Embedded Files
Boys
Boys Department 1881-1885
Junior Boys 1885-1913
Senior Boys 1885-1913
Boys Department again from 1913
Bowesfield Lane Boys School opened in May 1881.
Bowesfield Junior Boys opened on the 2 November 1885 under the Headship of Mr Noble. Prior to this the boys had been working in the Boys Department along with Senior Boys.
On Monday January 6 1913 the Senior and Junior Boys became one department again.
Plans showing alterations to school buildings 1913.
Staff details from one of the log books.
MASTERS OF JUNIOR BOYS
1885 - S Noble
1894 - Samuel Robert Noble
1902 - Edward Robson Dowse
1910 - A Schofield
MASTERS OF SENIOR BOYS
1887 (poss. earlier) - 1914 - J Craddock Bage
BOYS MASTERS
1914 - 1924 Arthur Albert Stokoe
1925 - Alfred E Lax
Songs and Poetry
Boys School
Eight School Songs (1884)
The Ash Grove
Tara's? harp
Heart of Oak
The Winter King
Come let's make our voices ring/sing?
Who is a brave man
Oh thou art welcome
How happy and pleasant
Poetry for the Standards 1884 - 1885
I - Common Gift
II - The Spring Walk - T Miller?
III - The Battle of Blenheim - Southey
IV - The wreck of the Hesperus - Longfellow
IV-VII - The Deserted Village - Goldsmith
Singing by Note 1885
Division II
1 The Brooklet on the Plain
2 We Hail the Winter King
3 My Own Native Land
4 Snow Flakes
5 Come let's make our voices ring
Division III
1 Home is the Best
2 We Hail the Winter King
3 My Own Native Land
4 Star of Peace
5 The Brooklet on the Plain
Division IV
1 Now pray we for our country
2 My own native land
3 Star of Peace
4 Around the ?
5 The Bell doth Toll (Round)
Poetry for 1885 - 1886
Standard I II III "Gelert" - Spencer
IV V VI - Selection from Shakespeare's " Julius Caeser"
Poetry for Recitation (for July 1887)
Stand III - "The Inchcape? Rock"- Southey
Stand IV - Macauley's "Horatius"
Stand V - VII - " Merchant of Venice" Shakespeare
Songs in Divisions
Division III Stand III
1 The Coral ?
2 Farewell to Study
3 Goodnight to you all (round)
4 Weary Winds
5 Soft tender Words
Division III Stand IV
1 Wake, wake, wake
2 Song of the Bee
3 Good King Alfred
4 Farewell to Study
5 Good Night (round)
Division IV Stands I to VII
1 Before all ?
2 Soft tender words
3 Weary Winds
4 Men of Harlem
5 Star of the Midnight (round)
School Songs 1887 - 1888
Division 3
1 Soft music is stealing
2 Moonlight on the sea
3 The Indian Warrior's Grave
4 When twilight dies
5 Before all lands
Division 3 (2)
1 Who is a brave man?
2 The Indian Warrior's Grave
3 Whispers sweet in softest cadence
4 Before all lands
5 The silver lake
Division 4
1 Moonlight on the sea
2 Alls well
3 Green is the grave
4 Juanita
5 Soft music is stealing
Poetry for Recitation 1887 -1888
Stand III - "Barbara Fritchie"
Stand IV - " The Frost" and " The Wind in a Frolic"
Stand V - " Lord Ullin's? Daughter" and " The Loss of the Birkenhead"
Stands VI and VII - " Edinburgh after Flodden"
Poetry for Recitation for year ending June 1889
Stand III - "England's Oak"
Stand IV - " The Shipbuilders"
Stand V - " Curfew must not ring tonight"
Stands VI and VII - "The deserted village"
School Songs for Examination 1889
Stand V - VII
1 O thou art welcome
2 Be kind to the loved ones
3 Sleep oh sleep (Lullaby)
4 Softly the day
5 A Round (Sweet oh sweet)
Stand IV
1 Soft Tender Words
2 Star of the Midnight (Round)
3 Hail Britannia
4 Boating Song
5 Sweetly on the evening air
Stand III
1 One true heart
2 The fire brigade
3 The sleigh song
4 Hail Brittannia
5 Good night (round)
Poetry proposed for Recitation for 1889- 1890
Stand III " Ye Mariners of England" T Campbell and " The Father's Return" M Alexander
Stand IV "Life among the Mountains" Mary Howiss and "The Sea" Barry Cornwall
Stand V, VI + VII Selections from "The Battle of Flodden" Scott
Approved by H M Inspector
School Songs 1891
Stand III
1 Cheerfully the Sailor Sings
2 Music in the morning
3 The Harp that once
4 Star of Peace
5 My own Native Land
Stand IV
1 Oh the Sports of Childhood
2 Hark the Summons
3 The Mighty Horseman
4 Bay of Biscay
5 Cheerfully the Sailor Sings
Stands V - VII
1 Merry sings the Lark
2 Lightly tread
3 O, Who will .? the Downs
4 Poor little fisher boy
5 Softly the day declining
Poetry for Recitation (for July 1892)
Stand III "The Heritage"
Stand IV "An Order for a Picture"
Stands V-VII " The Lay of Horatius"
Poetry for Recitation
proposed for July 1894
Stand III (60)"Twilight Calm" (60) C G Rosetti
Stand IV (80) " A Years Windfall" (96) C G Rosetti
Stand V (100)" Excalibur" (123) Tennyson
Stand VI - VII (150) " The Tournament" (188) Tennyson
Inspectors Report 1882
Report of H M Inspector
Bowesfield Lane Boys School
This is the first inspection since the School has been opened and very credible results have on the whole been obtained in the Elementary work. The points that require attention are the Reading of the fourth Standard in which there was a good many weak cases; the spelling of the second and fourth standards, and the Arithmetic of the the third standard. The Grammar is rather below the average in the second, fourth, fifth and sixth standards, and I am unable to recommend a Grant for Geography in which the third standard did poorly and in which the answers in the upper Standards were of a meagre and inaccurate character.
