CANTERBURY ORPHANAGE.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6153, 9 June 1885, Page 3

CANTERBURY ORPHANAGE.

Mr Edge, Inspector of Schools, makes the following report on the Orphanage School:—" Number on school roll, 80; number of boys receiving technical education, 4; number of girls instructed in domestic work, 5; total number in institution, 89; presented in standards and infante, 80; failed, 1; percentage of passes, 98. Bemarks.—The ground and premises were in thoroughly good order. There is no playground worthy of the name; but every effort has been made to utilise all available space. The schoolroom is commodious, and in every way well suited for school purposes. It is also well ventilated, fully furnished, and neatly and carefally kept. The internal organisation was satisfactory, and the appearance and behaviour of the children very pleasing. All claes movements were performed with precision and promptness. My own work in the school was much facilitated by the ready and orderly way in which every direction was carried out. With the exception of object lessons and drawing all the prescribed subjects are taught. The methods of instruction are suitable, and are evidently applied with energy and intelligence. The results of this year's nrnnninn. tion are very creditable, especially in reading, writing and arithmetic. The reading and repetition of verses were exceptionally good, the children speaking out distinctly, and reading with spirit, emphasis, and intelligence. The oral answering on the subject matter of the lesson read, and in grammar, geography, and history, was considerably above the average. A glance through the class lists attached to this report will show that the answering in arithmetic throughout the different classes was full |and accurate. The copies and exercise books were neatly written and carefully supervised. - More attention should be paid to spelling and punctuation. The girls receive instruction in needlework. Four boys who have passed the fifth standard are engaged in technical work. I saw the boys at work, and believe that they were usefully employed. The girls undergoing domestic training receive some instruction during the evenimj, and are consequently keeping up their aolinft i n *«i/>ft with what they have previously learned. The general management of the institution is, in my opinion, excellent. The children, both in and out of eehool. appeared happy and contented."