HIGH SCHOOLS' GOVERNORS

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 7

HIGH SCHOOLS' GOVERNORS

A meeting of tho Board of Governors of tho Otago Boys' and Girls' High Schools was held on the 31st; present—Messrs T. K. Sidey, M.P. (chairman), D. T. Fleming, and H. Webb. The Education Department forwarded copies of tho reports by the inspectors of tho department on tho Otago High. Schools. Keoeived; rector and lady principal to bo asked whether they had any comments to make. Tho department also forwarded copies of tho war_ bursaries regulations, and asked that their contents be made widely known. Received; referred: to rector and lady principal. A memo, was received from tho department, in reply to tho board's application for a subsidy in connection with the erection of four now class rooms at tho Girls' High School, asking for a plan of tho proposed building and for a statement showing the present monetary assets and liabilities. Information to be furnished by the secretary. It was resolved to extend leave of absence to Major J. Pow, now at the front, for another year. Tho_ board passed a resolution congratulating Sir John R. Sinclair, for Bome years chairman of the board, on tho honour of knighthood recently conferred upon him. The report of the inspectors (Messrs T. R. Cresswell and R. E. Rudman) on the work of tho Boys' School stated that six regular members of the teaching staff were on active service. There were 416 pupils at the school—263 junior free place, 119 senior free place, and 29 paying. The pupils were classified according to years with a synchronised time-table in Latin and French, which permitted considerable freedom of classification in those subject?. Three cadet companies, together with ambulance and signalling squads and a bugle bund j followed tho set military programme. Physical drill was given for 10 minutes ever.y day, and one hour a w-?ek was spent in a splendidly equipped gymnasium under a visiting instructor, who was highly qualified. The whole programme was most complete and satisfactory. The report also dealt with tho methods of teaching, the following being extracts from the remarks made:— The teaching of English throughout the school is of a high quality. About Latin it wag suggested that in Illb it would be better 'to give a sound foundation of formal grammar before attempting much concerted translation. In the upper forms the translation of Horace was excellent —the pupils showing such facility in the work that a large amount of different verse was fluently translated. The report on the treating of French was on the whole favourable. In arithmetic the teaching is satisfactory. In the matriculation form, and those above it, the teaching of mathematics is very strong. In science the teaching and demonstration work is strong. Reference is made to the notes mad© being rather untidy, and unmethodically entered. History is taught for one hour a week. Satisfactory work is done in geography. In book-keeping, except for a few minor defeots which were mentioned to the teachers, we can class the work as excellent. General.—The work of senior masters is in a great degree specialised, the science and mathematical masters, in particular, being almost entirely engaged with their own subjects. In middle and lower forms, except in science, there is little specialisation, the system of having one master to a great extent responsible for ono form being in vogue. The questioning and answering throughout the school were exceptionally good, and tho fact that in most class-rooms extra scats are ranged along the walls, enables the boys to take "places" in oral work and adds much to the alertness and interest of the pupils. Although at lpast six of the masters are on active service, the board has been fortunate in engaging fairly efficient substitutes, including two experienced lady teachers, and, under the. circumstances the school may be considered well staffed. The high tone of the school is being maintained .and the_ work generally appears to be carried on in a satisfactory manner. The report on the Girls' High School showed that there were 302 pupils in_ attendance—222 junior free place, 72 senior free place, and eight paying. The methods of teaching wero referred to in detail. In English the highest forms have traversed a wide field of literature, of which they have a very good appreciation, and have also studied historical grammar. In French, forms Via and Vlb have covered a fine range of work, and have reached a fine standard. In Latin, form Via and Vlb showed that they had a good knowledge of the subject. In arithmetic, the work seen was, on the whole, quite satisfactory. In mathematics, teachers' methods were almost always very sound, and mathematics may bo said to be very well taught. History is taken chiefly in Forms IV and V, apparently with a view to the requirements of matriculation English. It seems to be well taught. In Geography, Form Va had a lesson on South Africa, in which mapswero well used; the matter was good, but was somewhat monotonously presented. The hook-keeping was throughout on satisfactory lines. Science in this school is of a higher quality than might be .expected from a school which has not a well-equipped laboratory. The Gymnastics and Physical Training are in good hands, and what we saw (vaulting horse, jumping:, remedial ladder exercises, etc.) was well done. Singing is a special feature, and seems very good. General. —The school continues to do {rood work under a capable principal, aided by an enthusiastic staff.