L C Rudd has passed fairly but should attend to Euclid. ( Geometry)
A N A Shaw - Composition + Euclid?
A ?
Clerk to the Board
Grant ÂŁ179.11.3
Report of Inspector 1883
The school has improved and the boys have passed a good examination in Primary Subjects, and in Grammar and a very fair one in Geography but more attention should be paid to intelligence in the latter subject. Arithmetic is good.
Amount of Grant ÂŁ255.14.8
The average attendance in the Boys School must not again exceed the number for which the plans are approved viz. 258 ( Article 96a)
F C Rudd , Algebra + ?
A W A Shaw, Euclid, Algebra and ? He must improve greatly or will fail next year.
Staff
John C Bage - Master
Sam. R Noble - Assistant
Tho. Wilkinson -
Mark Hill - Assistant
Geo. M ? - Assistant
F C Rudd - P.T
A W A Shaw - P.T
R W Bainbridge P.T
Benj. Hodgins- Clerk to the School Board.
Inspectors Report 1884
Boys School
This school maintains its high character the general results of the examination being again very satisfactory. The boys of the upper Standards had fluently? and intelligently but there is room for improvement in both these particulars in the lower part of the school. Handwriting and Spelling are creditable and Composition has been well taught. The lines of poetry were rendered with success in all Standards except that the style of Recitation in the fifth and sixth was somewhat lame and monotonous. The boys passed well in Grammar but the answering of the lower standards was ? in some case by doubt and hesitation. Geography has been handled with care and intelligence throughout, the mapping however is only moderate and should improve. Mental Arithmetic seems to have been properly adhered? to and the Copy books were neatly written except in the second Standard where there were signs of carelessness and laxity of supervision. The Registration is trustworthy but for the future all corrections should be made by means of footnote. The discipline and general tone of the school are satisfactory and the lessons given in my presence were vigorous, carefully prepared and successful. a merit ? on the scale of Good is recommended.
R W Bainbridge has passed fairly
? Noble will shortly receive his Certificate
Gross Total of Grant ÂŁ267.1.4
Staff
John C Bage - Master
Saml. R Noble - Assistant
Thos. Wilkinson - Assistant
Wm. Richardson - Assistant
Robt. Milner- Assistant
R W Bainbridge - Pupil Teacher
Jas. Pitt - Probationer
J W Bickerdyke - Probationer
signed Benj. Hodgins, clerk to Sch Board
Gov. Report 1885
Boys School
The Boys have again passed on the whole a good examination. Arithmetic being about the best subject. There is a weakness in Spelling in the Third and Fourth Standards and in the Physical geography of the Fifth and Sixth Standards. Grammar is pretty good throughout. The Grant is recommended for Singing by Note but time exercises need attention.
R W Bainbridge passed fairly
T? Sudron passed as Probationer
Grant Claimable on - Average Attendance ÂŁ274.5.10
-Pupil Teacher 2.0.0
Total ÂŁ276.5.10
School Staff 1885 - 1886
J C Bage - Master
S R Noble - C Assistant
T Wilkinson - C Assistant
W Richardson - Ex P Teacher
R Milner - Ex P Teacher
Miss C Baxter - Ex P Teacher
R W Bainbridge - Pupil Teacher
T Sudron - Probationer
Annual Report 1886
This school has passed a satisfactory examination, the weakest points being the Spelling and Arithmetic of the Fourth Standard and the Composition of the Sixth. Geography and English have been well taught except that the Paper-Work of the Fourth Standard is unsatisfactory. The full Grant for Music is recommended with some hesitation.
Mr Wilkinson will soon receive his Certificate.
Average Attendance for year : 249 Total of Grant earned : ÂŁ231.7.3
School Staff for 1886 -1887
1 J Craddock Bage - Head Master
2 T Wilkinson - Cert. Assistant
3 R Milner - Assistant (Ex P.T)
4 W A Harnby - Assistant (Ex P.T)
5 A T Lord - Probationer
Signed James Tweedy
Clerk to the School Board
H M I's Report 1887
Boys School
Of the three Primary Subjects Arithmetic has been taught with the most success. Reading in the third and fourth Standards might improve but is good in the fifth, sixth and seventh Standards. English is Fair and Geography Good but map drawing might receive more attention. I thought the Boys unnecessarily noisy.
D M Robinson and J W Wilson passed as probationers (Art. 40)
A T Lord, candidate for P.T failed.
Average Attendance 228: Total Grant ÂŁ204.5.02
School Staff for 1887 - 1888
1 J Craddock Bage - Master
2 T Wilkinson - Cert. Asst.
3 R Milner - Asst. (Ex P.T)
4 A W Harnby - Asst. Ex P.T
5 A T Lord - Probationer
6 D M Robinson - Probationer
7 J? W Wilson - Probationer
Signed James Tweedy
Clerk to the School Bd.
