School re-opened after the Christmas vacation with a full staff.

Stock for the ensuing term arrived from Messrs Arnold, Leeds.  Needlework considerably reduced.

Visited by Mr Prothero C Attendance Officer.

Miss C M Watson absent for the day attending the funeral of a cousin.

The attendance this week has been poor due to the unfavourable weather, and a matinee of the pantomime “Cinderella” at the Palace.

Mr D Layram P T absent in the afternoon – speech day at Kettering Grammar School.

Attendance is still very poor, mainly due to damp and cold weather.

Visited by Miss Dunn H M I who spent most of the afternoon inspecting the Needlework.

Visited the school, checked the registers and found them correct.
                                                                                Percy Robson
                                                                                                Manager

Received a copy of a letter forwarded to the Managers for consideration regarding the staffing of the school, and suggesting that in view of the numbers of certificated teachers should be replaced by an uncertified one.

Mr J W Reynolds allowed about an hour off duty to attend a Ministry of Health Enquiry.

Miss A Mantle absent part of the afternoon, attending the funeral of her grandmother.

Visited by Mr Sweeting and Mr Burns H M I.

   ,,      ,,   ,,     ,,         ,,    ,,     ,,       ,,   .

Received notice that the Annual Schools Examination will take place on Mar 14^th.

Annual Schools Examination 9 to 12.15.

Mr W W Rial with Miss groom acted as Invigilators for Newton Rd School, while Mr S Saddler with Miss Mantle of this staff acted in the same capacity at Alfred St School.

Medical Inspection by Dr Newton commenced this afternoon and is to be continued on the 16^th, 20^th, 23^rd, 27^th and 30^th.

Received notice that the cambric and flannelette in the recent requisition had been reduced by 1 dz yds each.

Medical inspection completed today.

Miss C M Watson absent for part of the day attending a Panel of Examiners at Northampton.

Form 92 completed and forwarded to the Office.

Stock for the ensuing term received today.

School closed after the afternoon session for Easter.

School re-opened after the Easter holidays with complete staff.

Arthur W H Pack, a pupil at Oundle Laxton Grammar School, attended for a probationary period of teaching.

Visited by Mr H R Sweeting H M I with reference to the above candidate for pupil teachership.

In accordance with instructions from the Secretary for Education the upper classes heard a lecture on Health by Mr W J Melhuish D Sc in consequence of which the timetable for these classes was suspended from 11 to 12am.

In conjunction with the scheme for showing the Rushden scholars the complete machinery for boot making, a party of 18 boys were shown over the factory of Messrs John Cave & Sons.  Other parties will be conducted over the factory at weekly intervals.

Visited Newton Rd Mixed School and found everything quite satisfactory.

Mr W G Dodge absent owing to personal illness.

Empire Day celebrated as in former years.

Report by H M I Mr H R Sweeting after visit on March 6^th and 7^th 1928.

Mixed Dept.

Since the date of the last report the Headmaster has been transferred to the Intermediate School, opened in September 1925, and his place taken by an experienced and thorough Head Teacher; only four of the old staff remain.

The department now loses about 20 children each year at 11 years of age to the Intermediate School premises.

There are now 387 children on roll in 9 classes, but there are only 7 classrooms and a hall, so that there is always a class in the hall and one class is housed in the Infants’ Department where, in consequence, one of its classes has to use its hall; also on one day each week one of the 7 rooms is used for Cookery and the class is taught in the hall in addition to the one normally there.  There is a detached Manual Instruction Centre.

The congestion  seems unnecessary, as another provided school is less than half a mile away, and has considerable vacant accommodation.  The inconvenience here does handicap the instruction and organisation.

There has been no serious attempt to provide Advanced Instruction to all the senior children, though some is found in Standards 7 and 8.  In fact the age range of nearly all classes is so wide that more would be inadvisable in existing circumstances; children of over 13 years occur in Standards 4 to 8, those of 12 years in Standards 4 to 7, those of 11 years in Standards 3 to 7, and those of 10 years in Standards 2 to 7.  In five of the nine classes there is an age range of five years, and in two of these children vary in age from 8 to 13 years.

Junior classes

These include 170 children in four classes under 2 certificated and 2 uncertificated teachers.  The instruction in fundamental subjects is methodical and effective, except that the Arithmetic in standard 3 is weak; the other work is not so uniformly satisfactory, for Geography, Singing and in Nature lessons in Standard 3 were not well done, nor were the Physical Exercises of Standard 4; the History and the other Geography are progressing on good lines.  The Teacher of class 8 is doing very well.

