery.

Very bad attendance this morning, a severe snow storm having taken place just at school time.

The examination in Religious Knowledge took place today.  The registers were not marked.  The ... ... ...

This evening, dismissed the scholars until Monday as they had no holiday after the Scripture Examination so that they might have it at the end of the week.

The inclemency of the weather kept back many children today, and only 75 were present.

Class 1 worked at handkerchiefs in the afternoon.

This week the attendance is very low as the wintry weather still prevails.

Class 2 Sewing is very well done on the specimen for exam.

... ... ..., by the upper part of the class.

Commenced teaching poetry for the examination this afternoon.

The average for this week is only ...

We commenced this week’s work with 92 scholars, the weather still being so inclement as to keep away most of those in the Lower Division.

The Needlework in class 3 is very poor.

This morning I allowed the children to go out for nearly an hour, in order to let them see a circus procession.  A holiday was given this afternoon.

I examined class 1 this morning.  They are careless in Dictation exercises and slow in working Arithmetic.

The Rev Canon Barker brought the Report on the Diocesan Examination.  It is this:-

“This school is excellently taught and the style of repetition from such young children was particularly good.

Attendance better.

Examined class 2 this afternoon, instead of giving them Knitting.  The passes were very imperfect owing to there having been so much absence during the recent and continuous bad weather.

The first class require great supervision over Needlework.  I found many who worked carelessly during my absence in the Baby room.

Examined classes 3 and 4, with good results.  The discipline is very good in both classes.

Class 1 are to be examined this afternoon instead of having Knitting.  Many of these 1^st class children are very intelligent and answer very well on their object lessons, on the meaning of words and on Mental Arithmetic.

This morning after examining the Babies I sent several of them up into class 3. 

The Needlework in the Lower Division of the school is very backward.

A recurrence of the cold weather has lowered the attendance today.

I have taken the most backward children for Arithmetic very frequently this week.  Only a very slight improvement is yet evident.

Several strips of knitting have been completed in the first class.  They worked industriously at their handkerchiefs this afternoon.

The PT’s now have lessons at 7.45a.m. instead of at ...

The attendance was lowered by the very cold weather.  Many of the scholars in the Upper Division sewed exceptionally well today.

Gave the PT’s an examination this morning.

Examined registers, found correct.

                                                                J T B

Examined classes 1 and 2 and remark upon an improvement in the work. 

Some of the children in the first class who have been absent for three months came to school again this week.

I told the PT’s to come to an examination in the morning at 9.30.

This morning owing to there having been a fall of snow only 22 were present, but 158 were marked in the afternoon.

Several of the 3^rd class now sew very well but a large number are still very backward.

Took the 1^st class for an examination on their object lessons – Colour, Butterflies, Bees and Parts of the Body.

I examined class 1 this morning; found them improved.

This afternoon I must give class 1 an examination and then hear the rest of class 2 Reading as a few were not heard in the forenoon.

A few of class 1 must sew also in order to complete their handkerchiefs.

Broke up till Easter Thursday.

Many children were not at school this morning as a Tea Party which is to take place this afternoon led to their absence while preparing for it.  I gave a holiday in consequence of this Tea Party.

Taught the words of some verses for Repetition.

Attendance is ... ... ... ... ... ... ...  Class 3 Needlework does not improve as much as is desirable.

I took class 2 for ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Average attendance this week is 129.

Gave PT’s an examination ... ...

Attendance improved today.

Admitted a boy from Higham Ferrers School and a little girl under three years of age.

Class 1 Needlework is remarkably improved.

Took class 2 this morning and found the Upper Division in good condition but the second ... are very backward owing to so many of the ... ... ...away during the winter, and only just now returned to school with the warm weather.

Canon Barker called today.

Several of the children are away ill this week.

Examined class 1 and met with fair results.  Several specimens of knitting are now completed, and only a few handkerchiefs require finishing touches.

Told the PT’s to come for a ... examination tomorrow at ...

... ... ... ... today ... duties as Monitress.

I admitted several children who have ... ... ... ... ...  ... class 1 to ... the afternoon instead of ...  ... ...  ... ... the most ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... throwing every ... children  ... ... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Animal ... ... ... ... ...

The Housemaid, Parts of the Body ... ... ... ..., the Seasons.  A ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... ... ... ...   ... ... .. ... ... ..., ... ... ... ... Tiger ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... this afternoon ... ... ... ... ... ... ... their apparatus ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

The attendance this week is very good so far.

Found class 1 boys making their ... ... ... and corrected them urging the teacher to encourage cleanliness ... ...

I arranged class 1 into two groups and find they work well according to this new arrangement.

It was yesterday that news reached me of the ... ... the ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... days ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

In ... ... ... the PT’s attended their annual examination at Northampton.