H M Inspectors Report 1888
Boys School
A slightly higher percentage of passes has been obtained in the elementary subjects than was the case last year, and there is some improvement in the general quality of the work. The Handwriting, Spelling and arithmetic are uniformly satisfactory and the Reading is good in the two highest Standards but deficient in intelligence in the third in the third and fourth standards. Composition is not a strong point and an increase share of attention should be given to this important subject. The answering in Geography is full and accurate but the map drawing is only fair. Good results have been received in English except in the Fourth Standard where there is some faulty Parsing. Singing by Note has been well taught and the order has improved although the boys are still somewhat noisy in their movements. The Department agrees to the engagement of each of the following scholars as Candidates on Probation (Art.40) viz. Thomas Gamble and Frank R Lord.
T Gamble and F R Lord - Geography
Fixed Grant 4s 6d Merit Grant 2s Singing 1s, Percentage of Passes 7s 9d, English 2s, Geography 2s, Total - 19s3d per head.
Average Attendance - 250. Gross Total of Claim - ÂŁ240.12s.6d
School Staff for 1888 - 89
John C Bage - Master
Thos. Wilkinson - C Asst.
Robt. Milner - Asst.
Geo. W Miller - Asst.
Fred Warren - Asst.
Dav. M Robinson - P.T
Thos. Gamble - Probationer
Frank R Lord - Probationer
Signed James Tweedy
Clerk to the School Bd.
Government Report 1889
Senior Boys School
With the exception of a weakness in the fourth Standard the boys passed a very good examination indeed. I was particularly pleased with the answers in geography of some boys in the highest class.
Grant on Average 249 @19.1 = ÂŁ237.11.9
The department agrees to the engagement of each of the following scholars as a candidate on probation (art. 40)
H W Appleby and W H Smith and of F R Lord as a pupil teacher.
School Staff for 1889 - 1890
J C Bage - Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Asst.
R Milner - Ex P.T
G W Miller - Ex P.T
J T Grayson - Ex P.T
F R Lord - P.T (1st yr)
H W Appleby - Probationer
W H Smith - Probationer
Signed James Tweedy, Clerk to the Bd.
Annual Report 1890
Senior Boys School
This department has again passed a very good examination in the elementary subjects and in English. The Mapping is Satisfactory and results of an average character have been obtained in Geography. Mental Arithmetic however has not been taught as intelligently as I should have expected in a school of this class and the word-building exercises require attention. The Singing by Note is good and the discipline leaves little to be desired.
F R Lord has passed fairly but should attend to History.
Total of Grant = ÂŁ248.13.6
The department agrees to the engagement of W H Smith as a pupil-teacher.
School Staff for 1890-1891
J C Bage - Master
T Wilkinson - Assistant
J T Grayson - Assistant
R Davidson - Assistant
W S Prudhoe - Assistant
F R Lord - Pupil Teacher
W H Smith - Pupil Teacher
Signed James Tweedy, Clerk to School Bd.
Report of H M Inspectors 1891
The school is in good order and passed on the whole a good examination.
W H Smith has passed fairly
F R Lord - Euclid + Method
W J Bage is recognised under Act 33
Gov. Grant - Scholars 777.6 P.T 1.0
Total Grant ÂŁ223.6
Staff for 1891 - 1892
J C Bage - Master
T Wilkinson - Assistant
G Rees - Cert. Asst.
J B Walton - Assist.
F R Lord - 3rd yr P.T
W H Smith - 2nd yr P.T
W J Bage - probationer
Signed JamesTweedy, Clerk to School Bd.
Annual Report 1892
Senior Boys School
This school is gradually improving. The sixth and seventh Standards passed the best examination in the primary subjects but their Recitation is poor. Grammar and Geography barely earn the higher grade.
F R lord and W H Smith have passed fairly but Lord should attend to Algebra.
Annual Grant :- Principal 12/6, Discipline 1/6, Singing 1/-, English 2/-, Geography 2/-. Total 19/-. Amount : Scholars ÂŁ238.19 P.T's ÂŁ3. Gross Total ÂŁ241.19
Staff for 1892 -93
J C Bage - Head master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Asst.
S Williams - Cert. Asst.
O C Atkin - Cert. Asst.
F R Lord - 4th yr P.T
W H Smith - 3rd yr P.T
W J Bage - 1st yr P.T
Signed James Tweedy, Clerk to the School Bd.
Annual Report 1893
Senior Boys School
This school has decidedly improved and I recommend the higher Principal Grant. The Sixth and Seventh Standards have been very well taught.
W H Smith and W J Bage have passed fairly.
Grant earned:- Principal 14/-, Discipline 1/6, Singing 1/-, English 2/-, Geography 2/-. Total per head 20/6
Amount on Average (266):- ÂŁ272.13 P.T's ÂŁ3
Total ÂŁ275.13.0
Staff for 1893-1894
J C Bage - Hd. Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Assistant
O C Atkins - Cert. Asst.
W Allott - Cert.Asst.
F C Lord - 4th yr P.T
W H Smith - 4th yr P.T
W J Bage - 2nd yr P.T
Signed James Tweedy, Clerk to the School Board.
Annual Report (dated 12.9.94)
There is some weakness in the Arithmetic of the fifth, sixth and seventh Standards and the Recitation of the Sixth and Seventh should improve but making allowance for the special circumstances of the year I recommend the higher principal grant.
F R Lord obtained a second class in the Queen's Scholarship (1893). He should be informed that he is now qualified under Article 50 of the Code but not under Art. 52.
W J Bage has passed fairly but should attend to Reading and Music.
H L White is recognised under Art.33
Grant claimable -
On Average Attendance (263) 269.11.6
On Cert.102? 5.0.0
Total ÂŁ274.11.6
Staff for 1894-1895
J C Bage - Hd. Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Assistant
O C Atkin - Cert. Assistant
T H Rayner - Cert. Assistant
F R Lord - Ex P.T
W H Smith - 4th yr P.T
W J Bage - 3rd yr P.T
G F Husband - 1st yr P.T
H L White - Probationer
Signed James Tweedy, Clerk to the School Board
Annual Report 1896
Boys School
This school is on the whole well taught, but the boys' answers to questions are somewhat disappointing.