Senior classes

In Standards 5 and upwards there are 207 children under 5 certificated teachers.

Arithmetic seems weak in classes 4 and 5 as well as in Standard 7 boys, but tests in the other classes were well done.  Composition reaches a sound level, but in the two highest classes is really good.

History and Geography in clases 3, 4 and 5 are dictated too much; great importance is attached to memory work of mere facts and hardly any attention is given to their relative importance or to the connections between them; no deductions or comparisons are demanded.

Time charts and teachers’ maps are displayed on the walls, though the children do not appear familiar with their use, particularly in class 3.

In classes 1 and 2 the children have note books for History, Geography and Science though not much use is made of the opportunity for real observation and deduction; these books are used but seldom, and contain only facts.  Advanced work which is the result of children’s own efforts is needed.  The oral lessons in these classes are very good.

The Drawing seen was of fair quality.  The Physical Exercises were excellent; the scheme in Practical Mathematics for the boys is hardly correlated enough with their progress in Arithmetic and does not lead to any top work which will be useful after school life is finished.

The Needlework in the top class is both sound and tasteful; in thhe other classes the stitching is weel taught and the cutting out on the whole satisfactory.  But the teachers would find their task easier if certain irregularities in grading were overcome.

The Headmaster is a sound teacher and supervisor; it is unfortunate that he has found it wise to see all the teachers’ corrections of the children’s books frequently, for in consequence of such labour he has not so far grasped the ideals nor sedured the advatages of up-to-date advanced instruction for the older children.

                                                                E Freeman  18/6/28

School closed at noon for the Whitsuntide holidays.

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide holidays.

Mr W G Dodge still absent.

School closed all day for the Annual School Sports.

Visited by the Rev P Robson.

Mr Dodge returned to duty.

Messrs E Freeman and Sugars (local managers) visited the school.

Received the results of the Annual School Exam: 45.2%.

No manual Instruction taken today owing to the absence of the instructor.

School closed all day for the Annual Sunday School treat.

Visited Newton Rd School, found everything quite satisfactory.
                                                                                E Freeman

Mr Sugars also visited the school.

Received notice that 5½ yds of needlework material had been deleted from the Requisition List.

A scholar, Fred Jaques, was successful in gaining 2^nd place in the 880yds race at Stamford Bridge on sat July 21^st at the School Athletic Association Meeting.

Visited by Nurse Wood.

School closed after the afternoon session for the midsummer vacation.

Miss Gladys E Shortland ceased duty on this day.

Mr Douglas Layram P T completed his engagement.

School re-opened after the midsummer holidays with a full staff present.

Miss Violet Alice Louisa Allen commenced duty as Uncertificated Assistant in the place of Miss G E Shortland.

39 children left school during the holidays, 15 of these proceeding to work, 20 to secondary or intermediate schools and the remainder transferred to other schools.

59 children were admitted, 52 from the Infants Dept., 5 from Alfred St Infants School and 2 from the South End School.

Three additional girls transferred to the Intermediate School.

Miss A Tysoe of St Gabriel’s College, Camberwell paid a visit here for observation purposes.

Miss Lillian Irene Clipson commenced duty as a pupil-teacher (Wellingborough High School).

Mr Arthur W’m Ewart Flood commenced duty as a pupil-teacher (Kettering Grammar School).

School closed for the Feast holidays.

Visited the school, checked the registers and found correct.
                                                                                W E Capon
                                                                                            Manager

The afternoon session was commenced earlier to permit children being able to see a travelling menagerie and circus.       

School closed for the afternoon session owing to the presence in the town of a travelling zoo.

Visited by Messrs freeman and Sugars (local managers).

Visited the school checked the registers and found correct.
                                                                                W E Capon
                                                                                            Manager

School closed for half-term holiday.

Two cases of scarlet fever were reported this week.

An accident happened during the recreation interval this morning, a girl Doris Bayes falling down and damaging her elbow necessitating medical attention.  Time 10.50am.

Visited by Mr F Corby, vice chairman of the managers.

Forwarded the Requisition for the ensuing term to the managers for consideration.

Visited by W E Capon, registers checked, children seemed very interested in their work.                   W E C

Received notice that Miss Violet Alice Louisa Allen has been officially recognised as an uncertificated teacher.

Mr W G Dodge absent on account of sickness.

