School log books were introduced in late 1862. The code of 1862 stated that the entries were to be made in a "stoutly bound" book containing at least 500 pages. Daily entries were required until 1871 when it was amended to weekly ones although some head teachers continued with daily entries. C A = Certificated Assistant PT = Pupil Teacher J4 = indicates Junior 4 class S4 = Senior 4 class etc. Some entries were very basic, with very little information other than the number of pupils in attendance or the local weather whilst others gave more detail - giving a better picture of life at that time.
Examples of entries from Girls School Log Books:
Tuesday 29th April 1910 Have to report closing school at a quarter to twelve + opening for afternoon session at 1p.m. This is with the sanction of our Chairman to enable those chrn. who wish to go to the special matinee at Bostock + Wombwells Menagerie. Such a visit is of educational value, as the children have the opportunity of seeing, alive, many animals known only to them through the medium of pictures.
Friday 2nd December 1910 Miss Garbutt has been absent all week - by leave - attending the Certificate Examination. Free breakfasts were commenced on Monday, my room being used for the children from all departments in the block. Mr Bage comes every morning to take a general oversight, and one teacher in addition comes from each of the five departments in turn to assist. Each school is responsible for the additional teacher for one week, in rotation. This method (Mr Bage's) answers very well.
Friday 17th Jany. 1913 This has been an upsetting week. 180 chrn. have left to go to the New Schools (altogether) and 8 others have left for other reasons. 5 have been admitted. Miss Bowen + Miss Newton ( who though appointed to the Richard Hind Schools for the 6th inst. stayed last week at their own classes here) were, of course, minus on Monday. Miss Garbutt remains at Mill Lane till 1st Feby. and Miss Harper went into our Boys School on Tuesday afternoon for a few days to assist Jno. Bage, as Miss Blackwood has broken her wrist. Miss Borrows has Miss Harpers with hers at present. The class Miss Newton taught (St. VII) went bodily (with 1 exception) to the R.H. School. Miss Bowens class has joined Miss Sharp's, making 1 division only of St.IV this week.
Friday 23 Oct.1914 We have this week sent our second lot of comforts for our country's defenders. Some of the articles have gone for use in the Army Hospitals, others have gone direct to Lady Londonderry for the "Faithful Durhams". We have had a nice letter from Wynyard to thank the school for the brave efforts made in response to the national appeal. 112 handkerchiefs 26 scarves 7 prs socks 10 towels 3 dusters 1 white counterpane
Junior Girls School
TEACHERS ON STAFF ON 1st APRIL 1904
(First day of New Education Authorities)
Some entries added at a later date.
E A WHEATLEY - Head Mistress - appointed 2.9.1895
S J DAVIES - Assistant mistress - appointed 9.11.1885 (23.4.1883 in seniors first)
A E BOROWS - Assistant Mistress - appointed 9.11.1885 (Ex P T 1890)
E M MOLE - Assistant Mistress - appointed 30.9.1895 - certificate from 1.8.1903 - left 9.6.1906
E AKERS - Assistant Mistress - appointed 23.8.1897 - certificate from 1.8.1905 - left (for Sunderland) 28.2.1906
S E HARDING - Assistant Mistress - appointed 1.10.1900 - left this school 22.9.1905 (transf to Snr Boys)
E GOODALL - P T appointed 22.9.1902 - Temp Ex P T 5.1.1906 - K.S result 29.5.1906 left for coll. 11.9.1906
M HARPER - P T - appointed 24.8.1903 (P T 1.8.1904 (2 yrs) Ex P T London Matric 1.8.1906 - certificate 1.4.1909
F TYSON - P T appointed 1.8.1904 - left at end of apprenticeship
C GOODALL - P T born 5.7.1888 - appointed 1.8.1905 - left for coll. 10.9.1907
E FERGUSON - Assistant Mistress appointed 12.6.1906 (Trans. from Senr. Girls) certificate 1.8.1906 (Senr. Girls again 18.3.1907)
L A SMITH - P T appointed 7.1.1907 (P T 1.8.1906 2 yrs) left 5 Nov 1908
M J C INGRAM - Assistant Mistress appointed 12.3.1907 (from Tilery Girls) (28.11.1885) certificate counts from 1.1.1908
E HEWITSON - P T appointed 26.8.1907 (P T 1.8.1907) left 31.7.1909
F GARBUTT - Assistant Mistress appointed 1.11.1908 (from Senr. Girls) (27.8.1889)
Object Lessons 1904 - 05
Standard 1 Division 3
1 Spoons
2 A Kettle
3 Mariners Compass
4 A Public Park
5 The Rabbit
6 The Swan
7 The Apple Tree
8 A Mouse
9 A Bird
10 A Robin
11 Spring Flowers
12 The Squirrel
13 The Duck
14 A Pillar Box
15 Windows
16 The Cocoa-nut Palm
17 The Cat
18 Fowls
19 A Clock
20 Salt
21 A Train
22 Four Seasons
23 Truthfulness + Honesty
24 Tidiness, Cleanliness + Politeness
Standard 1 Divisions I + II
1 The Fox
2 The Spider
3 The Herring
4 The Squirrel
5 The Monkey
6 The Goat
7 The Eagle
8 A penny + common coins
9 Coffee
10 Slate
11 An Apple
12 An Orange
13 Bread
14 A Sponge
15 A Ship
16 Water
17 Leather
18 India Rubber
19 Kindness to animals, to old people + to children
20 Honesty + Truthfulness
Standard II
1 The Sheep
2 The Hen
3 The Reindeer
4 The Ostrich
5 The Bee
6 The Duck
7 The Owl
8 Green Peas
9 Wheat
10 Sugar + The Sugar Cane
11 The Strawberry
12 The Oak Tree
13 Iron
14 Paper
15 Candles
16 Hair + Fur
17 The Potato
18 Rice
19 Manners + Morals
20 Manners + Morals
Monday 11 Jany. 1904
School re-opened after Christmas Vacation with 186 children present.
Friday 15th Jany.
Miss S E Harding commenced working on Monday 11th inst, as Temp Ex P.T. pending Scholarship result.
Friday 22nd Jany.
We have started to work according to Mr Jarman's recommendation this week - fresh record books etc.
Friday 4th March
Re "quarterly exam" I find work progressing very fairly in "A" Division, reading being the worst subject. In the other half, I find reading and arithmetic still weak. I intend examining St. O again next week as I only took the "three R's" last month.
Friday 11th March
Miss Harding got word (last week) that she had passed in the First Class, Div. 4 at the K.S. Exam last Decr.
Thursday 31st March
We have again, like last month, had a note of congratulations from the Board on an excellent percentage of attendance. Miss Harding got word this morning of her definite appointment as Ex. P.T. (1st Div. K.S.) from 1st March.
Monday 11th April 1904
A girl - Amy John - has been readm. today. She is constitutionally delicate and has been absent from school since last September.
Friday 22nd April
This week I readmitted Nellie Banks, a girls who was in our Std. I + very backward, chiefly owing to a nervous impediment. She went to Hull last 5th November + has not been to school a single half day while there. She is worse than ever + has had to go into Std. O.
Friday 17th June 1904
Readm. Alice Lackenby who has been absent since last November when she was very badly burnt about the face and neck.
Friday 24th June
Children have been finishing off garments etc. ready for sale next week. They have also had extra time for play.
July 8th
First week in new school year. 185 on books. 58 transferred to Senior Girls school, 37 received from Infants Department. Am trying to do without a Std. O. Have arranged classes as follows: - Standard II one large class, Standard I two divisions equal, and Stand. I one division, low. St. II have commenced a new History Reader (the Complete) and higher St. I a new Literary Reader ( the Alexandra). Dismissed school about 3.30p.m. on Thursday afternoon as Buffalo Bills Show was in the neighbourhood and our own attendance was somewhat affected.
Friday July 15th
Mr Sudron called this afternoon + checked registers. He recommended during the hot weather that the chrn. should go home a little earlier, say 11.45 a.m + 3.45 p.m. Am allowing rather longer play-hours this exceptional weather.
22nd August
Muriel Harper has signed her indentures and counts as 2nd year P.T. from 1st Jany. 1904.
Friday 9th September
We have begun to let all chrn. making every attendance at first marking ( in red, at 9 a.m and 1.30p.m respectively) go home a little earlier on Friday afternoons to see if it will improve the general attendance, and especially that of Friday afternoons - we also use an "Attendance Banner".
Monday 12th September 1904
Have this morning readmitted Gladys Cashmore, who left here 23rd October 1903 to go to Scotland. She has been in an out of the district and has not been at school since leaving here.
Friday 14th October
Our attendance is gradually going down chiefly owing to Measles, which disease is very prevalent at present. Miss Florence Tyson commenced work here on Monday morning as 1st year P.T. She will help Miss Mole + Miss Muriel Harper will go from Miss Mole to Miss Akers. All P.T.'s started a fresh "Centre" Time Table on Monday, so that now the two second years are out 5 times a week together, and the opposite 5 times the new first year is out.
Friday 4th November
Absent myself all week owing "acute articular rheumatism". School closed on Tuesday 1 Nov for Polling purposes.
Monday 28th November
I am still absent through illness. Miss Davies is taking active charge.
1904 Report for Year Ending 30th June 1904
"The children are well behaved and the teaching is careful."
Grant, on average of 182 at 22/- per head = ÂŁ200-4-0
Wed. Jan 18th 1905
I went home on the afternoon suffering from a chill which I got on Monday 16th inst. Since then I have been absent as I developed first pleurisy + afterwards bronchial pneumonia. Miss Davies has taken active charge.
