EXAMINATION OF THE BISHOP'S SCHOOL

Colonist, Volume VIII, Issue 800, 27 June 1865, Page 3

EXAMINATION OF THE BISHOP'S SCHOOL

The usual Half-Yearly Examination of the Bishop's School has been made during the past week. The Examiners were the Rev, G. H. Johnstone, and Messrs Cloete, Lewis, and J. Greenwood.

The Eev. G. H. Johnstone examined the upper forms in the history of the Jews, from the anointing of Saul to the end of the Babylonish Captivity; in the Acts of the Apostles, and in the Clnirch Catchism; he also examined the second Latin class in Arnold's First Book, and in Latin Grammar. He stated, in a clear speech, that a great improvement had been made by the boys since his last visit. The answers, viva voce, in Holy Scriptures, were given pointedly and correctly. The Latin was rendered in good quantities, and very intelligibly. He further examined in the English History of the seventeenth century. The examination in history showed that the boys were well worked in this subject. Mr. Johnstone said that he was fully impressed with the conviction that the system of instruction pursued was sound and effective.

Mr. Gloete took the upper forms in the Geography of Europe, in English Grammar, and Analysis of Sentences, and also the first Lai in class. He expressed himself in terms of high commendation of the way in which the answers in Geography and English Grammar were given. The boys were thoroughly acquainted with these subjects. He thought that this small class was well versed in Latin instruction, and read Caesar tolerably well. He noticed particularly that a good tone pervaded the whole school, and that there was evidently a strong bond of union between the masters and the pupila. The lower forms were taken by Mr. Lewis and Mr. Greenwood. Their reports were equally satisfactory. The junior boys are said to have done creditably all that they attempted. Their reading was correct and intelligent, the handwriting was much improved, and they were fairly acquainted with' the outlines of Scripture History, the Latin grammar (as far as the verbs), the outlines of Geography, 'Elementary Arithmetic, aii d the Elements of En glish Grammar. . The Arithmetic and Algebra of the upper forms was also inspected by Mr. J. Greenwood. He remarked that the standard was higher than it was six months' ago; that they were acquainted with fractional and decimal computation, and that the work generally iv figures was satisfactory and improving. The masters examined on Thursday, in the pre-

sence of those parents who chose to attend. The upper forms went through a l^ng and Beaching examination in Latin, English, Geography of Europe, History of the Seventeenth Century, Arithmetic, and Mental Calculations. The Lord Bishop of Nelson distributed the following prizes on Friday, in the presence of the Examiners and some visitors. 7 let Prize Latin., John Wells 2nd „ ......;.. ~ ........ Charles Vickerman Ist „ English Alexander Wilkie 2nd „ „ ..;... George Capper Ist .„ Arithmetic... Daniel Burn 2nd .......... „ ... Charles Vickerman l«t „ Writing...... William Gibbons 2nd „ ......... „ ...... William Hackworth Prize Holy Scriptures Charles Sharp Captain Cloete's Prize Essay Henry Lucas.

The Head Master was called upon by the Bishop to make some remarks on the work of the past halfyear. From these remarks it appears there are now 50 boys on the books against 43 last half-year, and that only three boys had left the school during the term, all of whom had also left the province. He expressed himself pleased with the reports of the examiners, and he quoted some cases of diligence in boys to show how much may be done apart from the routine of school-work. He regretted the loss of Mr. Gaskin, who has accepted a more lucrative appointment. Mr. Gaskin is succeeded by Mr. G. Cotfcerell. The Bishop, after having heard the judgments of the examiners, addressed the boys in a kind and encouraging speech. His lordship said that he should never regret having given so much of his time, thoughts, and money in aid of the school, if any boys derived any lasting good therefrom. His lordship reminded the pupils that there was much cultivation of character and enlargement of faculties continually goiDg on in school, which could never be tangibly represented, and for which no prize could be offered, that boys gained much in a good public school by the influence of mind upon mind, and by being daily in contact with minds more cultivated than their own.

During the whole'of the examination week the school was open to the parents of the pupils and their friends. Specimens of boys' essays, handwriting, maps, and drawings were shown.