Visited by Mr Prothero together with Mr Ferries, the newly appointed Attendance Officer for the district.

Mr Dodge returned to duty this morning.

Received notice from the Secretary for Education that the needlework material had again been considerably reduced, 10 doz yds of different material having been deleted.

School closed after the afternoon session for the Christmas holidays.

Miss L C Evans ceased duty here.

School re-opened after the Christmas vacation in spite of wintry conditions.

Miss F E Hall (U) taking temporary duty in the place of Miss L C Evans who has resigned.

Miss hall ceased duty here today.

Mr J Allen absent by permission in the afternoon  to attend the prize giving at Kettering Grammar School.

No cookery was taken today.

The attendance this week has been lower than usual owing mainly to inclement weather.

Attendance is still very low due to an epidemic of influenza and colds.

Miss V A L Allen absent owing to illness.

Mr Flood (P T) absent during the afternoon at the P T centre.

No cookery today – Mistress absent.

Very little improvement in attendance as yet, the weather being extremely cold.

Miss V A L Allen returned today.

Mr W G Dodge absent owing to influenza.

As there is no fuel and the furnaces have been out during the weekend, the school was closed as the weather was much too cold to keep the children in school.

Mr W G Dodge returned to duty this morning.

Miss Mabel Josephine Mitchell (U) commenced duty here today in place of Miss Evans who resigned at Christmas.

Visited by Mr Millican H M I.

Annual Schools Examination.  Mr W N Rial with Miss Groom acted as Invigilators, while Mr S Saddler and Miss C M Watson from this school acted as Invigilators at Alfred St School.

Miss C M Watson absent in the afternoon, illness.

Miss Watson returned to duty.

Registers checked and found correct.
                                                F Green

Miss V A L Allen absent owing to personal illness.

Mr j W Reynolds absent    ,,      ,,         ,,            ,,     .

Miss C M Watson absent attending a meeting of a panel of examiners for the A S E Exam.

School closed after the afternoon session for Easter.

School re-opened after the Easter vacation.  Attendance better.

Twenty four children left school during the holidays.

A boy named Don Patenall inadvertently swallowed a small wire staple (2.35pm).

Visited by Mr F Corby (chairman of the managers).

School closed all day at the request of the L E A in commemoration of the work done for school children by the late Dr Halbert, first school medical officer for the county.

Medical inspection commenced this morning  and was continued on May 14^th, 28^th, 31^st and June 4^th.

School closed at noon for the usual Whitsuntide holidays.

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide vacation.

Two children, Harry Allen and Ernest Edward Bryant asked to attend oral part of the A S Examination.  The latter does not wish to proceed further.

School closed for the General Election.

Medical inspection concluded this afternoon.

School closed all day for the Third Annual School Sports.

Swimming classes commenced, the boys attending in the morning and girls in the afternoon.

Visited the school and found everything quite satisfactory.  Registers checked and found correct.
                F Green

Mr A W E Flood (P T) absent attending the London Intermediate Art Exam.

Received notice from the L E A that Harry Allen has been recommended for a free place at the Northampton and County School and has accepted it.

Received notice of the results of the Annual School Exam 51.5%.

Received intimation that three more children have been selected to attend at the Intermediate School.

Visited by Mr F Corby, Chairman of the managers.

School closed all day for the annual Sunday School treat.

School closed for the midsummer vacation.

School re-opened after the midsummer holidays with a full staff.  41 children left school during the holidays, while 61 were admitted chiefly from the Infants Dept. and Alfred St Infants School.

Visited by Mr H R Sweeting H M I.

An address to the senior children on the League of Nations was given this afternoon by Mr T C Archer with the approval of the Local Education Committee..

Miss Lillian Irene Clipson commenced as pupil teacher.

Mr J W Reynolds absent for the day by permission of the managers, to attend a conference.

School closed for the usual Feast holiday.

Miss V A L Allen ceased duties here today as she is entering college.

Miss Phyllis M G Barker acting as supply teacher in the place of Miss Allen.

Nurse Wood carried out a routine inspection of most of the children’s heads, concluded on Oct 15^th.

Visited by Messrs Sugars and Freeman (local managers).

Visited by Messrs F Corby and C Claridge.

Taking advantage of an exhibition in the town showing the work of the League of Nations, small parties of about 20 children under the charge of a teacher were sent down to see the exhibits, as this subject forms part of the History scheme.

Visited School and found all in order, registers checked and all correct.
                                                                                                F Green

School closed for mid-term holiday.