Tuesday 21st February
I am making entries for past month today 21st Feby. Miss Goodall was absent ( with sore throat) Wednesday 1st Feby: Miss Borrows has been at home (influenza) since last Thursday, 16.2.05 and Miss Harding since same date as they have Measles in the house. As I am also still on the sick list, this has made the work in school very hard for all three P.T's are out together on Wednesday + Thursday afternoons, which only leaves three assistants in school on those two half days - Miss Davies with a class of 70 in St II - Miss Mole, who has to group two divisions of St I - upwards of 70 - on both afternoons + Miss Akers who takes her on class - Low St I. But I must say these three willingly do their best under the circumstances, which are certainly difficult.
28th March 1905
Recommenced duties at school yesterday afternoon - Monday 27th inst -. Miss Harper returned to school last Monday, 20th inst. Miss Borrows is still absent - her mother has been dangerously ill. Miss Harding got back to school Monday March 6th.
Friday 31st March
I wish to record here my gratitude to the teachers. all the staff, during my long illness, have worked faithfully + loyally done their best under often trying circumstances, under Miss Davies supervision.
Monday 10th April
Sudden notice came this after. that the schools were to be closed ( by order of the Sanitary Authorities) till Monday 24th April and also a further week for Eastertide.
Monday 5th June
Got official notice from Education Office today that the school year is extended from 30th June to 31st July. Miss Akers went out of school about 11 a.m to go to St Thomas' Girls School to read and recite to Mr Ensor for Certificate Examination 1905.
Report - July 1905
The teaching in this school is intelligent and the results are, on the whole, satisfactory. The classification should be strictly according to the attainments of the scholars. Clearness + audibility of speech should be insisted upon, and all forms of irregular and simultaneous answering should be suppressed. At present the playground is used at the same time by the Girls school and the Infants and Junior Girls Department. It is, of course, greatly overcrowded, and the question of the office accommodation be taken into account, the practice seems to be objectionable. Some better arrangements should be made with reference to the playground.
Friday September 1st
School reopened on Monday a.m 28th Aug with 169 chrn. present. Miss Olive Goodall commenced duties as Pupil Teacher the same morning (appointed from 1.8.05). 58 girls were transferred to Senior Dept. and 56 chrn. have come from Infts. Dept. to us. 4 others were admitted and 4 others marked left, which leaves 183 on registers. Have made an "A" Division + a "B" Division of Std. I as suggested by HMI instead of 2 even classes of mixed attainments. This makes the room in which we have Div. A rather inconveniently full, and Div. B room to seem rather empty but further classification will probably be necessary before long, which will possibly help to put the numbers more on an equal footing.
Friday 22nd September
Miss Akers has obtained a third class in the last certificate examination dating from 1.8.05. Miss Harding leaves here today to go into the Senior Boys School on Monday next.
Friday 13th October
Tuesday morning, from some reason or other, we were smoked out by the stoves in all the rooms. Chrn. had to be taken into playground and kept there singing, playing and marching till after recreation. This interfered with the routine of work, but was quite unavoidable.
Friday 8th December
Miss E Goodall absent all week from school but attending Centre Class instead, in preparation for K.S Exam next week. Her sister, Miss O Goodall, has been in school all the week, not at centre.
23 Feby. 1906
Quarterly Exam in St. I and St II in reading, writing and arithmetic.
Friday 2nd March
Miss Akers left Wednesday, 28th Feby., to go to a post in Sunderland. Miss O Goodall will take her class, St. O, on the four half days that she is in school.
Friday 25th May
Half holiday on Thursday aftn. - Empire Day. Deviated from time-table on Thursday morning 11 - 12. Chrn. were talked to about patriotism etc + sang suitable songs, finishing with the National Anthem before grace + dismissal.
Friday 1st June
Miss E Goodall got word 29.5.06 that she had obtained a second class K.S. She was absent Wed. p.m. to go to Durham.
Friday 15th June
Miss H E Ferguson was transferred from Senr. Girls Dept. into here Tuesday p.m. 12th June.
Friday 22nd June 1906
Admitted Eliz. Bailey this week. She is 10 years old + can do next to nothing being exceedingly short sighted and deaf.
Friday 31st August
School re-opened on Monday with 166 present. All staff here, including Pupil Teachers, who have two more weeks holiday from C.C. Miss Harper commenced work as Ex P.T (London Matric.) this week. Miss E Goodall has also passed Matric. Exam. this year. Have admitted 67 children, including 60 from Infs. Dept. 62 children have left including 57 transferred to St. II in Senior Girls School. 184 on books.
Friday 7th September
Miss H E Ferguson received word that she had passed the Certif. Exam. 1906.
Friday 14th September
Miss E Goodall left for Durham College on Tuesday 11th inst.
Friday Jany. 10th 1908
Prizes for year ending July 1907 were distributed this morning by Mr Johnson, our Chairman. 81 chrn. obtained prizes.
31st January 1908
Re-admitted Cissie Jarrett who is 11½ and has been in Scotland since September 1906, St. I only.
6th March
Much sickness and many chrn. without boots - a result of the depression in trade.
Friday 13th March
Councillor John Batty very kindly provided 8 pairs of boots for our worst cases, so that they have been able to come to school regularly.
Friday 10th April
Laura Smith absent all week at Prel. Certif. Exam.
STAFF FROM 1st JULY 1908
E A WHEATLEY - Head Mistress
S J DAVIES - Assistant Mistress
A E BORROWS - Assistant Mistress
M HARPER - Assistant Mistress
M INGRAM - Assistant Mistress
L SMITH - Pupil Teacher
E HEWITSON - Pupil Teacher
Friday 24th July
Laura Smith, who completed her apprenticeship 31.7.08 is kept on same terms till 30.9.08
Monday 24th Aug
Laura Smith working as Temp. Asst. from 1.8.08 to 30.9.08 at old salary. School reopened after summer holidays. 188 chrn present. During the holidays the school has been thoroughly cleaned + distempered or painted throughout which is a great improvement. All staff present. Emily Hewitson P.T will not be doing duty in school till Easter according to new arrangements. Admitted 64 from Infs. Dept. and 6 from other sources = 70. 80 to remove from registers i.e. 76 for Sen. Girls and 4 who have removed from district. There are still several chrn. to come up from Infts. Dept.
Friday 28th August
197 chrn. on books at end of first week. Have classified chrn. as far as possible till end of first qtr. No changes in reading books or curriculum. Begin working by new timetables next week but there will only be slight alteration. Classes are as follows:
IIa Miss Davies
IIb Miss Harper
Ia Miss Borrows
Ib Miss Ingram
Friday 6th November
Miss L Smith left this school on Thursday 5th Nov and Miss F Garbutt commenced work same day (being transferred from Senr. Girls School) as Ex. P.T.
STAFF ON 1st JULY 1909
E A WHEATLEY - Head Mistress
S J DAVIES - Assistant Mistress
A E BORROWS - Assistant Mistress
M HARPER - Assistant Mistress (c)
M INGRAM - Assistant Mistress (c)
F GARBUTT - Assistant Mistress
E HEWITSON - Pupil Teacher
Friday 15th Jany. 1909
Attendance prizes for year ending July 1908 were distributed on Thursday by Mrs R F Brittain. 69 chrn. had earned prizes and 7 bronze medals in addition.
Friday 19th Feby.1909
Readm. Janet Deakin who has been off since 7th Oct last - can simply do nothing now. She was a very dull child before and as her eyes have been affected she has not been able to keep up at all. Adm. Alice Lloyd from M'Bro. Knows scarcely anything at all.
Friday 19th March
Have applied for leave to refuse admission to St. I as we have 121 in the two divisions already.
Friday 2nd April 1909
Violet Robinson, belonging to St. IIa, has been ordered absence from school by Dr Gilmore-Cox for a month, to be examined again (lungs chiefly) before coming back. Have marked her left temporarily.
Friday 23 April
E Hewitson, P.T. returned to school again (from C.C) to put in her practical work for this year, up to 31st July 1909.
Friday 30th April
Miss Harper counts as C.A from 1.4.09.
Friday 2nd July
Emily Hewitson has passed the Preliminary Certif. Exam.
Friday 30th July
Emily Hewitson completes her apprenticeship tomorrow - 31st July.
Friday 17th September
Miss Garbutt has leave of absence Thursday + Friday, 16th + 17th inst. for Jewish New Year etc.
Friday 8th October
Have arranged that Miss Harper takes all Object Drawing, by means of an exchange of classes at drawing times.
Monday 18th October 1909
Two of our little scholars - Olga Knight + Sarah Brooks ( both in Ia) have lost their mothers most suddenly within this week. neither of the children is at school at present in consequence.
20th Oct
Olga Knight has gone to Huddersfield to live.
Friday 17th December
Have removed St. Ia into my room + Miss Borrows + I will teach half the class each. The class is still grouped for oral lessons e.g recitation, geog., history etc.
Junior Girls School 1910-1913
STAFF 1910 -1912
E A WHEATLEY - Head Mistress
S J DAVIES - Assistant Mistress
A E BORROWS - Assistant Mistress
M HARPER - Assistant Mistress (c)
M INGRAM - Assistant Mistress (c)
F GARBUTT - Assistant Mistress
Friday 25th Feby. 1910
Annie Taylor returned to school this week having been absent the whole of this scholarship year, excepting the first two weeks after Midsummer, with a diseased bone in the knee.
Friday 11th March 1910
Change of Classes.
I have arranged for taking class 2 (low St. II) myself for rest of school year, as I find the elementary work very backward. Miss Harper I have transferred to Class 3 to join Miss Borrows. Miss Harper, however, still takes the drawing in Classes 1,2 + 3 + gives one Geog. lesson + one Observ. of Nature lesson in Class 2 each week. I shall give more time to the elem. subjects in Class 2 than has been the case earlier in the year.
