Appendix D.j

E.—2.

XIII

During the past year more extensive use has been made of the practice of open-air teaching. Such a method of instruction is thoroughly in accordance with the recommendations of modern authorities on school hygiene. The quadrangle enclosed by the school buildings, with its asphalt floor and sunny aspect, affords convenient accommodation for small drafts of pupils taught by students under capable supervision, when the weather-conditions are favourable, as they usually are in Christchurch. A movable awning, of which a trial has been made as a protection in hot weather, has been used with satisfactory results, and is worthy of wider application. In order to provide facilities for the practical application of the Montessori method I was authorized early in the year to obtain the necessary apparatus. At that time the material required could not be obtained in Australasia, but the difficulty was met by members of the Board's building staff, who constructed the required apparatus on designs submitted by the kindergarten mistress. At the present time most of the apparatus is on view in the Education Court of the Auckland Exhibition. During the year a small class has been conducted regularly on Montessori principles, in order to supply students with a practical exposition of the workingof the system. The challenge shield presented by the late Sir John Hall to the Canterbury Branch of the lioyal Humane Society of New Zealand was won this year by the Normal School. The secondary department, which shows a good record for work and progress, has afforded graduate students and others who aspire to positions in high schools valuable opportunities for teaching practice in subjects outside the ordinary primary curriculum. One of the Senior Scholarships offered by the Board was gained by a pupil of this department. By the adoption of recent regulations the financial position of the junior members of Training College staffs has been materially improved. Such a step was necessary in order to secure the services of teachers possessing the skill and experience needed to qualify them to take an important part in the practical training of students. A notable forward step has been taken during the 3-ear in the acquisition of a valuable, site for the erection of a new Training College in close proximity to the present building. With the increased demand for trained teachers the accommodation at present available has proved very inadequate. On the removal of the students to another building additional accommodation will be available for class-teaching and for the establishment of a second model school —an urgent need. The Normal School has now entered on its forty-first year of existence, as the foundationstone was laid on the twenty-third anniversary of the province (16th December, 1873) by His Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bowen. The Training College was formally opened in February, 1877. The accommodation then provided was based on an estimated enrolment of about half the present number of students. The pressing needs of the institution, together with its good record of past services to the Dominion, justify the hope of the erection in the near future of a new College on the site recently acquired. Pending the erection of a new building, the section is being put to good use in connexion with the practical work of the students' class in agriculture. The development of the social activities of the College has been mainly directed by the students themselves, as represented by their various committees, and under the supervision of the Principal and members of the staff. As opportunities offered, cricket, football, and hockey matches have been played—generally seniors versus - juniors—and several evening gatherings have been held, including the annual reunion of past and present students. The Saturday Night Club (hon. secretary, Mr. A. L. Wills) has provided an opportunity for the development of skill in music, debate, and elocution. Of the Students , Association, the president for the year was Mr. C. D. Gilling, and Miss G. Morgan was honorary secretary. The Training College magazine, the Becorder, was capably managed and edited by Mr. A. A. Hardcastle. With the increase in the number of students the demand for the establishment of one or more hostels for the accommodation of those who live away from home becomes more urgent. A record is kept of the private address of <:ach student, and every change of address has to be reported to the Principal. But the frequent changes in address point to the fact that some difficulty is experienced in obtaining lodgings that supply favourable conditions for private study. Some half a dozen ex-pupil-teachers or ex-probationers who applied for admission to the Training College at the beginning of the session could not be accepted as students owing to their failure to comply with the regulations prescribing the qualifications for admission. The applicants referred to were not relying on a matriculation qualification, but on their passing the first section of the D certificate examination. Attention is drawn to <his fact because it has been demonstrated that some candidates, and even I?heir teachers, appear to be unaware that for the purpose of admission to a Training College the first section above referred to must include Group I, 'Group 11, and two optional subjects, as prescribed for the Class D certificate examination. During the year a sum of money was subscribed by ex-students of the Training College to establish a memorial prize to perpetuate the memory of the late Principal, Mr. Edwin Watkins, 8.A., who for the long term of thirty-five years —first as tutor and afterwards as Principal—was associated with the College. Trustees have been appointed to administer the fund, and competition for the prize is restricted to students in actual attendance at the College. it is my pleasing duty to report very favourably on the general conduct of the students, and the keen interest displayed by most of them in their professional training. To the members of the staff my thanks are due for the effective discharge of their duties and for the loyal support they have at all times accorded me. I have, &c., The Secretary, Education Board, Christchurch. T. S. Foster, Principal.