Miss Grace Winter (certificated) commenced duty in the place of Miss Phyllis Barker who ceased duty on Oct 31^st.

Miss M Mitchell absent owing to personal illness.  Returned on Nov 18^th.

The two minutes silence duly observed.

In connection with the County Council’s intensive campaign on Cleanliness and Health, the observation lessons have been devoted throughout the week to the study of this subject.

Commenced the periodical tests.  This may cause some slight interference with the timetable in order to carry out the work.

Received today 38 new dual desks to supplement those already here, and to replace an number of old fashioned long desks.

Mr J Allen absent in the afternoon by permission of the L E A to attend a conference on the agreed Religious Instruction scheme.

One new blackboard ruled for graph work received today.

Miss L I Clipson (P T) absent today attending a prize giving at Wellingborough High School.

Received notice from the L E A that aconsiderable reduction has been made in the requisitions for this month, especially in needlework material, 9llbs of wool and 6 doz yds of various cloth.

School closed for the Christmas holidays after the afternoon session.

School re-opened with a good attendance of scholars.  Staff all present.

Poor attendance this afternoon owing to a matinee at the Palace.

No cookery class was held at the Higham Ferrers Centre owing to the illness of the teacher.

Nurse Wood commenced a routine inspection.

Visited by Mr H R Sweeting H M I.

Cookery classes recommenced at Higham Ferrers Centre.

Miss G A Skellham absent owing to personal illness.  Resumed Feb 3^rd.

Mr J W Reynolds absent in the morning (Personal illness).

Mr A W E Flood (P T) absent in the afternoon, attending at Kettering Grammar School for Speech Day.

Miss A Mantle (C) absent in the afternoon (personal illness).

Miss mantle resumed duty.

Registers checked and found them correct.
                                                      B Vorley

Annual Schools Exam took place this morning.  Mr W W Rail and Mr E T Hake acting as invigilators.  Mr S Sadler and Miss F E Osborne acted in the same capacity at Alfred St School.

The afternoon session commenced earlier in order that the children might have an opportunity of visiting a travelling menagerie.

Miss C M Watson absent until 3pm attending a meeting of the panel of examiners for the Annual School Exam.

Miss L I Clipson (P T) absent ill.

Mr Sydney G Spriggs of Kettering Grammar School commenced a probationary period (P T)

Visited by Mr Burns H M I with reference to Mr Spriggs.

School closed after the afternoon session for the Easter Holidays.

School re-opened after the Easter vacation with a fairly good attendance.  Staff all present.

Miss Ivy C Lawman of Wellingborough High School commenced a probationary period for pupil teachership.

Received notice for the L E A that the cookery classes are to be interchanged, Friday being given over to the Thursday class, and the Friday class attending at the Higham Ferrers Centre for Laundry.

Visited by Mr H R Sweeting H M I respecting the probationary trial of Miss Ivy C Lawman.

The School Dentist, Mr Godfrey, inspected 216 children during the day.

Mrs Boyd (Miss mantle) absent, personal illness.

No laundry lesson today at the Higham ferrers Centre.  Telegram received 9.35am.

Further routine inspection by the School Dentist.

Visited Newton Rd Mixed Dept.  Found everything quite satisfactory.  I also checked registers. E Freeman                                                                                                                              

Received notice that the children had been called up for the oral test in the A S E Exam.  One child, Doris Lilian Bayes does not wish to proceed further with the test.

Visited by Mr Corby, Chairman of the local managers.

Mr A W E Flood (P T) absent during the afternoon, attending the School Sports at Kettering.

Mr J W Reynolds absent, personal illness (all day).

No cookery class held today.

No Laundry class held today owing to the absence of the teacher.

Miss L I Clipson absent during the morning by permission of the managers.

No cookery class held this morning, teacher absent.

School closed at noon for the Whitsuntide holidays.

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide holidays with a very good attendance.

School closed for the Annual School Sports.

No cookery lesson today, teacher being absent.

A Scholarship has been awarded to Donald Perkins.

Miss G A Skellham absent in the afternoon, accompanying her sister to hodpital.

Received particulars of the children who had gained the promotion mark in the A S E Exam 63% were successful.

Mr W A E Flood (P T) absent, taking Intermediate Arts Exam in London.

The School Dentist completed the inspection of the children with one exception only.

School closed all day for the Annual Sunday School treat.

Mr J Allen absent through a chill.

Mr Allen returned to duty.