Tuesday 5.4.10
Re-adm. Nellie Baker, who has been absent from school, owing to severe burns, since 22nd October last.
Friday 8.4.10
Class 3 (St. Ia) now are regularly using their new Reader - Doors of Gold. A small continuous reader on moral teaching has been introduced into Classes 1,2 + 3 this year.
Tuesday 29th April
Have to report closing school at a quarter to twelve + opening for afternoon session at 1p.m. This is with the sanction of our Chairman to enable those chrn. who wish to go to the special matinee at Bostock + Wombwells Menagerie. Such a visit is of educational value, as the children have the opportunity of seeing, alive, many animals known only to them through the medium of pictures.
Friday 24th June
I regret to record that Miss Davies' mother died on Wednesday 22nd inst. so that Miss Davies is of course absent till after the funeral etc.
Thursday 31st June
Miss Davies returned to school on Tuesday.
Friday 15th July
Dr Gilmore-Cox is examining our girls this week. Two girls, Mary Brown and Edith Magson, ordered not to attend school, by Dr Cox.
Friday 22nd July
Another girl, Edith Evelyn Ellis, excluded by Dr Cox for her eyes.
Friday 2nd September
82 girls were transferred to the Senior Girls Dept. on Monday morng. and 72 Infants came up to me. In addition I have adm. 7 others from other sources. We have now 175 on the roll.
Thursday 6th Oct.
Miss Garbutt had two days leave of absence for the Jewish New Year, which requires strict religious observance according to Mosaic Law. She is back at her duties this morning.
Songs for 1911
Class 1 (IIa)
1 Come let us dance a polka.
2 Rising of the Lark
3 Hurrah for England
4 Early one morning
5 The Cuckoo
6 Daisy Nurses
Class 3 + 1a
1 Concert in the wood
2 The Robin
3 Come! Come! Come!
4 Some Folks
5 Hurrah for England!
6 In a cottage by the hill
Friday 14th October 1910
Miss Garbutt had leave yesterday, it being the Jewish Black Fast.
One little girl, Elsie Sparke, was only here on Monday, her father dying on Monday night from the effects of a terrible accident at his work.
Friday 2nd December
Miss Garbutt has been absent all week - by leave - attending the Certificate Examination. Free breakfasts were commenced on Monday, my room being used for the children from all departments in the block. Mr Bage comes every morning to take a general oversight, and one teacher in addition comes from each of the five departments in turn to assist. Each school is responsible for the additional teacher for one week, in rotation. This method (Mr Bage's) answers very well.
Friday 27th January 1911
Miss Harper was absent on Tuesday morning. A brother is seriously ill and I have given her leave to take a little extra time under the circumstances as her own record of attendance is of the best.
Friday 3 Feby.
Miss Harper was absent on Monday morning as her brother had a bad heart attack. I am afraid he is not going to recover.
Monday 12th June
The children received their Coronation Medals on Monday afternoon from the hands of the Mayor ( M Robinson Esq.)
Coronation Holiday 16th June to 26th June.
Friday 7th July
Miss Harper has been absent this week due to the death of her brother.
Friday 1st December 1911
A little girl named Nora Heavisides (St. Ib) slipped on the slag bricks in the playground last Friday afternoon. She complained of her foot and Miss Garbutt took her home. Next day her mother took her to the hospital and the surgeon found ( by means of the x-rays) that she had broken the shin bone. She is in the Hospital. I went across to see her yesterday afternoon and I am glad to say she is progressing favourably. Miss Borrows, Miss Garbutt and myself will occasionally visit her whilst she is detained in hospital.
Friday 8th December
I went to the hospital again to see Nora Heavisides on Wednesday aftn. I found her progressing very well. Her mother called this aftn. to tell me Nora had been sent home as her bed was needed. Her leg is in plaster of Paris + she will probably be laid up for some time yet.
Friday 2nd Feby. 1912
We have another scholar in IIb absent with diphtheria now and Agnes Fasey, who only came back after a quarantine on 23 Jany.is excluded again from 31st Jany. for another fortnight as another case of fever has occurred in the house.
This term we have taken the following new books into use:-
Class 4 " Up to London to see the King" + " Royal Treasury Infant Reader".
Class 3 "Swiss Family Robinson (easy)
Class 1 Story of Durham and Northumberland (occasionally).
Friday 16th Feby.
Nora Heavisides, who broke her shin in the playground in November, came back to school on Monday.
Friday 1st March
Mr Johnson, Manager, called on Wednesday to ask if Miss Garbutt could be "lent" to Miss Hart in the Infants School for a time, as one of Miss Hart's teachers is ill + may be absent for some space of time.
Friday 8th March
I greatly regret to record the death of a little scholar - Marjorie Owen. She was at school as usual on Monday, was very badly burnt very early on Tuesday morning + died the same night from shock to the system. She was a particularly loving and obedient little soul, and teachers + scholars alike feel her loss deeply. She was only 8 years old. I miss her especially, as she was in my class.
Monday 11th March
Miss Garbutt resumed her work here this morning. Promoted two girls - Ada Hardman and Katherine Sachs - from Class 3 to Class I.
Tuesday 12.3.12
Readm. Alice Jackson, who has been absent from school since 1.11.10, owing to eczema on scalp. She has been in the country part of the time but has not attended school at all as hers was a very bad case.
Friday 26th April 1912
Adm. Florence Instone, who is 9 years old + knows nothing. She seems to have moved from one place to another, and not to have attended school anywhere long enough to learn anything.
Friday 10th May
Two of our chrn. - Lena Nevison and Lillie Fitzjohn - leave this afternoon. They are going to Canada next week.
Friday 2nd Aug.1912
Changed classes on Monday morning 29th July. 75 girls went up to the Senr. Girls and one ( Maggie Lyall) left for Hull. 75 chrn. came up from Infts. and 2 were admitted from outside schools. One girl, Alice Maud Dennison, is 8½ and has never been to school before, having had eczema for years. She is clear of it now. She does not know a single word of reading nor can she write a word. Another girl, Sarah Smith, ought to have come up from the Infts. last August, but has been excluded for a year owing to an infectious complaint. She is declared clear now. She knows nothing.
Friday 6th Sept1912 Report of HMI
The children are orderly and have made fair progress, but they should be trained to rely more on their own efforts. An attempt should be made to strengthen the subjects pointed out as weak + the B.B. should be utilised more freely for example + elucidation. The H.T's reports upon the work should be more critical + suggestive. Notes of lessons might also be improved by giving less attention to matter + more to aim + method. Requirements of Art: 19 of the Code must be strictly observed in the future.
Friday 13th September
Have made alterations in the classes. Miss Davies has now Class I (IIa) by herself. Miss Harper + Miss Garbutt have Class II (IIb) which consists (mostly) of backward chrn. who need much individual help and attention. Miss Harper also undertakes most of the drawing + modelling in 3 classes and part of the singing.
Monday 18th Nov
Miss Garbutt has been transferred (temporarily) to Mill Lane Girls owing to absence through sickness of Miss Woodhouse.
Friday 17th Jany. 1913
This has been an upsetting week. 180 chrn. have left to go to the New Schools (altogether) and 8 others have left for other reasons. 5 have been admitted. Miss Bowen + Miss Newton ( who though appointed to the Richard Hind Schools for the 6th inst. stayed last week at their own classes here) were, of course, minus on Monday. Miss Garbutt remains at Mill Lane till 1st Feby. and Miss Harper went into our Boys School on Tuesday afternoon for a few days to assist Jno. Bage, as Miss Blackwood has broken her wrist. Miss Borrows has Miss Harpers with hers at present. The class Miss Newton taught (St. VII) went bodily (with 1 exception) to the R.H. School. Miss Bowens class has joined Miss Sharp's, making 1 division only of St.IV this week.
Thursday 13th Feby.
Miss Garbutt is now in Bowesfield Infants School till 1st march. Miss Harper still in Boys Dept.
Feb 17th
Miss Harper returned to her work here today.
Friday 28th Feby.
Mr Johnson came again Thursday morning to obtain help for Mill Lane Girls School. Miss Harper has gone there temporarily. Miss Garbutt went to Tilery Road Girls School 3rd March.
Monday 31.3.13
Miss Harper has returned from Mill Lane Girls School.Commenced using the McDougalls Systematic Arith. and English Bks. in Sts. 3,4,5 + 6, so that all the school now uses a uniform set of each.
Friday 2nd May
Attendance very poor this week, owing greatly to the epidemic of Spring Cleaning.
Friday 9th May
The bigger girls continue to attend the Swimming Baths in fair numbers. I have arranged that both Miss Wallace (St VI) and Miss Ferguson (St V) go with the girls, so as to ensure their safety.
Friday 20th June
Admitted Eliza Whiting who will be 13 in November and has never been to school before.
END OF LOG BOOK ENTRIES.
CONTINUED IN NEXT LOG BOOK
Girls School
Bowesfield Lane Girls School (no.3)
Commenced from 1st July 1913
Accom. for Girls Sch. - after completion of alteration (Sept. 1914) - approx. 301.
Big Room (6) = 60 accom.
Rooms 1,2 +3 = 49 each
Rooms 4 + 5 = 47 each
(these numbers are all approximate)
High Street: Length 740 yds Width 187 ft to 74 ft.
Tuesday 1st July 1913
Re-admitted Florence Instone, aged 10½ who has been excluded by S.M.O since 25th July 1912. She had only been at school about three months altogether before that. I have had to place her in the Prep. Class until she learns to read. Am continuing the practice of allowing the class obtaining the highest % ( of those present for the week) to leave one afternoon, early.