W J Bage has obtained a Second Class in the Queens Scholarship Examination.
G F Husband has passed fairly but should attend to Arithmetic.
G C Blench? is too young for admission as Pupil Teacher.
Charles Proud (2 years) and Francis Cross have passed their examination for engagement as Pupil Teachers ( from 1st July 1896).
Annual Inspection to be omitted in July 1897.
Amt. of Grant - on Average Attendance 249@ 20/6 = 255.4.6 - on P.T Exam. = 5ÂŁ. Total 260
Teaching Staff for year commencing 1st July 1896
1 J C Bage - Head Master
2 T Wilkinson - Cert. Asst.
3 A Roberts - Cert. Asst.
4 F R Lord - ex P.T
5 W J Bage - ex P.T
6 C proud - 3rd yr P.T
7 G F Husband - 2nd yr P.T
8 F Cross - 1st yr P.T
9 G H Bleach? - Monitor
Annual Report of H M Inspector 1897
Boys School. This department is in excellent order, but the quality of the teaching is in some respects disappointing. The principles of Arithmetic for example have scarcely received sufficient attention and the instruction given in Grammar to the third, fourth and fifth standards is wanting in thoroughness and intelligence.
G H Blench was not presented for examination.
Average attendance for year, 242. Grants on Aver. Attendance:-
Principal Grant 14/-, Discipline + Organisation 1/6, Singing from Note 1/-, English 2/-, Geography 2/- Total 20/6
Grant Claimable on Average Attendance 248.1.0
Under Article 102 (P.T's) 4.0.0
ÂŁ252.1.0
Teaching Staff for year commencing 1st July 1897
1 J C Bage, Head Master
2 Thos. Wilkinson, Cert. Assist.
3 Arth. Roberts, Cert. Assist.
4 F R Lord, Ex P.T
5 Jno. G Higgins, Ex P.T.
6 C Proud, 4th yr P.T
7 Geo. F Husband, 3rd yr P.T
8 F Cross, 2nd yr P.T
9 Geo. H Blench, Monitor
H M I's Report 1898
Boys School The tone and discipline of the Boy's School continue to be very satisfactory and there is a marked improvement in the general quality of the teaching both as regards thoroughness and intelligence. C Proud has obtained a Second Class in the Queen's Scholarship Examination. My Lords observe that F Cross has not been successfully vaccinated and they will expect to receive next year a Medical Certificate stating that this operation has been performed. The preliminary conditions annexed by the Code to the office of Pupil Teacher are fulfilled in the case of Geo. H Blench ( 3 years) and Arth. C Staples ( 2 years). The engagement is intended to commence from the First day of Jany. 1898.
Principle Grant 14/-, Discipline + Organisation 1/6, Drawing 1/9, Singing (by note) 1/-, English 2/-, Geography 2/-.
Grant on Total Average Attendance, 249 @ 22/8 = 277.0.3
Grant under Art. 105 5.0.0
Gross Total ÂŁ282.0.3
Staff for 1898-1899
J C Bage - Head Master
Thos. Wilkinson - Cert. Assistant
Arth. Roberts - Cert. Assistant
Frank R Lord - ex P.T
Wm. Jno. Bage - ex P.T.
Geo. F Husband - 4th yr P.T.
Francis Cross - 3rd yr P.T.
Arthur C Staples - 2nd yr P.T.
Geo. H Blench - 2nd yr P.T.
Annual Report dated 22nd Sep 1899
Boys School Much of the teaching is sound and intelligent in character and the discipline, tone and general management are satisfactory. Arithmetic is taught with care but the Reading is somewhat disappointing as regards expression and the Handwriting lacks uniformity.
Grant 245@ 22/3 = 272.11.3 P.T's Exam. 9.0.0= ÂŁ281.11.3
Staff for 1899 - 1900
J C Bage - Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Assist.
A Roberts - Cert. Assist.
F R Lord - Ex P.T
W J Bage - ex P.T.
G F Husband - ex P.T.
F Cross - P.T
G H Blench - P.T
L Bowen - P.T.
H J Pattison - candidate
Boys School 1900
The work in this dept. is on the whole of a satisfactory character, but the boys show few signs of an intelligent interest in their work and the discipline is capable of improvement.
F Cross has obtained a Second Class in the Queen's Scholarship Examination and should be informed that he is now qualified under Art. 50 and will be qualified under Art. 52 if he obtains a place in the First Class at the Queen's Scholarship Examination.
Actual Average Attendance = 231.9
Average Attendance for Grant = 202
Principal Grant 14.0 Singing (note) 1.0 Discipline + Organ. 1.6 Elem. Sci + Geog 2.0 Drawing 1.9 Geography 2.0
Grant on Total Aver. Atten. 22/3
Grant Claimable on Average Attendance 258.2.0
Grant under Art. 102 7.0.0
Gross Total 265.2.0
Teaching Staff 1900 - 1901
J C Bage - Head Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Assist.
A Todd - Cert. Assist.
Frank R Lord - Ex P.T. Art. 50
F Cross - Ex P.T Art. 50
Geo. Hy. Blench - 4th yr P.T.
L Bowen - 2nd yr P.T
H J Pattison - 1st yr P.T
C M Atkinson - Candidate
Annual Report (dated 30th August)
The Discipline has improved and the teaching is on the whole careful and systematic. The boys, however, are not sufficiently trained to apply their knowledge, and to think for and express themselves. The enunciation in Reading and Recitation also requires attention.