Miss L I Clipson (P T) absent in the afternoon, attending an interview with other managers.

No cookery lesson at the Higham ferrers today, the girls being sent back as the teacher was not in attendance.

Mrs Boyd (nee Mantle) and Miss M J Mitchell ceased duties.

School closed after the afternoon session for the midsummer vacation.

School re-opened after the midsummer holidays with a fairly good attendance.

Miss Doris R Drage (certificated) commenced duty here in the place of Mrs Boyd (nee Mantle) who resigned on July 31^st.

No teacher has yet been deputed to take the place of Miss Mitchell.

Miss C B Mitchell took up temporary duty here as uncertificated assistant.

Miss Ivy Lilian Lawman of Wellingborough High School commenced work as a pupil teacher but is attending the High School full time for the first year.

Mr Sydney Gordon Spriggs commenced as a pupil teacher attending two days per week.

School closed all day for the usual Feast holiday.

Medical inspection commenced this afternoon and is to be continued for the next four or five days.

A boy, Edward Hollis, was bitten by a stray dog this morning just previous to the school assembling (8.54am).

Medical inspection completed this afternoon.  Miss C B Mitchell ceased work here as supply teacher.

Miss Bertha Edith Gibbs commenced duty as uncertificated assistant in the place of Miss J M Mitchell who resigned on July 31^st.

Checked registers and found correct.
                                                F Green

The attendance is somewhat lower than usual this week, three cases of scarlet fever having been notified, and bad colds a rather prevalent.

Mr W G Dodge absent this morning having been requested to serve on the petty jury at the Assizes.

Miss C M Watson absent- personal illness (one day).

Miss C M Watson absent in the afternoon, attending a needlework exhibition in London.

Received notice from Mr Ferris that the L E A had signed agreement with The Rushden Sports Ltd for the use of the cricket field as a playing centre.

Visited by Mr A Allebone, one of the local managers.

Commenced the term tests this week, taking several per week in order to get the records complete before Xmas.

Attendance has not been so good lately, several cases of mumps and chicken pox having been reported.

Visited by Mr A Allebone, chairman of the Education Committee, and Messrs Allebone and Horrell with reference to the cleaning of the school.

Weather has been very unfavourable this week adversely affecting the attendance.

Learned for the first time that a scholar named Doreen Willis fell in the playground on Dec 9^th and broke a bone in the wrist. 8.45am.

School closed for the Christmas vacation.

School re-opened after the Christmas holidays.

Admitted sixteen children; sixteen children have left, 13 for work and 3 to attend Roman Catholic School at Wellingborough.

Attendance is not very good owing to the inclement weather.

Mr J W Reynolds absent; subpoenaed to appear at Bedford Assizes.

Nurse Wood attended for a routine inspection.

Miss G A Skellham absent in the afternoon (ill).

Miss Skellham returned to duty this morning.

Attendance continues very low owing to epidemic of influenza.

Annual Schools Exam took place today.  Mr W W Rial of Alfred St Council School, with two assistants acted as invigilators, while Mr S Saddler of this staff acted in the same capacity at Alfred St School, with Miss Osborne.

Seven children were absent from the exam owing to illness.

End of term tests commenced this week  and will be continued as opportunity offers.

The general intelligence tests in connection with the A S Exam were taken this afternoon in strict accordance with instructions.

Mr J W Reynolds absent.  Personal illness.

Visited school and checked registers.
                                                W E Capon

Mr Reynolds returned to school in the afternoon.

School closed after the afternoon session for the Easter holidays.

School re-opened after the Easter vacation with a complete staff.

Admitted 6 children from Alfred St Infants Dept. and two from Alfred St Mixed School.  Seventeen children left during the holidays, fifteen for work; and there are now 394 on roll.

Visited by Nurse Wood for several special inspections.

Miss C M Watson absent for the day, paying a visit to Cadbury’s Chocolate Works studying factory conditions.

Attendance very satisfactory this week.

Miss G A Skellham absent in the afternoon owing to a bilious attack.

Mr W G Dodge absent owing to personal illness.

Visited by MR H R Sweeting H M I with reference to the teaching of matters concerning the League of Nations.

A rather serious accident happened to the caretaker this morning, when he fell and tore his hand on the spikes of the railings.

Mr Dodge returned to duty this morning.

Mr J W Reynolds left school at 10.35am to attend a housing committee meeting.

Lessons suitable to Empire Day taken in the various classes.

School closed at noon for Whitsuntide.