Teaching Staff 1st July 1913
Wheatley E.A - Head Mistress
Borrows A.E - Assistant Mistress
Davies S.J - Assistant Mistress
Ferguson H.E - Assistant Mistress
Harrison A.A- Assistant Mistress
Harper M - Assistant Mistress
Ingram M- Assistant Mistress
Sharp E - Assistant Mistress
Wallace E -Assistant Mistress
Waters M.C - Assistant Mistress
Friday 25th July
Two children have contacted Scarlet Fever - Bessie Sidaway and Doris Patterson. I hope it won't spread.
Tuesday 29th July
School closed for the Midsummer this aftrn. so that furniture etc. might be moved and arranged pending alterations. We have given up four rooms for the boys. All of the things out of these rooms have been to transfer. We are now working in five rooms as follows (commencing at front door)-
Room I - 5th Class -(Misses Davies + Waters)
Room II - 6th Class - ( Misses Borrows + Ingram)
Room III - 1st Class - ( Miss Wallace)
Room IV - 4th Class - (Misses Harrison + Harper)
Room V* - 2nd Class - (Miss Ferguson) 3rd Class - (Miss Sharp)
* which counts as two rooms.
We are, of course, very much crowded but quite ready to make the best of everything.
Friday 5th September
Cutting out of new garments has gone on a pace, so that a good start may be made next week.
Friday 10th October
I find the cloak-room accommodation very inadequate, only one porch (the old Junior) having to serve for all the school. We must just make the best of it. Wet days are the worst as there are coats etc. galore.
Week ending Wednesday 24th Decr.
We held a very enjoyable concert on Tues. p.m. each class contributing to the programme. The chrn. were assembled in the large room and all passed off well. Miss Davies ( who leaves us next Spring) distributed the prizes, after saying a few words to the chrn.
Monday 12th Jany. 1914
One of my little pupils - Eliza Squires - died last week from complications following fever. She was a dear child + will be much missed. Another little girl - Edith Anderson, suffers from abscesses very badly. She has walked on crutches for a long while + is now so very ill that she can't get to school again.
Friday 20th Feby.
Cookery classes commenced working - First Year Course. They go a.m and p.m alternately.
Friday 27th Feby.
Forgot to notify week ending 6th Feby. that I had marked left - Doreen Wain. The poor child has a displaced heart and is forbidden to attend school.
Friday 27th March
Another of our little girls died this week - Doreen Wain. She had a displaced heart, and was extremely frail, so had not been in attendance this year. On breaking-up day she made an ideal " Boy Blue" in Nursery Rhyme. She was a lovely child of feature and in colouring with a sweet disposition. She never gave anyone a minutes trouble but always had a smile on her bonny face. We shall miss her very much in school.
Friday 1st May 1914
Class 4 devided from time-table in afternoon to hold a May-day celebration - " The Coronation of the May Queen", to which I was graciously invited. The little ceremony took place in the playground after play, in the afternoon session. The other children stood round as audience and all enjoyed the entertainment which consisted of dialogue, songs and dances.
Friday 8th May
Miss Harper went to Mill Lane Boys (on loan) Tuesday aftrn.
Thursday 14th May
School is closed tomorrow for removal of furniture etc. into Infs. Dept. (temporarily). The staff will be here in the morning to make final arrangements as regards desks etc. so that a good start may be made on Monday.
Friday 15th May
The teachers and myself came this morning to arrange things as well as possible. There are only 5 classrooms in this Infts. Dept. + we have 6 classes. I have therefore to use the marching corridor as a classroom, and have decided to put Class 6 (St I) the largest class into it for the present, until we see how it ensues. There is much noise from the rebuilding operations etc. but we have become more or less accustomed and inured to the unusual conditions by now + endeavour to make the very best of things as they are looking ahead to the time when all will be shipshape and up-to-date.
Monday 18th May
Commenced working in new building (Infts Dept). We have settled down very well.
Miss Harper is still at Mill Lane Boys and Miss Waters was sent (on loan) temporarily to Newtown Girls this morning.
We are working by a provisional timetable until we are in our own proper domain. The lower Div. of Class 6 often have lessons in the playground, using forms to sit upon. This relieves the tensions of two classes or divisions working in one room. For the same reason, I have given to Miss Borrows (who teaches the preparatory) permission to use her discretion as to the lessons she takes at different times, so that this particular class may benefit as much as possible, although not perhaps working just by the timetable. The accom. of this school is 215. We have 280 on the books today, so that some inconvenience is unavoidable.
Monday 25th May
Miss Davies left yesterday after over 30 years unbroken + faithful service in the school. The chrn. were assembled in the hall to bid her goodbye. Mr Johnson, our Chairman, was present, also Mr Bage + Mr Noble who was the first Master of Bowesfield Junr. Boys. Chrn., Staff + friends presented Miss Davies with a very nice pendant + chain.
Miss Borrows and I have been out of school some time this morning, as we went to the station to see the last of Miss Davies, who was travelling to Wales to be married.
Friday 26th June
One girl excluded owing to Diphtheria in the house. A few chrn. seem to be troubled with inflamed eyes just now. We have to watch very carefully, as any affections of eyes + throat is so very contagious.
Miss E Ferguson had leave for Friday to set her sister, Mrs Briscoe, to Liverpool, enroute for Canada.
Staff on 1st July 1914
Wheatley E.A - C.A Head Teacher
Harrison A.A - Cert. Asst. Teacher
Wallace E - " " "
Ferguson H E - " " "
Sharp E - " " "
Ingram M - " " "
Harper M - " " "
Borrows A. E - Uncert. Asst. Teacher
Waters M C - " " "
Friday 24th July 1914
Miss Waters absent all the week attending Senior Cambridge Exam.
Friday 4th September
School reassembled on Monday 31st Aug. We entered into occupation of our `new' Girls Dept. + found everything much improved. began working with new classes. The new Std. I came up from the Infts. Sch (59 this week).
Wed 9th Sept
Miss Waters left yesterday ( 8th Sept) in readiness for College on 18th inst. We shall miss her cheery personality. Our girls are working, on needlework afternoons, + under their teachers guidance, at Red Cross articles - handkerchiefs, scarves, pillowcases etc.
Friday 16th Oct
I had to report an accident today. A Std,. IV girl, Florrie Gutteridge, fell in the playground + fractured her wrist.
Tuesday 20th Oct.
Miss Harper was unable to ? to school on Monday aftn. + was absent, until Wednesday morning. owing to a bad throat which she was afraid might be infectious. Miss Borrows too has swollen glands but is able to manage. Miss Ingram is off colour - a bit inclined for gastric catarrh, from which she sometimes suffers - but is keeping going until Friday, when we get a weeks recess.
Friday 23 Oct.
We have this week sent our second lot of comforts for our country's defenders. Some of the articles have gone for use in the Army Hospitals, others have gone direct to Lady Londonderry for the "Faithful Durhams". We have had a nice letter from Wynyard to thank the school for the brave efforts made in response to the national appeal.
112 handkerchiefs
26 scarves
7 prs socks
10 towels
3 dusters
1 white counterpane
Gladys Elstob, our Head Girl, left today. She is going into an office on Monday. We shall all miss her. She has one of the finest characters + her whole school life is a record of hard work, punctuality and good conduct.
Friday 4.12.14
We have begged boots + clothes frequently for the poorer chrn. but there are always one or two who are very badly shod ( not always from the poorest homes) + when the weather is bad this means staying at home.
Friday 11th Dec
I forgot to record that about a month ago a parcel of tobacco, pipes, cigars + cigarettes was sent to Miss Spence, Hartburn, for the D.L.I. by Standard V girls who had interested their fathers + brothers at home in the matter. The teachers, too, joined in the parcel, which was a very substantial one.
Standard V girls have today sent in another parcel (per ? Stephenson, Mayoress) containing vaseline, soap and throat pastilles - the latter kindly contributed by Mr Tingle, Chemist. A few girls in Std. VIa have also made about ÂŁ5-10-6 for the Belgian Relief Fund, by means of a Bazaar, and another little clique, in the same class, is preparing for one in January next.
Again our girls have sent some comforts to the soldiers. Stds. IV + VI made up some splendid parcels of tobacco, cigars, cigarettes + chocolate. From the school as a whole we are sending 33 ? pillows for Hospital use, in addition to 5 soft white shirts (not new but nicely repaired) for convalescent use.
Friday 15th January 1915
Aver. Att. 278.8
19 absent all week:-
10 excluded - 7 being infectious
4 - no boots
2 - away from home
3- from other causes
29th Jany.
I should like to record here, after six months work in our `new' building, how very pleased and grateful I feel towards my teachers for the way they have worked for the good of the school + of their respective classes. Atmosphere + tone make work pleasanter + where all service is rendered willingly + happily, the wheels of routine turn smoothly + without friction.
Monday 1st Feby.
Miss Borrows has gone into the Boys School for a few days as they are very badly off for teachers.
Monday 22nd Feby.
Miss Wallace still absent. Her illness last week was notified as ` Intestinal catarrh' - today the certif. has also ` Bronchial Catarrh' inscribed. I have now ( from today) a `supply' for Miss Wallaces class - Miss Ludbrook, uncert. assist. She seems quite capable + is a very nice girl.
Friday 12th March
Last week we sent another parcel for the Soldiers + Sailors per the Dowager Countess of Londonderry. The contents were bars of chocolate - plain + cream - 207 in all.
Friday 19th March
Last nights snowstorm has spoilt our attendance this morning. It is so very bad, walking, that there is no wonder many little ones have not been sent out, especially those with bad boots.
Friday 30th April
This morning our Swimming Season commenced. 45 girls went with 2 teachers in charge.