Grant on Average Attendance 228@ 21/- = 239.8.0
Article 102 (P.T's) 8.0.0
Gross Total ÂŁ247.8.0
G H Bench ÂŁ4 L Bowen ÂŁ2 H J Pattison ÂŁ2
Staff for 1901 - 1902
J C Bage - Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Assist.
A Todd - Cert. Assist.
F R Lord - Cert. 1st yr.
G H Blench - Ex P.T.
F J Sawdon - 3rd yr P.T.
H J Pattison - 2nd yr P.T
Annual Report of Inspectors (dated Sept 24 /02)
Boys School This school is carefully managed, the teaching is on the whole satisfactory and the discipline is good. The weak points noticed last year have been remedied to some extent, but the boys are not always capable of applying their knowledge and their enunciation is still somewhat defective.
Average Attendance :- 267 @ 22/- = 293.14.0
Art. 102 - P.T's = 3.0.0
Total = ÂŁ296.14.0
Staff for 1902-1903
J C Bage - Head Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Assist.
A Todd - Cert. Assist.
G F Husband - Cert. Assist.
M Gregory - Cert. Assist.
F J Sawdon - Ex P.T
Copy of Report of H.M Inspector for year ending 30th June 1903
Boys School - The school is judiciously and carefully managed; the teaching is earnest, conscientious and capable, and the order and discipline are good. A satisfactory attempt has been made to develop self-reliance and initiation on the part of the boys, and the attainments of the Scholars reach a creditable standard.
Grant - Boys 258 @22/- = 283.16.0
P.T's Grant = 2.0.0
Total = ÂŁ285.16
School Staff for 1903 - 1904
J C Bage - H Master
T Wilkinson - Cert. Asst.
A Todd - Cert. Asst.
O C Alkin - Cert. Asst.
M Gregory - Cert. Asst.
T R Moss - Ass. Art 50
W L Tolenie? - 2nd yr P.T
E Barker - 1st yr P.T.
Copy of Report of the Inspector for year ended 30th June 1904
This School is doing useful work. Handwriting is open to improvement. The desks used by the third standard are unsuitable, being twelve inches above the desk and five inches distant horizontally. More suitable ones should be provided.
Grant on Aver. Att. 223 @ 22/- = ÂŁ245.6.0
School Staff for year ending 30th June 1905
J C Bage - Master
A Todd - Cert. Asst.
W A Salmon - Cert. Asst.
T S Williams - Cert. Asst.
T R Moss - Uncert. Asst.
C Gill - Uncert. Asst.
W L Jolenie - 3rd yr P.T
E Barker - 2nd yr P.T
H M Inspector's Report after visit on 6th May 1909
The discipline is satisfactory and the boys in all classes display some alacrity and interest in their work. As there is a separate room available the non use of which leads to overcrowding in other parts of the school, the teaching of the two top classes in one room, though they have separate teachers and their combination for such lessons as Geography and History is difficult to understand. There should be no delay in bringing about a more satisfactory arrangement.
The oral teaching seems generally directed upon suitable lines but the teachers in some cases are too ready to assist the boys in overcoming difficulties: this appears to be the case e.g. in problems on ? in the course of Arithmetic lessons, while in the teaching of History there is some tendency to ? on the part of the teachers who are frequently content to put questions requiring only one or or two words in answer. The Composition which in the higher classes showed some nearness? of expression but little originality would probably be better if the boys were more regularly trained to express their own ideas orally in a narrative form. In Geography also the oral teaching in the higher classes is apt to demand more effort of memory from the boys rather than to train their reasoning faculties by assisting them to form conclusions for themselves.
The elder boys read well, and are trained in some degree to prepare for themselves the matter of their reading in History and Geography, their attention being, however, in the former subject drawn rather to the brief summaries at the end of their books than to the substance of the chapters and paragraphs. In some of the classes the Reading is too hurried and this leads to careless errors and does not lend to an intelligent grasp of the matter.
Spelling is not very good, in the lower classes especially, and the Composition of Standard IV is too "scrappy" in character. There is unfortunately no school library, a serious deficiency in a school for Senior Boys.
In Arithmetic a somewhat higher standard of work should be aimed at; at present the scheme, except in Standard IV, goes very little beyond the ordinary scheme B. In oral answering the boys show a fair amount of intelligence and this side of the work is progressing satisfactorily. It ought to be possible to obtain better results in the written work of Standard VI and VII; the tests usually given probably need to be more searching and less ? in character. Simple equations and symbolic expression should be introduced much sooner in the Algebra and less time given to the four elementary rules. Geometry is taught on sensible lines.
The Syllabus of Elementary Science etc. is well planned and the work is satisfactory. The teacher of Standards VI and VII spends considerable trouble in obtaining material for Nature Study lessons and photographs of birds, eggs, nests etc "in situ". His efforts meet with a ready response on the part of the boys who are very much interested and show more than the average town boy's knowledge of the habitat of birds, shapes of nests, eggs, etc. and of points that make for adoption to environment in these and similar cases. Standard V is also well taught in the Elementary Science Lessons.
The singing gives evidence of careful and capable teaching; the boys in the upper classes sing exceptionally well.
The Drawing reaches only a fair level; there is a great want of freedom in the use of the pencil, mechanical measurement is permitted and the eye-training is consequently not so effective as it should be; the points discussed with regard to the teaching of this subject should receive due attention.
In the Physical Exercises the boys showed on the whole fair smartness and steadiness; but the details of the various exercises require attention in order that their full value may be secured.
The Offices were very mal-odorous and the seats in some cases too dirty for the boys to use.