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide holidays.

Received notice that four children, Kenneth Hellsdown, Rhoda King, Betty Nicholson and

Evelyn Witty had done sufficiently well in the A S Examination to be called up for the oral test.  K Hellsdown declined.

Mr S G Spriggs P T has fractured his wrist and though he is in attendance at school, his injury handicaps him in his work.

Received notice that ten children other than those notified on June 1^st have merited consideration for free places at secondary schools.  Three declined.

Visited by Miss Norman from the Education Offices with reference to Needlework Requisitions and the work being done.

Visited by Miss Thomas H M I who inspected the needlework throughout the school, and also the work of the senior girls.

Routine inspection by Nurse Wood continued on June 16^th.

Received notice that Rhoda King had been awarded an “A” Scholarship.

Seven children attended Wellingborough Grammar School for a oral examination and received their attendance mark.

School closed all day for the Annual School Sports.

Visited school, checked registers, all correct.
                                                           F Green

Miss C M Watson absent during the morning owing to personal illness.

Mr Archer of the League of Nations Council gave an address to the senior children on the work of the League.

Received notice from the County Authority that four children had been offered free places , Evelyn Whitby, Betty Nicholson, Stella Jones and Harry Maddams.

A child Doris Mabel Barsby ran a splinter in her finger the whole length of the nail while picking up books from a table and was sent to Dr Muriset’s surgery (8.55am).

Free place offered to Tho’s Leon’d Bailey.

School closed all day for the Annual Sunday School treats.

Mr J W Reynolds absent in the morning (personal illness).

Medical inspection commenced this morning and continued on July 22^nd.

Miss C M Watson absent in the afternoon by permission of the managers.

Free place at Wellingborough High School offered to Florence Eva Allen.

Free place at Wellingborough Grammar School offered to Donald King.

School closed after the afternoon session for the midsummer holidays.

Mr S G Spriggs (P T) ceased duties.

School re-opened after the midsummer vacation.  All staff present.  Attendance good.

At midsummer two children left to attend Wellingborough Grammar School, four to attend Wellingborough High School, twenty four to attend the Intermediate School, while ten left for work, and four left the district.

Admitted 70 new children as follows, 56 from the Infants dept., 7 from Alfred St Infants and 7 from various other schools.

School Medical Officer (Dr Newton) attended to test nine children.

A boy when leaving school at 4.30 fell on the steps and sustained a broken arm (Ronal Jack Myers).

Ivy Lilian Lawman commenced teaching as P T.

Visited by Messrs Freeman and Sugars, local managers.

School closed all day for the Annual Feast.

Visited School, checked registers, all correct.
                                                           F Green

Three more children have been requested to attend at the Intermediate School on Oct 5^th.

Visited school checked registers.
                                         W E Capon

Mid-term holiday.

Another boy transferred to the Intermediate School.

No Manual Instruction today, Instructor ill.

Mr J W Reynolds absent.  Personal illness.

Dr Newton, School Medical Officer, attended to examine a further batch of backward children.

Received a letter from the Education Office requesting a reduction in the Needlework Requisition.

Miss Ivy L Lawman absent for examination purposes, also Dec 4^th, 7^th, 8^th, 10^th and 11^th.

The rev S Travers S Stoney, Rector of Rushden attended to distribute the prizes in connection with the League of Nations lecture given in July last.

Mr J Allen absent in the afternoon, attending a conference at the Ministry of Health.

Mr J W Reynolds left at 10.40am for Housing Committee Meeting of the Beds Rural District Council, returning at 2.15pm.

Visited by Dr Newton for the examination of further backward children.

School closed at noon for the Christmas holidays.

School re-opened after the Christmas vacation.

Admitted 13 new children, while eight left during the holidays.

Mr J W Reynolds absent owing to personal illness.

Visited by Nurse Wood for a routine inspection which was completed on 22^nd.

Very poor attendance this week owing to an epidemic of influenza and colds.

Mr J W Reynolds returned to duty today.

Mr J Allen sent to take charge of the south End School as there was male teacher there.

Attendance still very poor, though slightly better than last week.

The President’s letter from the Board of Education read to the children.  Supplementary matter taken with the older scholars.

Attendance is steadily improving though still rather low (87.9%).

Owing to the illness of the Instructor no Manual Instruction was taken today.

For disciplinary purposes one girl, Joan Underwood, was kept from the cookery class.

Visited by Mr Corby, one of the local managers.

Miss F E Osborne absent owing to family bereavement.