Friday 7th May
65 went to swim this morning. Miss Wallace takes charge, each week, of the swimming section + one of the other members of the staff goes with her. The chrn. come back in the highest spirits after their visit to the Baths. The value of the exercise, as regards physical improvement, is decidedly satisfactory. Miss Wallace reports that the tiny ones shape very well indeed.
Friday 14th May
Schl. closed Thursday aftn. for half holiday (instead of Hiring Wednesday) as a Charity Carnival was held in the town. The tickets, sold at 1d, were for the good of the Hospital etc. Councillor Murgatroyd + our Chairman very kindly supplied tickets for most of our chrn. which were supplemented by some given by the Staff.
Miss Ingram came to school in much distress this mng. Her brother is an engineer - articifer on the " Goliath" which was torpedoed on Wednesday night, in the Dardanelles, and they are afraid he is amongst the missing. I sent her home, as her mother is alone except for Miss Ingram's younger sister.
Three of our Std. VI girls have held a small sale of articles made by themselves + given the proceeds, about ÂŁ1-12 to the Red Cross Fund.
Friday 12th May
Have sent P.O. for 141- away as our school "little bit" towards the "Overseas Club" Empire Day Penny Fund.
Monday 31st May
I regret to record that Miss Ingram's brother has been officially declared "killed on active service" in the torpedoing of the Goliath.
Friday 18th June
Std. V girls sent a large parcel of magazines and papers to Mrs Spence for the D.L.I. at the front and in Hospital.
Friday 25th June
Organised games (at Ropner Park) commenced today.
Friday 2nd July
On Friday 19th June a Serbian Flag Day was held. The girls in school bought many flags and a nice sum of money was the result. The same applies for Friday 2nd July - Russian Flag Day. Miss Harrison takes charge of flags + money on these occasions and "does" the whole block of schools. We have also had days for the sale of "Blue Cross" flags and "V.T.C" flags. Our chrn. at Bowesfield Schools have well done their share in every way.
Staff 1st July 1915
WHEATLEY E A - Head Teacher
HARRISON A A - First Assistant Teacher (Certificated)
FERGUSON H E - Assistant Teacher (Certificated)
WALLACE E - " " "
INGRAM M - " " "
HARPER M - " " "
SHARP E - " " "
BORROWS A E - Assistant Teacher (Uncertificated)
Monday 12th July
I am very gratified to report that Alexandra Wood (11) in Std. V has won a scholarship in connection with the Girls Secondary School, to commence 14th Sept. 1915.
Wednesday 8th Sept.
We have had three postcards from soldiers abroad thanking the girls for the parcels sent through the "Empire Day Fund". Some of the little Stand. I girls knitted 6 very nice bandages for the wounded horses - Blue Cross.
Friday 17th Sept
Miss Borrows absent all week owing to the serious illness of her aged father.
Friday 24th September
Miss Borrows is back at school this week, but coming a little late + leaving a little early, as she is having part night nursing to do etc.
Friday 1st October
Miss Borrows absent on Monday. her father is gradually sinking - heart disease and asthma etc. - Miss Borrows comes on duty whenever she can under these trying circumstances.
Friday 22nd Oct
We were delighted on Monday morning to receive letters + cards from one of the vetinary corps men to whom we sent a parcel on the 8th ins. The cards are in silk embroidery, "Flags of the Allies". I shall have them framed for school. Miss Borrows absent all week. Her dear father died on Tuesday morng.
We were delighted this aftrn. to have young George Berry * in to see us (the caretakers eldest boy). He has been at the front since April. We have sent a box of Woodbine cigarettes back for the boys of the 5th D.L.I where he is stationed.
(*Commonwealth War Graves site shows the death of a George Berry of the D.L.I. in March 1918.)
Friday 26th Nov.
We have lost one of our dear little Std. I girls - Lily Adams. She was at school on Monday all day, and died of a seizure the next day.
Fri 3rd Dec
We have been very busy in school, too, this week. Miss Emily Ferguson is our Hon.Treas. for War Funds etc. + her work lately has been collecting, amongst scholars and teachers alike, for puddings + cakes for the D.L.I. at the Front. The chrn. have brought the dry ingredients cheerfully + generously. The teachers have bought butter, eggs + little incidentals like flavouring essences etc. which mount up very quickly. The first class girls, under Miss Wallace's supervision , have prepared everything + mixed all too. Each class has had a " Stir" at puddings + cakes for "Good Luck" for our good fellows and we have got a dozen nice plum puddings ready to pack, and two big Xmas cakes to cut into good chunks later on. Miss Wallace's mother kindly boiled the puddings + baked the cakes for us. I am often quite touched at the manner in which our girls (scholars and teachers) respond to the National Call. In addition, our girls are again buying the pretty cards issued by the Overseas Club of Empire. I shall have about ÂŁ1 to send in this time for the Xmas parcels abroad ( for our forces). A party of our biggest girls helped last Saturday in connection with the "Sailors Day" ( Missions to Seamen) selling the pansies which formed the badges. I think our school helps to keep the red flag flying.
Friday 10th December
28 of our biggest girls are helping this week in connection with the N.S.P.C.C Flag-day, after school hours and on Saturday 11th inst. Total from N.S.P.C.C. boxes (our girls) - ÂŁ7-14.
Thurs 23rd Dec
We have had a busy happy week. As usual, we have relaxed routine for breaking up week, as the girls (who have been preparing and practicing action songs etc. for a long time) needed final rehearsals etc. for the Xmas Concerts. These have been given this week on Tues. + Wed. aftns. Our biggest room will only hold half the school at once, even when the chrn. are packed like the proverbial herrings, so Stds. I,II+III formed the audience on Tues. + Stds. IV,V+VI on Wednesday. The action songs etc. were beautifully rendered and acted, + reflected great credit on the teachers, who have done all in the way of preparation. I had only a faint idea of what was being got up, as I am supposed to be surprised when the proper time comes. The chrn. look forward to their breaking-up festivities. Some of them get very little pleasure outside of school. I append a copy of our programme.
Pianoforte Solo - Std. VI girl
Recit. - Daddy's Sentinel - Std. II girls
Action Songs - Red Cross Nurse - Std. II girls
- Tight Little Island - Std. III girls
Pianoforte Solo - Std. VI girl
Recit. (with actions) - Dreamtown Train - Std. I girls
Action Songs - Japanese Umbrella - Std. V girls
- I Don't Want to Play in Your Yard - Std. VI (2 only)
Recit. - Going on an Errand - Std. V girl
Mandolin Solo - Std. IV girl
Action Songs - The Band - Std. II girls
- Nursery Rhymes - Std. I girls
Recitation - Belinda Jane - Std. II girl
Action Songs - Stocking Mender - Std. IV girls
- Where are You Going To? -Std. VI (2 only)
- The Mad Tea Party -Std. III girls
Pianoforte Solo - Std. VI girl
Action song - Lancashire Witches - Std. VI girls
God Save the King
All dresses etc. were obtained or made by the girls + their teachers.
1916
Friday 4th Feby.
We sent ÂŁ1 as a donation from our school to the RSPCA Fund for "Sick and Wounded Horses" in the war. We obtained the money by the sale of little badges. I think the chrn. need to be interested in "kindness to animals".
Monday 10th April
I returned to school this mng. after 2 wks absence - Drs. Certif.: Bronchial Catarrh. All has gone on harmoniously during my absence, Miss Harrison, having very capably taken charge of affairs. I greatly appreciate the loyal way in which all my teachers support + help me + the straight forward trustworthiness of each one of them. The longer I work with them the more I feel how much I owe to my staff.
Thurs 20th April
School closed at noon for Easter Recess. We have been collecting eggs this week, and have altogether raised 184. Of these, 120 are going to Dinsdale Y.A.D. Hospital, per Miss Appleby, 40 have gone to our own Stockton Hospital and 24 to the Nursing House. In addition, we have made ÂŁ1-2-5 by the sale of "Faithful Durhams" Flags, for comforts for the D.L.I.
Friday 26th May
Empire Day, Wed. 24th inst. - we celebrated as usual.
One of our little Std. III girls, Eva Calvert, died yesterday. She has been ill since 2.12.15. She was a very dear child + we are very sad at her loss.
I forgot to record the result of the Russian Flag Day ( so far as school is concerned). We got ÂŁ2-8-5 in the three schools. Altogether, over ÂŁ14 was realised in Parkfield, for which our girls + our teachers were chiefly responsible.
Friday 2nd June
Flags for Y.M.C.A. huts? sold this week in school have realised ÂŁ2-2-6. In addition to the ÂŁ2-2-6 in school box, twelve of our big girls made ÂŁ5-10-5 outside in Parkfield, totalling ÂŁ7-13-0 altogether. Then we this week sent 151- to London in connection with the Empire Day Fund (Overseas Club) for Soldiers parcels.
Monday 12th June
Miss Ingram has been transferred to Oxbridge Lane Boys temporarily.
June 29th
Hospital "Marguerite" Day - ÂŁ1-3-6 realised in school.
Monday 3rd July
Miss Ingram returned from Oxbridge Lane Boys.
Staff for the schl. yr. Beginning 1.7.16
Wheatley E A - Head Teacher
Harrison A A (First Asst) Asst. Teacher (Cert.)
Ferguson H E - Asst. Teacher (Cert.)
Wallace E - Asst. Teacher (Cert.)
Ingram M -Asst. Teacher (Cert.)
Sharp E - Asst. Teacher (Cert.)
Harper M - Asst. Teacher (Cert.)
Borrows A E - Asst. Teacher (Uncert.)
