E— 2.

| Appendix D.

IV

various details of the class-work as far as the time will allow. During the first two weeks he observes the lessons given by the class-teacher, taking notes of these, and also makes a record of the equipment, rioting the books in the class library, copying the time-table, commenting on the ventilation, &c. For the remaining three weeks he practises teaching in this class under the criticism of the class-teacher or one of the other members of the staff • e.g., the headmaster. Sufficient time is allowed for the thorough preparation of the lessons, and advice and guidance are, available as necessary. A good critic teacher quickly notes the strength and weakness of the students he is training, and tactfully leads their efforts in the direction desired. At the end of the period each critic teacher writes a report on the student, who has it communicated to him in the Principal's room. Each student has three such periods of practical training each year, so that during a full course of two years he comes into close touch with the work of six classes. The value of the practical training of students has been considerably limited by the insufficiency of opportunity for practice in the work of model country schools. The two attached to the Normal School are, quite insufficient for the, purpose. Once a week the students engaged in the, practical part of their training as described above are called together in College to discuss the success and failure, of their efforts and the causes underlying them. By a plan of alternation for first- and second-year students about half the students arc engaged in lecture and study work in College during the. half-term while the others are engaged in practical teaching. This year it was possible, with an increased staff to subdivide a number of the classes so as to accomplish better individual training. The result was very satisfactory. The year's work showed an improved spirit, the unsettling effect of war being no longer a disturbing factor. History and physiography were added to the curriculum, not because of any requirement of the regulation, but because of the need for a very much improved knowledge of these subjects on the part of most of our students. The result has been very satisfactory, especially in history, in which subject a keen interest was shown. Although some, students failed to make good use of the opportunities offered for attendance at suitable courses of University lectures, much benefit was derived by a great number from steady study in this direction. The change, of regulations which for the first time made it possible for students to keep terms and sit for a first section of a degree in two subjects only has been distinctly to the advantage, of this College. To master three or four subjects for the degree examination and at the same time satisfactorily fulfil the requirements of the Training College course requires considerable ability, much self-discipline, and more than ordinary strength and grit. Under the new conditions a greater number of Training College students will win a first section, and thereby be encouraged to win the, full degree. As the result of the, degree examinations held in November last are not yet to hand, it is not possible to report on the success of the year's work in this respect, but the prospects are very bright. Probably the results will be such as to foster in incoming students a desire to follow a University course. The physical health of the students has not been very good this year, and there seems little doubt that last year's epidemic of influenza has left its mark. The College was much indebted to Doctors McGahan and Sands, who took a keen interest in the health of the students and attended frequently on Saturday mornings to give advice to those young ladies who were not well. A series of lectures on the medical aspect of school-work was given by Dr. Sands, who also went, to considerable trouble to train all the outgoing students practically in the medical examination of schoolchildren. As usual, tin; College showed a keen interest in sport. Four ladies' hockey teams, three basketball teams, and three men's hockey teams took part in the local weekly competitions, the ladies winning the championship in the first and second grades. The men also took part in several football and cricket matches, Tennis was keenly played as far as opportunity allowed. Owing to the early closing of College, there was less opportunity than usual for swimming, especially as the early season was rather cold. Following the usual practice, we paid a number of visits of observation with a view to broadening the educational outlook. This year, Mount Eden, the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, the Museum, the Art Gallery, the sugar-refinery, and the H.M.C.S. "Iris" were all visited. Our Saturday peripatetic parties were largely attended and proved very enjoyable. St. Helier's Bay, Blockhouse Bay, Mangerc Mountain, and Rangitoto were visited in turn. In November a party of about fifty students paid a visit to Ruakura State, Farm, boarding in Hamilton and visiting the farm daily. Three very pleasant and profitable days were thus spent in enlarging our ideas in a practical way in regard to the various phases of farm-work. The College was indebted to Mr. Green, the farm-manager, and his assistants for the valuable lessons they gave, and the generous kindness which with they assisted us in many ways. WELLINGTON. (J. S. Tbnnant, Esq., M.A., Principal.) The College opened on the 25th February, and closed on the 11th December, giving a working year of thirty-nine weeks, divided into two terms. This arrangement of the session has many disadvantages, therefore a conference, was held in October, at which representatives of the schools and colleges in Wellington were represented, and it was agreed by all to adopt the three-term system, and as far as possible to synchronize all vacations.