Miss Osborne returned to duty.

Mr J W Reynolds absent owing to personal illness.

Mr Reynolds returned for the afternoon session.

General Intelligence Test for the Annual Schools Examination taken during the afternoon.

Visited School checked registers and found correct.
                                                                F Green.

Visited by Miss Norman re Needlework Reqyisitions.

Annual Schools Exam this morning.  Messrs Rial and Hake and Miss Groome from Alfred St acting as invigilators here, while Messrs Allen and Reynolds with Miss Watson of this school acted as invigilators at Alfred St School.

School closed for Easter after the afternoon session.

School re-opened after the Easter vacation with a good attendance.  All the staff present.

School Dentist attended and examined about 200 children.

A very good attendance this week, reaching 96%.

Miss D R Drage absent owing to death of her sister.

Reginald John Brown commenced a probationary period as P Teacher.

Visited by Mr H R Sweeting H M I in connection with the probationer Reg J Brown.

Miss Drage returned to duty this morning.

Miss F E Osborne absent owing to serious illness of her father.

The School Dentist attended and completed the inspection commenced on Apr 7^th (214 children).

Miss Osborne returned to duty this afternoon.

Miss Ivy L Lawman ceased duty as Pupil Teacher from this date.

Visited school and found everything quite satisfactory.
                                                                      E Freeman
                                                                      E A Sugars

Visited by Capt. Goddard H M I who saw several classes at physical exercises.

Visited by Mr H R Sweeting and Mr P Burns H M Inspectors.

Visited by Miss Heygate H M I for needlework.

Commenced the afternoon session earlier than usual to enable the children to visit a film on India which was being shown in the town.

Mr J W Reynolds absent.

Closed school at noon for Whitsuntide.

School re-opened after the Whitsuntide holidays.  Staff all present.

Received notice that three children, John Allen, Harold Edward Childs and Frank  Antony Robinson had all reached a sufficient standard in the A S Exam as to merit further consideration.

Empire Day celebrated as usual.

Routine inspection carried out today by the school nurse.

Received notice that eight children viz. Jean Ambridge, Jean Charles, Hazel Ixer, Robert Kilsby, Kathleen Letts, Dennis Nichols, Doreen Smith and Dorothy Spencer were to attend at Wellingborough Grammar School for an oral test in connection with the award of free places.

Visited by Mr W E Capon, chairman of the local managers.

Received notice that two children, John Colton and Harold E Childs had been awarded A scholarships.

School closed all day for the Annual School Sports.  Holland cup won for the third time.

Attendance has been very good during the past four weeks, average over 95%.

A free place at Wellingborough Grammar School has been offered to Frank Antony Robinson.

Five free places have been offered to children taking part in the recent A S Exam, to Dennis Nichols, Rob’t Kilsby, Jean Ambridge, Hazel Ixer and Dorothy Spencer.

Declined to accept free place.

Report by H R Sweeting H M I on the inspection on 9^th and 10^th May 1932.

Mixed Department

The congestion of the premises and the consequent handicap to the instruction continues; the hall and one classroom in the adjacent Infants department are still used regularly for teaching;  a zoning scheme for the whole of Rushden has lately been instituted, but already the managers have allowed some exceptions.

In September 1929 the “clear out” was arranged by the Local Education Authority; but since the beginning of the present school year this has partly broken down for there are 18 Juniors in the Senior classes, and the Senior children are not grouped by age so that a graded and progressive Senior course is impracticable.  The advantage to the children of the “clear out” are small in these circumstances.

Senior Classes

There are 124 children in 3 classrooms; the First Year class is mixed and contains 18 juniors; in the other two are (1) boys from 11-13 and (2) girls from 11 – 13.  In some cases children miss the First Year class altogether and spend all their senior life in one class.

The First year class is taught by an experienced trained certificated man; except for the singing, which is good, there is little that differs from the old Standard 6 instruction and the Seniors are not separated from the Juniors.  Far too much stress is laid on mechanical skill and accuracy in copying; and the future value of what is taught is not sufficiently considered.

The girls’ class is taught by an experienced certificated woman who spreads herself ungrudgingly and intelligently on the welfare of these girls; she has grasped the idea of Hadrow re-organisation and has so aroused the interest of her pupils in school work that even the weakest are becoming eager because they have occupations in which success is within their reach.  Compositions, Geography, Country Dancing, Physical Training and some plans for furnishing homes are done excellently.  The response these girls mad e to questions on a new idea showed their willingness to think and therefore that they are acquiring confidence in themselves.