Today ... ... Mistress ... children. 

... Pearson a boy of eight only knows ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... ... ... morning.

... ... ... ... ... class 1 ... ... ... ... ...  ... ... ... ... are progressing very steadily with Reading and needlework.  Their writing is the most deficient of their subjects.

Gave classes 1 and 2 an examination in ...work. 

... ... ... ... ....

Class 1 sang very well from note and their recitations are repeated with spirit.

The ... ... ... ... bringing the intelligence  ... both ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... passed first class at the Diocesan inspection.

Our school year ends today.  .... ... ... ... the commencement of the new registers.

There were 168 children marked today.

I examined classes 1 and 2 in mental Arithmetic.

Classes 3 and 4 answer on their object lessons in a very fair and intelligent manner.

We have been recapitulating for the most part of this week.

The Rev Canon Barker called today and made arrangements for transferring E Waller, whose apprenticeship is now at an end, to the Senior Department of this school.

This afternoon the Upper Division sang and recited very well.  Class 4 know their letters much better than the children last year of the same class many can write a ...

The Rev Canon Barker called at 11a.m. and told me that the other Infants schools were being examined today; so most probably this school will be inspected tomorrow.

I admitted two scholars, and one Baby in the course of the day.

The number present was 198 and 197 in the morning and afternoon respectively.

The Government examination took place today.  206 were present.  A holiday was given in the afternoon.

More than 70 children were transferred from this to the Mixed school.

E Waller, ex PT, went into the Upper Department also, there to serve as a Junior Assistant.

Martha Faulkner commences her duties as monitress.

There were 125 children at school today.

Lessons were taken as per timetable and a thorough re-organisation took place in all classes.

The attendance this week is not so good as might be expected, for many little ones are not coming to school till after Whitsuntide.

The Rev Canon Barker called yesterday at the close of the afternoon.

The school was closed today for the Whitsuntide holidays.

... attendance somewhat ... characterised the re-opening of school.  Work began but it was not easy at first to keep the children’s attention.

I have sent the teacher frequently for absentees, and have got the scholars together ..., with the exception of those who are ... ... ...

The ... ... ... ... upon us this morning and inquired into the attendance.  This week the average is 147.

Miss ... absent owing to sudden bereavement.

I, H C Vann took charge of school, number present in morning 144, in afternoon 154.

The Rev Canon Barker and another gentleman visited ... the morning and remarked on the ... attendance – 155.

Weather very showery, attendance poor – 111 present.

Attendance poor in morning, good in afternoon.

Admitted several children – seven – 2 of 5 yrs, 1 of 4 yrs, 1 of 3 yrs and 3 under 3 yrs.

Attendance much improved – Average for week 155.2.

Report on Government Inspection

“The school is very successfully taught, except in needlework which is only fair.”

E Waller has passed well and E W Packwood has passed fairly, but both must attend to ... ... ...

Examined registers, found correct.

                                                J T B

E Waller should be informed that she is qualified under both Articles 50 and 52.

I ... and ... Faulkner have passed the exam for recognition as Candidates on Probation under Article 42 but the terms of Article 42 preclude the admission of more than one of them.  The managers are therefore requested to state which they prefer to engage.

Miss Tyrer will receive her certificate in due course.

                                                                John T Barker

Staff

Head Mistress   -              ... Tyrer

3^rd Yr PT                -              M Packwood

P Candidate        -              M Faulkner

Monitress           -              B Burton

Needlework was done fairly well today in class 1 but class 2 and even class 3 as well seemed very awkward with the needle.

Average attendance this week is 152.

Knitting was very badly done by class 1 today.

Today the attendance was much better especially in the ... ... ... ... 

Knitting lessons ... ... ... ... exercises in classes 1 and 2 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... ... ... and a ...  ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... being writing in the ... ... ... ... ... ... examined in ... ... ... ... ... very even.  Monday ... ... ... ... ... ... ... by note was ... ... the afternoon to ... ... ... ... ... was ... ... ... ...

The holiday given for yesterday’s excursion led to a poor attendance in the morning.  Sent the teachers for most of the absentees.

It is most difficult to teach Knitting to the 2^nd class.  Only very few can knit yet.

Average attendance is rather low ... ...

Several children away this morning owing to the Baptist School Festivities taking place today.  A holiday was given in the afternoon.

Three children have been admitted this week.

Work is now going on very steadily in all classes.

The Rev Canon Barker visited in the morning.

Knitting was taken instead of Kindergarten this afternoon, as I am anxious that Knitting should be thoroughly learned before the holidays commence.

This has been a warm pleasant day and several children strayed away in the afternoon.

I distributed rewards among the 1^st and 2^nd classes at 4p.m.

Average attendance 150.

I examined the Knitting of class 2 but found that only a few could work correctly. 

