BLENHEIM CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVII, Issue 37, 3 January 1890, Page 3

BLENHEIM CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

The boys school was examined last week by Mr. O'Bullivan (St. Patrick's College, Wellington), and Mr. Kirby (of Blenheim). Both gentlemen speak in the highest terms of the discipline and efficiency of the school and of the assiduity of the head master, Mr. M. Oalie, and bis assistant. MB. O'SULLIVAN'S BEPOBT. Enclosed you will find the result of the written examinations in mathematics in the 6th, sih, and 4th Standards. Tbe results, as you will see, are most satisfactory with the exception of algebra, which is taught only in the 6th Standard. I think that great proficiency in this particular subject could hardly be looked for, if we bear in mind that it is an extra subject, which is not included in the curriculum of the public schools, and to which much time cannot be devoted without detriment to the more Important branches. Eight boys out of 14 presented in algebra passed. In arithmetic five problems were given to each of the three highest standards, and all scored considerably more than the number of marksjequisite to secure a pass ; the 6 h and 4th Standards especially distinguishing themselves ; m the former 12 out of 14 presented secured the maximum of marks, whilst in the latter, out of eight presented, five obtained full marks. In the sth Standard all passed that were presented, although only one boy secured the maximum of marks. All the other examinations were conducted orally. The reading and spelliing in all the standards were quite satisfactory, with a single exception history was also answered fairly well by toe 3rd and 4th Standards ; the majority of the 16 boys presented in the 3rd Standard passed in the geography examination. I also examined the writing and drawing of all the classes, and all, except two in the 4.h and sth Standards, were quite up to the average. I gave some short sentences to be parsed by the 3rd and 4th Standards, and nine boys out of sixteen in the 3rd Standard secured the toUl number of marks ; the remainder obtaining more than the number required for a pass ; and all in the 4th answered saiiofactoiily. 1 gave several sums to be worked on iheir Blates by the Ist, 2nd, and 3rd St^udards, and all Bbowed great proficiency. Bpecial mention must be made of the 3rd Stagdard, in which nine out of 16 secured full marks. To sum up, I must say that tbe results show pamsUkiDg on the part of the teachers, aad steady application by the pupils ; and I wisn to lay special stress on the great proficiency shown in arithmetic in all the Standards. MB. KIBBY'S BEPOBT. I have the pleasure to report that at your request I have examined the sth and 6th Standards in the following subjects :—: — history, geography, and English. The examination was a written one, and there were presented for examinaiion — mthe sth Standard, eight boys ; in the 6th Standard, 14 boys ; in all 22. lv the 6th Standard I find a general proficiency in all the subjects, but owing probably to lack of practice in written examinations, two or three papers were baiely passable oa account of indifferent writing. In the sth Standard the papers were uniformly neat. I would suggest the propriety of practising the boys in p.iper examinations. The answers were all generally correct and very few questions were passed over. Either from undue haste, however, or from an over-desire to condense, — brevity in answering was carried too far, aud some replies were bald and incomplete. Iv the history papeis I note general accuracy as to dates and names. The Enghsu paper was designed to test general knowledge and power of expression, and the result as to the 6th class was satisfactory. In the sth class the results were not quite so encouraging. Ihe spelling in all cases was quite satisfactory. Iv analysis none of the pupils showed proficiency, but in paising all of them answered correctly. In the geography paper nearly all tbe boys answered intelligently, but the last question given to the 6th clas* (viz, "trace the course (a) of a sailing vessel (b) of a steamer from London to Singapore, Melbourne, San Francisco, and Liverpool,") was not answered with success by more than one or two. Exercises of this particular sort would be found very useful as well as interesting, bpeaking generally I have the pleasure to lemark that the work shows evidence of careful and conscientious training, and of considerable ability among the scholars.