The boys’ class is taught by the senior assistant, a certificated man, the Arithmetic and mathematics are good at the top, but the course is not graded by age so that some boys do not complete it; the written work in other subjects is apt to be largely descriptive or repeating facts, but is not entirely so.  Physical Training is very good and so is some of the Science.

Junior Classes

There are 289 children in 6 classes.  The work in the essential subjects is certainly successful, very tidy and well graded, though somewhat slow.  The age range of the classes has been reduced a good deal of late with good results.

Of the other subjects Needlework is begun very well in the two lowest classes, but less is done higher up and the purpose of beginning it at all seems to be lost; the Nature Study scheme could be made much more useful by revising parts of it so that the children had to observe and record for themselves instead of merely listening.

The Headmaster is a man of amazing industry, of sterling honesty and whole-hearted zeal for his school; he still does far too much of the routine work himself, by night as well as by day, and it is felt that he would secure much needed relief if he were to have the bulk of this work done by the assistant teachers.

                Signed                    W E Capon
                                                Chairman of the Managers

Report by Miss A N Heygate H M I after visit on 11^th may 1932

Needlework and Hygiene

The experienced senior Mistress is in charge of the Needlework, and there is evidence of painstaking effort on the part of all concerned.

It is felt that a present necessity is a modern, well balanced progressive scheme.  The hand sewing and machining are generally creditable, and useful work is being done including really practical mending in the senior group.  In the early stages care should be taken that the stitches taught are not only decorative but also educative, and that small articles are made which involve cutting out and construction.  Some of the fancy work in the middle school is bright, but over-elaborate and of little training value.  The senior girls gave some sensible answers to questions relating to their needlework and seemed really interested in the subject.

On the whole the work seen was clean and fresh.

A carefully thought out course of Hygiene, including Infant Care, is taken with the senior girls, and the subject is obviously handled with understanding.  It is however desirable that there should be an exchange of syllabuses between the teachers of Hygiene and domestic subjects.  As a rule the girls get a year in the Domestic Centre before they leave school, but there appears to be no sort of connection between the work done there and in the school.  Probably an occasional visit to the centre by the senior Mistress would prove beneficial.

                Signed                    W E Capon
                                                Chairman of the Managers
                                                July 6/32

No Manual Instruction this day owing to the illness of the Instructor.

At the swimming sports held jast night at the Rushden Public Baths a scholar, Edna Knight of this school, was successful in winning the race for the “Girl Championship”.

Miss G A Skellham (U) ceased duty here today.

School closed for the midsummer vacation.

Free place at the Northampton High School has been awarded to Jean G Charles.

School re-opened after the midsummer holidays.

Miss Frances Mary Baker, uncertificated teacher, is taking charge of the junior third class until a permanent teacher takes up duty.

Miss F E Osborne absent today owing to the death of her father.

57 new children were admitted this week, while 52 children left, the larger number going to the Intermediate or secondary schools.

Medical Inspection commenced today and was continued on Sept 23^rd, 29^th and 30^th and completed on Oct 3^rd.

School closed all day for the Annual Feast holiday.

Checked registers and found all correct.
                                                    F Green

Miss F M Baker ceased duty here.

Miss Mabel Constance Hall (U) commenced duty in the place of Miss G A Skellham who left at midsummer.

Owing to an Air Display by Sir Alan Cobham at Irchester Grange this afternoon, a very decreased attendance, especially of boys, is the result.

A somewhat better attendance this week, though there are several long-standing cases of prolonged illness.

School closed for the half-term holiday.

Mr J W Reynolds away from school from 10.40 to noon.

Several cases of scarlet fever have recently been reported.

Visited by the school nurse for routine inspection.  364 children seen.

Mr Archer of the league of Nations Council gave an address to the senior scholars on the work and aims of the League.

Miss C M Hall absent by permission of the managers, attending her grandmother’s funeral.

Visited school and checked registers.
                                                W E capon

Mr J W Reynolds absent in the afternoon, ill.

Mr Reynolds returned to duty this morning.

A boy, Charles Watts, climbing about on the beams in the playground shed, fell on the back of his head sustaining slight concussion.  This occurred during the lunch hour 1.20pm

No cookery lessons taken this week as the instructress is ill.  The girls had been registered as usual and sent to the centre but were sent back later in the morning.

School closed after the afternoon session for the usual Christmas vacation.