A new song was sung today as a Solfeggio.

The 1^st class are making a little progress with their work but the lowest part of the class is very dull, and a great drawback to the others.

Classes 2 and 3 had an examination in Reading and Writing.  The lower division of class 2 will need every attention while class 3 Reading is making no progress and therefore must be pushed.

Gave class 1 an examination in Arithmetic and Writing.  The results were on the whole ... but the backward children are not improving rapidly.

The words of a new song were taught.

Several children gone away for a summer holiday, yet the attendance is good on the whole.

Class 1 are working steadily with their lessons in Reading and Writing, but little headway is made in Arithmetic.

Both divisions of the 2^nd class had lessons in Writing from the Head Teacher in the morning.  In the afternoon the PT’s endeavoured to conduct their lessons on the same methods and principles.

Reading lessons were given to class 2 and they are now set fairly in the way of reading readily and correctly.

Class 1 copied very well from BB today.

Only six of the class failed in Knitting.

Average attendance 151.

The wet weather again prevents the attendance from rising. 

All the 1^st class can knit today, after keeping in on Friday and today it is learned.

Gave out tickets for the parents to gain admission to the Rectory Field on the Yreat day.

I allowed the children to practise walking in twos today.  Only 150 were here in the afternoon, for the rain is almost unceasing.

Broke up for a month’s holiday.  The annual School Treat took place in the afternoon.

This day, the school was re-opened after the Midsummer Holidays.  The attendances were 168 and 179 in the morning and afternoon respectively.

The Rev Canon Barker visited. 

No less than 13 children received admission.

The first class seem backward in their work and their sewing especially is deficient.  The order in the Upper Division is fairly good.

I examined class 2 today; the results were not satisfactory, Division 2, under Miss Faulkner’s care, being particularly dull.

I took class 3 for Arithmetic and class 4 for Drill.  Both need much careful training.  The order is very lax in class 4 and class 3 are rather idle.

Needlework in classes 1 and 2 keeps but indifferent.  Singing from note however is improving.

Find very little improvement in class 2 Reading, but the first class Dictation is fairly well done.

Several children are away gleaning this week.

Find the 2^nd Division very disorderly today.  I took them and drilled them well, but they are in need of a very firm teacher.

This afternoon the attendance was lowered by the circus procession which came through the village.

School closed at a quarter to four.

The Rev Canon Barker visited.

M Faulkner away ill for one day.

Broke up at 12 o’clock for a week’s holiday, nest week being that of Rushden Feast.

Re-commenced work with 180 children.

I admitted the following children from the Mixed Department:- B Clark-Pearson, H Warren, A Stokes, Dickens, Button, Goodfellow, Whitehead, Harris, Ekins, L Underwood, ... ...

Needlework in all classes is very indifferently executed, as was especially shown this afternoon, when I gave an examination.  Drill has formed a large part of this week’s instruction, it being necessary to aid in discipline.

Commenced teaching some poetry to classes 1 and 2.

In consequence of the very cold weather, ,many children were absent this morning.

Classes 1 and 2 now take separate Scripture and Music, as our first classroom is no longer required for the Mixed Department.

The Rev Canon Barker visited in the today and expressed pleasure at the large attendance.  He proposed the making of a new cupboard for us and the removal of the stove to a more suitable place.

Several children at the lower end of class 1 are unable to knit.

May Packwood is working very steadily with her class, both at Knitting and Needlework

Needlework requires greater attention throughout the school, the third class especially need constant vigilance.

May Packwood away ill today.

There were 199 present in the morning.

M Faulkner took both divisions of class 2 in the absence of M Packwood, she worked very industriously with the children.

A gallery was put up in the first classroom today.

M Packwood returned to her duties, being now much better.

Sent an order to the carpenter for some new forms of which we are greatly in need, many children often being obliged to sit on the floor.

Several children are absent through blister pox; a couple of very little ones are ill with dysentery and one little girl has inflammation badly.  In consequence of this many infants are at home.

I examined the Needlework of all classes and found it improving.

As the PT’s are all suffering from colds, they were excused their home lessons and their study-hour at school.

Two children were admitted today.

The Rev Canon Barker called today. 

Gave to the 1^st class a lesson on a scene in Australia this morning.

I have been working out anew timetable this week, changes having been compulsory since the Divisions of class 2 require separate working.

Registers are now closed at 2.25p.m.

... ... ... ... ... ... ...

List of Object lessons – Class 1

... ...

Animals, Birds

Form and Colour

... ...

... Book

13. The Lion

22. ...

33. The Cork

...

14. The Camel

23. Lines and Corners

34. The ...

Pictures

15. Bees

24. ... ...

35. The Fire Brigade

...

16. The Owl

25. ... ...

36. The Post Office

...