Monday 4th September
School re-opened after Midsummer Holidays. All staff present except Miss E H Ferguson, who has had leave from Chairman for Monday + Tuesday, as she is doing a months nursing in a Newcastle Hospital (war work).
Staff places as follows-
Class 1 - Miss Wallace + E A W
Class 2 - Miss Harrison
Class 3 - Miss Ingram
Class 4 - Miss Ferguson
Class 5 - Miss Harper
Class 6 - Miss Sharp + Miss Burrows
Friday 15th Sept
We have now got our little sale of work accounts put straight, and have cleared ÂŁ12, which I think is exceedingly good. We have allocated it as follows:-
ÂŁ5 for V.A.D? Hospital (Dinsdale)
ÂŁ5 for St John Ambulance Assoc.
ÂŁ1 for Stockton Hospital
ÂŁ1 for Stockton Nursing Home
Wednesday 20th September
I have sent off to London today ÂŁ1-1-6 for the "Cornwell" Memorial Fund (to Lord Charles Beresford).
Friday 29th September
Have another 2 guineas in hand from Sale of Work - to be used in buying a medical stores press for St John Ambulance Station at Brunswick School.
Friday 20th October
We have commenced gathering and preparing for Xmas Parcels for the front + the first big cake was mixed by the First Class girls yesterday. Miss Wallace kindly baked it for us.
Friday 3rd November
Our bigger girls are beginning to leave, as usual, on attaining the age of 13 - a great pity - but they are needed, in most cases, either to begin to earn outside, or to help at home.
Friday 17th November
Miss Harrison has had some time to herself during school hours this week (by permission) as she has had a friend on leave from the front (entered up in time- book).
Friday 8th December
On Wednesday 6th inst. we commenced working half time, under war conditions, sharing our school with Oxbridge Lane Girls, mornings and afternoons alternately. We now open at 8.45 morning sessions, and at 12.30 afternoon sessions.
Friday 22nd December
We have been making our usual Christmas effort for the troops abroad. We have sent off 10 good parcels this Xmas, containing cake, cigarettes, tinned delicacies etc. With the postage the parcels were worth approximately 9/- each so total value was ÂŁ4-10. Today I am sending ÂŁ1 for the Cigarette Fund connected with the Overseas Club, for Sailors + Soldiers abroad. Our school always answers the call.
1917
Friday 9th March
Miss Harrison absent, owing to having a gathered throat, from Wednesday 7th inst. It is very rarely any of my staff is missing from duty. Absence is entirely unavoidable when it does occur. I am fortunate in having such loyal assistants. Our attendance keeps low, chiefly owing to colds caused by the severe weather. Some parents (mothers) too, seem to think that for a child to be absent, when on half time, doesn't much matter. They overlook the part that the half day is the whole school day for the time being.
Friday 23rd March
Aver. att. 292 - rather down again, owing to severe weather - snow etc. + bad boots. Boots are so dear now that many girls go badly shod or with shoes in need of repair.
Friday 30th March
Std. I, under Miss Harrisons surveillance, have raised 7/6 by various means, to send Easter eggs or Cigarettes to the fathers etc ( of girls in the class only) who are in National Service.
Thursday 5th April
Miss Harrison has leave to be off this morning, to travel with her mother (who is very frail) down into Yorkshire.
Friday 20th April
Miss Ingram was married yesterday, so that she "left" (temporarily) having leave for next week She and her husband have gone to Llandudno.
Monday 30th April
Mrs Wise (nee Ingram) returned to school this morning.
Friday 8th June
Messrs. Johnson + Newton (E.C) called this morning re exchange of Certif. for Uncertif. teachers to help out the Boys Dept. from which more members of the Staff are needed for the Army.
Monday 11th June
Mrs Wise (C.A.) commenced duties in Boys Dept. this mng. + Miss Daisy Readman (U.A) came here in her place.
Friday 15th June
The King + Queen visited Stockton on Thursday 14th inst. but we had no holiday + no extension of time to mark the event.
Thursday 28th June
Miss Wallace had an hours extension on Monday morning to travel from Newcastle, where she had been on business of Class Teachers' Assoc. - she being President of Stockton Branch.
Thursday 5th July
Miss Wallace absent from Wednesday morning, owing to family bereavement. Her brother Jim has been killed out at the front (France). We all feel most deeply for Miss Wallace in her sorrow, as Jim, like herself, was a great favourite with everybody.
Friday 13th July
Miss Wallace returned to duty on Tuesday morning. One of our little Std. I girls - Ethel Hayton - died this week of consumption. Scholars and teachers sent a lovely wreath. The poor child has been bedfast for a long time, so the end comes as a happy release.
Friday 27th July
We sent a P.O. for 137- off today for the Overseas Club Cigarette Fund. Our parcels are to be sent to brothers or fathers of 15 of our own pupils.
Monday 27th August
Miss Daisy Readman has returned to her own school today. Miss H G Leader, Cert. Asst. commenced her duties here this morning.
Monday 15th October
The 19 girls on Reg. 1 were transferred to the Richard Hind School today. I feel their leaving deeply, as I have watched their development from their leaving the Infants school, + they are such particularly nice girls, with one exception, an "outsider". One or two others were also admissions from other schools, but proved fine characters. Both Miss Wallace and myself " hitch our wagon to a star" with regard to moral + character training + in the majority of cases the girls repay us over + over. I hope "the 19" will be happy + successful in their new environment.
Friday 30th November
Miss Harrison has had some time out of school this week on Mon. + Tues. as her soldier friend is here on leave, from the front.
Owing to the great trouble people have to get margarine etc. just now, I have been allowing any girl bringing the necessary request to run off to the Maypole, Home + Colonial or Liptons etc + straight back into school. In almost every case it would mean half a days absence if this concession were not granted, as there are fixed times for selling to the queues at the various places. We are now truly beginning to know what "War Conditions" really mean.
Friday 14th Dec
We held a small jumble sale last week (Thursday 6th inst.) in aid of our Soldiers + Sailor Funds. This effort, along with other methods of money-making (e.g passe partout framing? in Std. V, crocheting lace etc. in Std. VI, kettle holders Std. IV selling jam jars, paper etc. in other classes) and a few subscriptions totalled ÂŁ7-3-8 - a splendid result. We have sent Postal Orders to "fathers and brothers" as our Xmas Gift from school this year.
Monday 28th Jany. 1918
All staff assembled at the Boys School this morning 9a.m. for "Rationing" work.
Friday 22nd March
On Monday 18th inst. the first class girls used the whole day (under my supervision) filling in + addressing meat cards under the "latest" scheme.
Friday 31st May
Miss Leader left on Monday afternoon, as her father has been promoted to a London Church. We all miss her very much. She had only been in the school since last September, but had endeared herself to all.
Friday 21st June
On Monday 17th inst. almost every girl in Stds. V + VI made a school journey, by way of train, to Potto, to the moors. They "did" Swainby + district, climbed Scarth Nick, and saw the ruins of Whorlton Castle.
Staff on 1st July 1918
Wheatley E A - Head Teacher
Harrison A A - Assistant Teacher (Cert.)
Wallace E - Assistant Teacher (Cert.)
Ferguson H E - Assistant Teacher (Cert.)
Harper M - Assistant Teacher (Cert.)
Sharp E - Assistant Teacher (Cert.)
Borrows A E - Assistant Teacher (Uncert.)
Monday 29th July
Miss C M Field commenced working here this morning as U.A. She is taking Std. III. Miss Sharp was transferred to Mill Lane Girls this morning.
Friday 2nd August
I ended my duties as Head in this school at 4 today. i enter on my career at Mill Lane Girls' on Monday 2nd Sept. exactly 23 years, by the date, since commencing as Head in Bowesfield Junr. Girls Schl. They have been 23 very full and happy years, especially the last 4 years of the 23,when I was left with my Staff as it was up to last Monday. I leave with great regret + with feelings of sadness. The chrn. have been so winning + true, + my teachers the most loyal + sporting, I am sure, in the town. Our relations all through have been of the pleasantest. My Committee, too, has always made things smooth in every way. Two of its members have been associated with me here for a long time - Mrs Scott and the Chairman Mr Johnson - the latter for 19 out of the 23 years. I hope my successor, Miss Eden, will be just as happy as I have been. I have a lovely memento, in the form of a beautiful brooch, of Bowesfield Lane Girls School, though I don't need anything to keep the dear old place in my memory.
Sept. 2nd
I, Jessie Eden, commence duties in this school, as Head Teacher. Miss Clara Barker, 2nd year pupil teacher commences duties today.
6th
Mrs Hammond appointed assistant teacher.
Sept 9th
Today I have made a careful inspection of the cupboards and all stock + must record that most of the reading + text books are in very bad condition, being old, torn and dirty. In a great many cases there are not sufficient books to go round and the children have to look on. This is very bad, as it affects discipline + leads to eyestrain, wrong posture etc.
Oct 11th
Miss Wallace was absent from school this afternoon. her mother is very ill, quite helpless, and her sister had to be taken to the hospital to undergo an operation.
Nov 5th
It is with deep regret that I have to record the death, from Influenza, of scholar named Madge Percy.
Nov 11th
News has come that an armistice has been arranged between the central powers and the allies, consequently there is great rejoicing. The matron of the hospital has kindly invited the children into the grounds to see the Union Jack hoisted. I very gladly gave permission + the children thoroughly enjoyed singing the National Anthem and the cheering. Later in the morning Mr Thompson brought news that the schools were closed for a week.
Jan 6th 1919
Opened school this morning after a vacation of 8 weeks. By order of the Medical Officer the schools have been closed since Nov 11th 1918, owing to a serious epidemic of Influenza.
April 1st
Miss Whitehead commenced her duties here today. She is taking Stan. III. Miss Fields has been given Ib.