H M Inspector's Report ( 1912)
Boys;- The teachers work very conscientiously and earnestly but their methods and in some cases their schemes of work require to be remodelled. Too many of the lessons resemble lectures to which the boys have only to listen; in the upper class especially the boys should be trained to do far more individual work and reasoning. In Arithmetic they work with very fair accuracy but the teachers should take every care to make this subject as practical as possible and to avoid merely mechanical ? and methods. Every boy should be provided with a separate Arithmetic exercise-book. The syllabus for English should be carefully revised, ? of Grammar omitted and more scope given both by oral composition and by suitable written exercises for the boys powers of self expression. Suggestions for the more useful correction of Composition were discussed with the Head Teacher.
In Geography intelligent map reading, map making and reasoning from broad Geographical principles should receive much more attention.
The Head Teacher's method of teaching Hand-writing should be revised; and in the Physical Exercises more careful use should be made of the tables in the Board's syllabus.
Copy of Report by H M I Mr J J Steele 1921
Bowesfield Lane Boy's School. No. 3. E.A. 786/21. Inspected on the 17th + 18th January 1921.
1 - While many praiseworthy features a re quite evident in this department, it is equally evident that with a little more directing care some of the main educational defects would speedily disappear. These points of supervision were carefully + fully discussed with the Head Teacher. In view of the fact that this is his first Command, it will be well to place on record for his guidance the urgent necessity of (!) an improved classification (2) a scheme of instruction ensuring more continuity of treatment (3) greater attention to English, especially written expression and (4) a fuller use of the special abilities of his teaching staff.
2 - Energy + kindliness mark the dealing of the Staff with the boys, especially in classes 2,3 + 5, the children repaying this with a cheerful co-operation in the work. Lessons as a rule are well prepared and the last term reports by the Head Teacher were critical, full and useful. Attainments in Arithmetic and Reading are satisfactory in all groups. Drawing in the first and third classes is well done and Singing is especially commendable in quality of tone. Composition however is not well treated in the earlier stages, and is nowhere Good. There are not sufficient opportunities for the study of Poetry + Literature in the highest classes, and progress is hindered in the two lowest classes by grouping them together for History, Geography, Recitation etc.
3 - The efforts of the teacher of the highest class to interest the children out of school, and the general teaching ability of the teachers of Classes 2 +3 deserve recognition.
J S Purdey, Dir. + Secy.
Copy of H M I's Report
Inspection on 19th Oct + 1st Nov 1922
The teaching of 80 boys in Stds. V + VI is said to be shared by the H.M + a fully qualified asst. Judging by the records it is evident that the asst. does more than his fair share of work. The H.M. appears to be responsible for the teaching of Mathematics to Std V + to help with the singing of the combined classes. For other subjects the classes are grouped under the Asst. Teacher + it is not surprising to find that, however cheerfully he may face his difficult task, the boys do not receive the attention they obviously need.
Classification has improved, + schemes of instructions have been revised + are now generally satisfactory.
The H.M. writes detailed reports on the results of his term examinations + claims that he keeps in touch with the work of each class by means of the weekly records; but investigation of the reports + records clearly showed his supervision has not been really effective, that in some cases it was superficial + that in the early part of the year there was undesirable + unnecessary grouping of the two divisions of Std. I.
The Asst. Teachers work hard + in the intermediate classes obtain creditable results. Elsewhere the attainments in Reading, Arithmetic, Recitation + Singing may be considered passably satisfactory.
Some promising drawing was found here + there + some well prepared oral lessons were heard.
Except in Std IV where it deserves praise + in Std III the teachers of Composition appears to be quite ineffective. The composition written at the inspection by the boys of Stds. V + VI were lacking in fluency + contained an unusual number of errors of all kinds.
At the close of the inspection, the whole position was reviewed + discussed with the H.M. and attention particularly called to the need of (a) more effective supervision + a larger share in the teaching by him + (b) special efforts to improve the composition.
J S Purdey, Dir. + Secy.
Copy of Report
Board of Education
17th Oct 1924
Stockton on Tees L.E.A.
Bowesfield Lane Boys Sch. No.3 Regd. No. 13 242/3/4
Inspected on 29th + 30th Sept. 1924
Report by HMI Mr J J Steele.
The Head-master appointed in July 1924 has fully realised the nature of the task. Discipline - in its wider sense - has received attention and already there is a change for the better in such matters as regularity and punctuality of attendance; in the attitude of the boys towards their teachers and lessons, and in their personal appearance.
It is too early to look for any marked improvement either in classification or attainments, but the Head- master knows the main defects in each, and has taken some steps to eradicate them.
A revised time-table has been drawn up; considerable care and thought has been given to the preparation of a new scheme of instruction, which he will be able to put into full operation when the foundation of the 3 r's have been strengthened; the equipment has been improved, although additional reading books are needed in certain classes; lessons preparation and the proper posting of records are supervised in a sensible way.
These steps with the support of the staff, justify the expectation of increased efficiency by the time of the next inspection.
Board of Education
Whitehall S. W. 1
Stockton on Tees Local Education Authority
Bowesfield Lane Ch. Sch. No. 3 Regd. No. E 242/3/9
Inspected on 16th + 17th October 1929.
Report by H M I Mr J Strachan
Boys
This is a school of 245 boys from Standard II upwards. The Head Master was appointed two years ago and has maintained it in the improved condition in which apparently he took it over. The relations between pupils and teachers are excellent. Natural discipline prevails and the general atmosphere is that of a happy family.