17. The Whale

26. White & black

37. The Railway station

Scissors

20. Sheep & Goat compared

27. Red, white & blue

38. Sheep shearing in ...

...

39. Gold – washing ... ...

...

40. Cleanliness

41. Good manners

42. Industrial history

Vegetables

Trades

Natural Phenomena

43. ... ... ...

The cocoa Nut Palm

The ...

29. Rain

44. The ...

Rice & the Rice Plant

Glassblower

30. ...

Mountains & Rivers

...

Goldsmith

31. ...

The ...

...

... ...

32. ... ... ...

Class 2

1.       Surface

18. Colour – yellow, orange etc.

2.       Milk & its uses

19.0 A chair

3.       Parts of the Body

20. Leather

4.       Lines & Corners

21. Form – angles & triangles

5.       The Clock face

22. The Pig

6.       A Knife & Fork

23. Wax

7.       Sources of food (vegetable)

24. A cup & saucer

8.       A Teapot

25. Form – A ball, cylinder, cube

9.       The Sheep

26. The Whale

10.   Red, white & blue

27. A Pair of Scissors

11.   Colour of things

28. The Horse

12.   The Owl

29. A comb

13.   Form – the cube

30. The shoe maker

14.   The Lion

31. The ...

15.   A Loaf of Bread

32. The Rabbit

33. Comparison of Lion & Cat

34. Comparison of square & triangle

35. Addition

Attendance is ... this week by the very cold and rainy weather which has prevailed.  The knitting in class 1 is still a source of anxiety for me, there being about a dozen boys who are totally ignorant of it.

The attendance is rather lower than usual this morning, many children being absent through the preparations for the “Guy Fawks” procession in the afternoon.  A holiday was granted on this account.

The Rev Canon Barker called upon us and remarking on the good attendance agreed to secure an assistant mistress in lieu of the two youngest monitresses.

Class 2 were examined this morning in Reading, Writing and Number.  They are still very backward especially in Division ...  Their Needlework this afternoon was done ... ... and many pieces of work were much soiled.  Class 1 Needlework was also done very indifferently today, but in Division 2 the work is improving.

The tone of the school seemed better today.  ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 

The Rev Canon Barker visited.

Knitting still ... ... ...  on Friday.

Class 1 are attending on the whole in a very ... manner.  Reading in the second division ... ... ... and ... ... is ... ... ... still.  ... ... ... ... ... ...  ... ... ...

Needlework ... ... ... ... ... ... ... children ... ... ... ... over its execution.

Arithmetic ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... the ... ....  Repetition ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

The Rev Canon Barker visited this morning, making arrangements for our having a new monitress.  Susan Evans ... ... ... to procure an assistant mistress to begin her duties here with ...

I took class 1 today and find them a little ... intelligent than they were a week ago.  ... a monitress will ... in ... ... ... ...   ... ... ... on ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

... work went on as usual while I was away.  Class ... ... ... ... ... and object lessons but the other classes are ... ...  ... ... ... ...

Canon Barker called today. 

I examined class ... and find a marked improvement in all except those transferred from the Mixed Department to this room.  At Canon Barker’s request the teachers went to sell tickets for the Parents’ Tea.  The object of this tea is to raise money towards the debt incurred by the building of the new classrooms.

Average attendance this week reaches 185, ... ... children are absent through sickness.

Several little ones are away with colds.  The roads also are so dirty as to make it unfit for the younger children to attend.

Needlework is still a source of great anxiety to me.  The third class make their work so dirty that it is quite unfit for examination ... ...

Kate Lewis commenced her duties as Monitress, and I Evans resigned her work as a teacher. 

A large parcel of books, slates and other apparatus arrived today.

Knitting is improving in class 1, but in class 2 there are several who can do no knitting at all.

May Packwood did not come to school till 9.45a.m. having had neuralgia all night.

Canon Barker called.

Average attendance is 180 for the week. 

Work progresses but slowly, for the children are very idle and bird-witted and great energy is required to keep them under control.

The extremely bad condition of the roads has kept many children away today.

The Rev Canon Barker called.

The Rev Canon ... and an ... ... came with Canon Barker to ... ... ...

The teacher applied for the post of Assistant Mistress in this school.

Class 1 were very backward indeed with their sums on their being examined this morning.  Many boys are absent from this class.

Needlework is done better both by classes ... and ... but the third class are most careless.

Canon Barker called this afternoon ... ... ... ...

The number present today was 156.  Many infants are absent, in my opinion they are away on account of the approaching Christmas Holiday.  At noon I sent the teachers to enquire for absentees.

Attendance is low still, many are absent from each class.  The weather has been so unfavourable as to prevent my sending again for absentees.

Today we break up for one week holiday.

M Packwood will close as I am going to the ... by the midday train.