April 10th
Miss Borrows reported that a lock in her room has been tampered with + is of the drawer which contains the sewing stock. I am afraid there are thieves about, so I have told the caretaker who is on the look out.
May 24th. Saturday
About 50 scholars, accompanied by Miss Ferguson, Miss Harrison, Miss Wallace, Miss Barker + myself had a delightful ramble to Swainby.
July 18th
School closed today for Peace Celebrations.
Aug 1st
Miss C Barker P.T leaves today.
Sept. 1st
Miss N Corner began duties as Pupil Teacher.
11 Nov 1919
Today is the Anniversary of the Armistice, and in compliance with His Majesty's request, all work was suspended for two minutes at 11 o'clock and reverent silence was kept as a tribute to the Glorious Dead. The silence was preceded and followed by suitable music played on the piano by Miss Wallace. At the Mayors request a holiday was granted in the afternoon.
Dec 12th
Today I received news that Mr Johnson, a manager of this school for over thirty years, died this morning.
16th
Mr Johnson was buried this morning so we allowed the children to line up in Yarm Lane as the funeral was passing, this as a last tribute of respect.
Girls School
1920
May 11th 1920
Mrs Wilson's engagement terminates.
May 21st
Empire Day was celebrated in school today, and the children were presented with Peace Medals.
July 2nd
Holiday. Royal Show at Darlington and 157 girls went off to Kildale + had a most enjoyable time.
July 6th
I regret to report that a child, Ethel Simcox, fell in the playground this afternoon and broke her arm.
Sept. 6th
Monday evening. Miss Ferguson took a number of her girls on a nature ramble from 5p.m - 8.30.
Sept. 28th
This morning + on several Tuesday mornings previously a number of girls in Standard IV have had nature lessons in the park between 7.30 a.m + 8.30a.m. Miss Ferguson, their teacher, informs me that she intends to continue the lessons for as long as the children show interest.
Oct 22nd
Miss Whiteheads engagement terminates today.
Nov 8th
Mrs Leeks began duties as a temporary teacher in place of Miss Whitehead.
Jan 11th 1921
After school about 50 girls were taken by Miss Harrison, Miss Wallace + Miss Ferguson to see " Westward Ho" at the Cinema.
Feb 27th 1921
Copy of Report Jan 18th + 19th 1921. Report by H.M.I. Mr J J Steele.
1. The Head Teacher, who was appointed in August 19189, has made a promising beginning, and in her endeavours she is supported by a loyal + industrious staff. The children also respond very well to the efforts of the teachers.
2. The classes are carefully sub-divided. Composition in the three higher classes is well taught; while the study + recitation of suitable passages are commendable. In the other subjects investigated at the visit, viz, the primary subjects, Geography, History, Singing and Drawing, the general level attained was very fair, and suggested developments in the teaching of these were discussed with the Head Teacher. Generally speaking there are indications in the aims and methods that the school will speedily improve in efficiency.
3. Improved classification on and an extension of the system of sectional teaching may tend to reduce the marked disparity in attainments and response of the upper + lower divisions of certain classes. The grouping of the two lowest classes for Geography, History + Nature Study lessons should be discontinued.
April 22nd
We have some cases of Scarlet Fever, Measles + other sickness. Also, owing to the coal strike, numbers of children are kept away from school to go to the gas works for coke.
Aug 29th
Miss Barker T.C.A. commenced duties as assistant teacher. Miss H Spraggon commenced duties as second year Pupil Teacher. Two pupils, E Maidens + F Harrison have won scholarships for the Secondary School.
Sept 30th
Miss Hilda Spraggon, 2nd yr Pupil Teacher, left school today, to become a student at Sheffield University.
March 20th 1922
A scholar, Hilda Easby, fell in the playground this afternoon + injured her wrist.
May 8th
After consideration of the Committees minute regarding corporal punishment, I have decided to delegate the power of administrating it to all assistants of over five years experience.
July 7th
Two girls, scholars at this school, Elsie Mills + Grace Ainsley have won scholarships for the Secondary School.
Aug 28th
Miss Nancy Grace began duties as a second year Pupil Teacher. Lily Garbutt, a scholar in this school, has been awarded a scholarship for the Secondary School
Sept 29th
Miss C Barker T.C.A. left school today.
Oct 2nd
Mrs J Ranson, certificated teacher, commenced duties today.
Nov 28th 1922
Copy of Report by H.M.I. Mr J J Steele
Visit of Inspection
Oct 17 + 18 1922
The teachers are doing their best under trying conditions and their work is thoroughly supervised by the Head Mistress. Very fair progress is being made except in Arithmetic, and it is probable that the attainments of the pupils would reach an entirely satisfactory standard but for the constant and jarring interruptions of heavy vehicles passing the school. Difficulties of hearing and being heard are very serious indeed in five of the six rooms. Handwriting, Reading, Physical Exercises and Singing are amongst the best points of the school. Simultaneous repetition noted in Standard III should be discontinued for the sake of distinct articulation, and individual, natural expression. The girls behave well, and appear to remember what they are taught in the oral lessons, but they need to be trained to think and act for themselves.
Feb 7th 1923
Staff meeting held after school 4.p.m. to discuss the advisability of starting a school bank. The whole staff were unanimous in their approval of the scheme.
Feb 19th
Opened the school bank this morning with 71 depositors and ÂŁ1-16-2 deposited.
April 26th
School closed by request of His Majesty the King, this being the occasion of the marriage of his son, the Duke of York.
May 31
The ceremony of unveiling the Stockton War Memorial took place to-day. There was no afternoon session. The children in Standards III, IV, V and all the staff marched from school to the High Street to take part in the ceremony.
June 21st
Frances Harrison, Ruby Pepper, Phyllis Beecroft have been awarded scholarships for the Secondary School. Frances Harrison has also been awarded one for the Queen Victoria High School.
June 25th
I regret to have to record the death of a scholar, Mary Simcox, one of our Stan.II children. We sent her home, sick, on Friday + she died the next day.
July 16th
Mrs Mark, Chairman of the school committee, kindly brought a gramophone and a record of the King and Queens Empire Day speeches. These were distinctly heard by the children who much appreciated them.
July 27th
Miss Nancy Grace, 2nd yr Pupil Teacher, leaves today.
Aug 27th
Miss Isabel Allan, began duties today as second year Pupil Teacher.
Jan 9th 1924
About 40 of our children were taken by Miss Ferguson + Miss Harrison to the Cinema to see Robin Hood. The performance took place at 6.30p.m.
Jan 23rd
Time table suspended from 3p.m. to 4p.m. Mr McLaughlin, a member of the Education Committee, kindly brought his gramophone + gave us a good selection of classical music. Standards III, IV, V + VI were present + all enjoyed the concert very much. Among other great singers heard were Caruso, Gallicurci, Dame Nellie Melba, Madame Clara Butt + the Westminster Cathedral Choir.
March 6th
Received news this morning that one of our scholars, Maud Bushby, has died of pneumonia following influenza.
March 31st
As usual the greater number of our Stan. VI girls have been compelled to leave the school to find places elsewhere. For the sake of the girls themselves this is very regretable, all the more so because this year it was entirely unnecessary, there being plenty of room here for them. Only 14 children have been transferred from the Infants Department.
July 25th
Miss Isobel Allan, 2nd year P.T. leaves school today.
Sept 9th
Six of our Stan. VI girls, accompanied by their teacher, Miss Wallace, left Stockton this morning for London, for the purpose of visiting the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley.
Nov 11th
Copy of Report (by Mr J J Steele H.M.I.)
School inspected on 30th Sept. + 1st Oct.1924
This school has certain disabilities. Apart from the difficulties associated with the poor home environment of the children and with the noise of the street traffic in the immediate vicinity of the school, the teachers have to deal with a considerable number of children who, obviously have been ill prepared in the early stages of school life. Fortunately this is not likely to recur. Due allowance has therefore to be made in assessing the work of the teachers and children.
The girls are well behaved and show to advantage in the Singing, Physical Training, Drawing + Handwork lessons. Much of the written work in the exercise books is neat + painstaking, + there is evidence of careful correction by the teachers. Reading is fluent and clear. On the other hand, there is considerable scope for improvement in Composition + Arithmetic + in the development of intelligence. The first necessity, in a forward movement, is to recognise more fully the fact that there are two distinct sets of children in each class + that each element requires a particular + separate treatment.
The teachers show great perseverance in their efforts; but they frequently fail to arouse + quicken the interest of the more backward scholars. Sub-division of the classes would allow of different methods of approach in their teaching of the sections.
16.2.25
Today, Miss Wallace C.A., acquainted me with the fact that she was married. It appears the ceremony took place in August 1918.
15.6.25
The Head Teacher was out of school from 11a.m. till 12p.m. to attend the official opening of the Juvenile Employment Centre.
19.6.25
Miss Harrison C.A. leaves this school today to take up duties as temporary Head Teacher of St Thomas' Girls school.
22.6.25
Miss Doris Pennock C.A. began duties as Assistant Teacher this morning.
Aug 31st
Miss A Thompson C.A. began duties here today. Ella Atkinson, Edna Sparkes + Irene Webb have won scholarships for the secondary school. Amy Coath, Enid Poskitt, Gladys Tyreman, Florrie Boston, Annie Howes have left to go to the Central School.
Sept. 21st 1925
A very cold wet day. Number of children have severe colds +some have toothache or earache so I thought it best to have the heating apparatus on. Mary Ellis has been admitted to the central school.
Nov 9th
Mayors Day. At the Mayors request the schools were granted a half holiday.