Good progress is made in English Composition throughout the school. Arithmetic reaches a good level in Standard IV, and thereafter progress is made in other branches of Mathematics. Some experimental Science is carried on under difficulties: in the circumstances it would be better to defer this work to the three top classes, and concentrate on Nature Study lower down. The Geography scheme is working out well, the teacher in the top class in particular has a gift for interesting boys in the world around them. The History teaching is not so successful, too much time being spent on the Middle Ages.
The Handwork done in school is sound as far as it goes though it bears little relation to the woodwork course taken at the Centre by boys over 12. Drawing is practiced quite separately. Something might be done to combine the Drawing and Handwork into a single craft.
Reading books have been carefully chosen with a view to education in taste. The school library of juvenile literature is thoroughly well used. The introduction of the pupils to whole books by the best English authors, the hardest task that confronts the teacher of older children, has yet to be taken in hand.
Board of Education
London S W 1
Stockton on Tees Local Education Authority
Bowesfield Lane Council School No 3 Reg. No. E 242/3/13
Inspected on 28th and 30th November 1933.
Report by H M I Mr J Strachan
Boys
The school is organised in six classes and caters for boys from 8 to 14 years of age. Three classes contain senior boys and three juniors, a fairly sharp division taking place at 11 years of age.
Lately - owing to the development of a housing estate in the district - there have been a large number of "chance" admissions. In each of two classes there are more than 50 pupils on the roll. One of these is a senior class.
The new Head Master exercises a quiet but quite effective influence and he is supported by a hard working team of class teachers. Much attention is given to such things as Swimming, Football, Cricket and Home Reading and the highly beneficial effect upon tone and discipline is noticeable. The boys are friendly, communicative and visibly interested in their school work. The fact that they intend staging entertainment for the unemployed is some indication that the pupils are developing a sense of social responsibility.
In English and Arithmetic the attainments of the pupils reach a satisfactory level. The standard of Drawing has improved. The improvement is most noticeable in the colour work of the senior classes and in the life and vigour of the imaginative drawings of the youngest boys.
In the Time-Table an unnecessary amount of time is given to Arithmetic while the allowance for Physical Training is inadequate. In the senior classes too the formal work in Arithmetic could be reduced in favour of some other form of Mathematics.
The course in Handwork might be considerably widened. Not only is a better range of materials needed but the types of work done should belong to acknowledged Crafts.
More place should be given to the formal side of Speech training. In most classes definite "speech-drill" lessons are necessary.
The boys in the lowest class should be allowed to write in unjoined skeleton script and they should continue the practice until they are ready to enter the next class.
Board of Education
Local Education Authority - Stockton on Tees
School: Stockton on Tees, Bowesfield Lane Council
No. 3 Regd. No. E 242/3/18
Inspected on 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th June 1938
Report by H M I Miss F N? Tann
Boys Department
The premises are not modern and are without a hall + special accommodation for teaching Science or Craftwork to the senior pupils. However, the premises are exceptionally clean and the caretaker deserves a word of praise for the thorough way in which he carries out his duties.
The department is unreorganised and contains three senior and three junior classes. In each of the classes the internal organisation allows for the sectional treatment of certain subjects, e.g Reading, Composition and Arithmetic.
The school has made a distinct advance under the present Head master who was appointed three years ago. The forward movement is marked by the improved tone of the boys and by the higher standard attained in certain subjects. It is abundantly clear that the Head Master has acted wisely in arranging the teaching duties of his assistants so that they can, as individuals, teach more than one group of pupils a subject, or subjects, for which they have a special bent. The soundness of this arrangement is particularly seen in the progress made in Speech Training, Music, Technical Drawing and Art.
The English, Reading, Recitation and Oral Composition are commendable features; but the free exercises in composition written by certain sections of the boys indicate that the slower pupils need to concentrate on the spelling of common words and on the simple usages of punctuation. A good deal of suitable reading material has been introduced into the school in recent years. This is well used; it is patent that the boys enjoy free reading lessons and the reading of books which are set for directed study.
Another improvement is seen in the keenness + responsiveness of the boys in the History, Geography, Science and Nature Study lessons. In Science, in the senior division, topics dealing with the things with which the boys are familiar have been introduced into the course. For the junior classes a course of Nature Study is provided. A remarkable fact brought out during the talk on this subject is that although the boys live in a poor district of the Borough many of them get well out into the country in their leisure hours and take a vivid interest in the things they see on these expeditions. In the lowest class an aquarium gives the pupils the opportunity to watch and care for living things. Boys from the other classes visit the aquarium.
A course of simple Bookcraft is provided for the senior classes and the finished work of the boys reaches a creditable standard. In the junior division the handwork course should be revised with the idea of offering the pupils more freedom for creative work.
It is good to find that an appreciable amount of outdoor work is associated with Mathematics and Drawing and that the Ropner Park is regularly used for games.
The majority of the boys can be offered a two year course at the Regent Street Handicraft Centre. Close contact between the school and the centre exists: working drawing for the Handicraft lessons are made in the school and the Head Master pays regular visits to the centre. The finished exercises in Woodwork are of good average standard.
L.E.A. Durham County
Stockton on Tees No 3.
School Stockton-on-Tees Bowesfield Lane Council School
Regd. n. P 11(1)/3/23
Inspected on 20th, 26th, 27th November and 2nd Dec 1946
Report by H M Inspector ( Mr D H Lawton)
Boys Department
This department is housed in old an depressing premises. Apart from a small room used by the Head Master there is no provision of amenities fort he staff, which is a mixed one. There are no hall, no practical rooms and no science laboratory. The site is small and affords little opportunity for Physical Training which is carried out under difficulties.
It will be realised that many activities desirable in such a school are lacking. Woodwork is taken at a centre, and games carried out on a field some distance from the school. Heroic attempts are made to encourage Drama and Music, but the lack of a hall is a severe handicap.
The department contains four Junior and three Senior classes. During the war the regular premises were taken over as an A.R.P. Centre and the school was conducted in three separate buildings. All things considered, the top classes have suffered less than might have been expected.
Within the limits imposed by the premises, the school is doing useful work. There is a good spirit among the boys, who are friendly, and co-operate readily in oral work. They are given a sound grounding in the fundamental subjects by a staff who are conscientious and hard working. Speech is not always good, but the boys use their brains and can apply the knowledge they possess. Some of the work in History and Geography was particularly encouraging. More attention should be paid to methodical statement in setting out arithmetic and to tidiness of note books.
The Head Master, who does a good deal of teaching himself, allows his staff plenty of latitude in drawing up and carrying out schemes of work.
Report By H M Inspectors on Bowesfield Lane County Primary School, Stockton on Tees, Durham County - P 411/2654/37
Inspected on 23rd and 24th June 1954.
The school is still working in the late 19th Century building, commented upon unfavourably in the 1938 report. Additional accommodation is provided in a H.O.R.S.A. hut and in the canteen; the latter is inconvenient in that the necessary preparations for the midday meal cause disruptions of the normal timetable. Some improvements have been carried out in the main building: these include accommodation for the Head Master and staff, the remodelling of the offices, and the provision of hot water to all the wash basins. The building is dirty and dingy and it is hoped that redecoration will take place soon, and that early attention will be given to minor repairs reported some time ago by the Head Master. The standard of caretaking is unsatisfactory: in particular, the urinals need disinfecting more regularly.
There are 188 boys between 7 and 15 in attendance. They are organised in 4 junior and 4 senior classes. In the senior half of the school there is specialisation in a number of subjects. Woodwork is provided at a Handicraft centre some distance from the school. The Head Master took up this, his first headship, in January 1953 after considerable and responsible service in a selective secondary school in the Borough. He is a sound teacher with an enthusiastic desire to play a full part in the classroom. This has enabled him to get to know his boys and their problems. He now has a clear idea of the schools strengths and weaknesses and is giving a quietly effective lead to his staff. Already he is putting into use his own schemes of work, and in a number of subjects more enterprising methods of teaching can be seen. Already, too, there is evidence that standards of work are rising. This is no mean achievement in eighteen months. He is assited by a staff of 4 men and 4 women, one of whom is temporary. In general, they are hardworking and have proved themselves ready to accept and act upon advice. There is every hope that with the Head Master's guidance, they will be a more than useful team.
The school is situated in one of the poorest parts of the town and a number of boys are coming from homes in which books will be almost unknown. In all classes there are retarded boys who are receiving special and effective attention. It is in the three youngest classes, however, that that the schools greatest weakness is to be found. There the methods in use pay little attention to the junior child's curiosity and liveliness : in short, the boys are not given enough to do. Some progress is made and there have been attempts to widen the scope of written English during the last few months. It is hoped that the teachers will feel able to experiment in other directions as well. In J4, the master concerned has made substantial changes in his approach to his boys during recent months. In a number of subjects they are being allowed to draw and write extensively and with obvious interest. Already their work is improving.
English in the senior classes shows some worth-while developments both in the wider reading which is being encouraged and guided, and in the opportunities given for written work of varied types. a number of boys are able to write clearly and fluently: there is still much to do to bring about accuracy in construction, spelling and punctuation. The changes to be expected in the junior classes should help these problems in the future. In Mathematics, algebra and geometry are introduced at the senior stage. It is clear that for some boys they are a burden, and it is suggested that groups of boys should be given this training, while the rest should concentrate upon arithmetic. a fair standard of calculation is reached by S4.
The teaching of Geography in S1 and S 3, and of History in all the senior classes is undertaken by a Mistress who joined the staff last October. She is most enterprising in her methods and has interested the boys in both subjects. She makes good use of illustrative material including the film strip. The boys are required to find out a good deal for themselves and in addition to their individual note books, they produce a number of class and group books on a variety of topics. S4 Geography is taught by the Form Master. The boys study a farm, which they visit regularly. Some useful work is being done but it should prove possible to do something else in Geography simultaneously with the farm study.
The S 4 master is responsible for the teaching of Science. Although some attempt has been made to give reasonable facilities for teaching, the room is badly planned and is lamentably lacking in appropriate storage space. Nevertheless the boys do a considerable amount of experimental work and write up their own notes. They have a good knowledge and understanding of the work they have done.
All the senior Art and Craft teaching takes place in one room and a good supply of materials has been accumulated. A varied training is given and the work is full of promise. Physical Education for all classes is taken under most difficult circumstances. There is no hall and the playground is small, yet some creditable vaulting and agility was seen. The Master responsible for this also takes the senior Music. He is trying to give a varied course in this and a few boys are learning to play recorders.
Two points are of general significance. Handwriting and the presentation of work are poor. The Head Master is aware of this and is making changes in the teaching of the youngest boys. The second he probably cannot solve alone. There is a serious lack of books of all kinds and especially of simple reference material which can be used by the boys themselves. Until something is done about this, the Head Master's attempts to liven the teaching and raise the standards of work will be hampered.
The School's corporate life, as expressed particularly at Assembly and at the midday meal, is well conducted. as they progress through the School, the boys become better groomed and are obviously developing some sense of responsibility. They talk easily to visitors and are very ready to respond to lively teaching.
The new spirit, which is obvious in a number of aspects of the School's work, should encourage the Head Master. Moreover, he is to be congratulated upon what he has achieved in so short a time.
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