Nov. 11th
Remembrance Day. Time table suspended between 10.55 - 11.10 to allow children and teachers to participate in the Great Silence.
27th Nov. 1925
Twelve girls, accompanied by Miss Pennock, attended a memorial service for Queen Alexandra, held in the Parish Church 11.30a.m - 12.10p.m.
4.12.25
Miss Thompson absent owing to the death of her father.
8.12.25
Miss Thompson returned.
23.12.25
School closed today for Christmas holidays. Time-table suspended in the afternoon while we held an entertainment of an educational character. Each class gave a dramatised version of something learnt in the school year.. The Pied Piper from Stan.IV, King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid from Stan. VII + the tea party scene from Alice in Wonderland given by Stan. V were particularly good.
11.1.1926
Introduced a new timetable today owing to a new regulation that the morning sessions must end at 11.45 a.m + the afternoon session begin at 1.15p.m.
9.6.26
Miss Pennock absent owing to serious illness of her mother.
10.6.26
Miss Pennock returned to school.
12.7.26
Miss Harper absent this afternoon by permission. Reason - to travel to Leeds to sit examination for the Higher....? Certificate
23.9.26
School closed in the afternoon on the occasion of the opening of the new wing of the hospital by HRH Princess Mary. The children, in charge of the teachers, assembled in Hartington Road and were afterwards entertained to tea by the Mayor, Mr L Ropner.
11.11.26
Armistice Day. The Great Silence was observed in school as usual.
We have this week bought a gramophone + three records for school use. We hope in time to buy a few records of folk dance tunes.
Nov 19th 1926
Standards VII + VI, accompanied by their teachers, today visited the Hippodrome to see a film entitled The Star of Hope shown by The League of Nations Union.
25.3.1927
Timetable suspended for a short while (3pm - 3.45) while a Beethoven Centenary was held. Pianoforte set of gramophone selections were given + Miss Harper kindly gave explanatory comments upon them.
6.5.27
Miss Ferguson absent from school, mother dying.
11.5.27
Miss Ferguson returned to school.
16.7.27
Saturday. The annual school picnic was held today. About 150 scholars + the staff had an enjoyable day at Swainby.
24.9.27
Saturday. Miss Ferguson, teacher of Standard IV, took between twenty and thirty of her girls on an educational visit to Durham. they were conducted round the cathedral and I understand that a good number expressed a wish to remain to Evensong + so were allowed to do so. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the whole outing + were well behaved all through.
16.2.28
Mrs Ranson absent ( by leave0 for half a day to attend her niece's wedding.
20.4.28
Today, two pupils in this school, Georgina Canney + Annie Bellamy have been awarded prizes for essay writing in conjunction with the Palestine exhibition at Stockton.
14.7.28
Saturday. Our annual picnic was held this year at Durham. 100 children and six of the staff were present.
10.12.28
I have pleasure in recording that Freda Longstaffe, a pupil in this school, was on Friday presented with a prize for writing an essay in connection with the bi-centenary of Captain Cook.
25.10.29
Miss A E Borrows, after 44 years faithful service in this school, resigns today. Yesterday the timetable was suspended for half an hour in order that the children might present her with a bag and hot water bottle and the staff a Chesterfield chair. The school closes today for the Autumn Holiday.
14.11.29
Miss D Woodward C.A. commenced duties here today.
November 5th/6th 1929 School inspected by His Majesty's Inspectors Miss Brown and Mr Strachan.
Report received 17 January 1930 from HMI Miss G M Brown and Mr J Strachan -
The teaching in this school is under difficult conditions. All the classes except one abut upon a noisy street, and in one room, with accommodation for sixty six children, eighty four children are taught side by side in two classes. The school has not yet been organised but some specialisation has been introduced and has resulted in an increased interest and keenness on the part of both teachers and girls. This is well marked in the case of Geography, and mention may be made of the handwork, a subject newly introduced into the curriculum - for which the teacher of Stan. IV is mainly responsible. She has applied herself with enthusiasm to the learning of the various crafts and is successful in teaching them. The speech is generally good. In the Senior Classes the teacher responsible for the recitation has done much to bring about an improvement in this respect.
Considered as a whole the work is satisfactory. The girls are responsive and appear to take a real interest in their lessons. Arithmetic, however, is taught on stereotyped lines and the teaching does not make enough demands upon the intelligence of the children. In the Senior Classes a complete break with the conventional instruction in Arithmetic is desirable. In the two upper classes the girls are trained to study by themselves, but this training might well begin lower down in the school - there is a tendency to throw too little responsibility for their work upon the girls themselves.
27.1.1930
Miss Dorothy Woodward left this school today.
29.1.30
Mrs Race commenced duties here today.
28.2.30
Mrs Race C.A. finished duties here today.
LOG BOOK ENTRIES END - NEW BOOK BEGUN
Girls School Log Book Entries 1930-1934
Head Mistress Miss Eden
30.5.30 - Children granted a half day holiday this afternoon for having made 94 percent of attendance for April 1930.
2.7.30 - HRH The Prince of Wales visited the town. The school dismissed at 3.30p.m.
10.11.30 - By request of the Mayor the children were granted a half holiday in celebration of Mayors Day.
5.1.31 - School opened after Christmas Holidays. Miss Ferguson absent, suffering from an injured blood vessel in the leg, due to a knock recently in school.
19.1.31 - Miss Ferguson returned to school.
30.1.31 - Miss Pots absent from school this morning but present this afternoon, the reason being the death, early this morning, of her grandmother who had lived with them many years.
2.2.31 - Miss Potts absent to attend Grandmothers funeral.
31.3.31 - Miss Potts C.A. terminates her engagement at this school today.
1.4.31 - Mrs Wise C.A. began duties as temporary assistant.
27.6.31 - Saturday - Stan. IV accompanied by their teacher Miss Ferguson paid a visit to Durham.
27.7.31 - Miss Ferguson absent for one week having received permission to attend the summer school for handwork held at Bournemouth.
31.7.31 - Mrs Wise C.A. temporary assistant leaves school today.
31.8.31 - Miss E F Hutchinson commenced duties in this school today.
28.1.32 - Very cold foggy day and radiators barely luke warm. Temperature of the rooms as follows:
No. 1 40
No. 2 41
No. 3 44
No. 4 47
No. 5 53
No.6 47
24.3.32 - Miss D Pennock leaves this school today to take up duties as Head Mistress of Tilery Road Girls School.
26.4.32 - Miss B Metcalfe absent today owing to the death of her father.
2.5.32 - Miss Metcalfe returned to school.
June 1st 1932 - Miss Jessie Philipson C.A. began duties here today.
16.11.32 - The head teacher left school at 3.15.p.m. to attend a meeting in the Council Chambers to consider the question of the feeding of school children.
9.1.33 - During the holidays, on Dec 28th, the children whose fathers are unemployed were treated to a visit to the cinema in the morning and tea in the afternoon. This treat was due to the Mayor, Ald. Allison, who raised a fund for the purpose.
18.1.33 - It is with deep regret that I have to record the death of Miss Philipson. She passed away at 1a.m. today after a brief illness. She was a most loyal and conscientious colleague.
24.5.33 - Empire Day. In the morning we joined with the boys department for our usual ceremony round the flag. In the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, Miss Fergusons girls gave a short play before the school.
12.6.33 - During Whit week Miss Ferguson took sixteen of the older girls to Barnard Castle for three days. They were allowed accommodation there at the youth hostel and altogether had an enjoyable time.
4.9.33 - Miss E M Hipkins began duties as Cert. Assistant.
29.11.33 - School inspected today by HMI's Mr Strachan, Mr Evans and Miss Tann.
8.1.34 - Copy of report by H.M.I. Mr J Strachan and Miss F M Tann
The conditions under which this department is working are as bad as ever. Of the seven classes three are over fifty and two which are under fifty, have to share a room making 68 altogether. There is little abatement in street noises. The staff at present contains two probationers, one of whom is on supply for an absent teacher and is finding great difficulty with discipline.
In spite of these drawbacks, there are some excellent features of this school. The lowest class standard V is in most competent hands and the enlightened policy of accepting print-script and allowing it to develop is bearing good fruit in uninterrupted expressions.
In the middle of the school there is a small class of backward children receiving special attention though unfortunately it is one of those that have to share a room. In this class a noteworthy advance has been made in Reading, in Writing and in Speech-training. It's Arithmetic, however, could with advantage be reduced to the simplest calculations and more time devoted to Handwork, music and similar activities.
The Headmistress has always taken a keen interest in the placing and after careers of her girls. In the highest class the whole curriculum is inspired with the idea of relating the school work to the next stage in the pupils experience. The choice of reading offered is particularly good whether from the point of view of literacy merit or informational interest.
Speech training receives careful attention. History is brought right up to date. Arithmetic is adapted to the service of citizenship and most girls leave school with some notion of a craft. The handling of this class is excellent.
It is suggested that this type of education need not be exclusively reserved for the highest class. The Arithmetic for instance could be lightened throughout the school and particularly after the scholarship stage is reached. Craftwork, also, could with advantage be linked up through the intermediate classes with the earlier practical work of a similar nature and a higher standard eventually reached.
It should be mentioned, however, that Needlework and Music are strong features of the school throughout.
May 31st '34 - Today we took leave of Mrs Ransom, who has retired after being head assistant here for several years. She was an excellent teacher, very conscientious and loyal in the discharge of her duties and a great favourite with everyone. The occasion of her leaving has been marked by many expressions of goodwill on the part of members of the Committee, the staff, the children and parents.
1.8.34 - Miss M Chambers C.A. began duties today.
29.11.34 - Children granted a holiday by the request of His Majesty King George V, the occasion being the wedding of his son, the Duke of Kent.