Obrázky na stránke
PDF
ePub

In conclusion, I would ask what value did Peter the Great put upon theory when he worked in the dockyard of Saardam?

Perhaps some one of your numerous readers would favour me with a hint as to what constitutes " common things;" for I must own that I am lost in speculation, and it appears to me requisite for teachers to study natural philosophy.-I am, &c.

SCHOOL-SONG.

Air: "I'd be a Butterfly."

BUY, buy my primroses, Spring's first-born daugh

ters,

'Neath the white mantle of winter they grew, Lulled to their sleep by the sound of sweet waters, Waked by the lark as to heaven he flew. Children of mirth, in your merry sports flinging Blossoms as short-lived as Spring's joyous hours, Twine, twine your garlands, with merry hearts singing,

Welcome to Spring and her beautiful flowers.
Buy, buy my primroses, reared in the valleys,
Nursed on the moss-bank deep down in the
glen,

Far from the pavement of dark courts and alleys,
Trodden by toil-stricken, heart-wearied men.

H. O. L.

Children of labour, to daily work pressing,
Look on the flowers that toil not nor spin;
Much more our Father will give you His blessing,
If ye but seek it before ye begin.

Buy, buy my primroses, breathing of morning,
Fed with the dew-drops, pure, fragrant, and
chaste;

Pale stars of daylight, the hill-side adorning,
Gemming the forest, the woodland, and waste.

Poor child of sickness, in lone chamber lying,
Let the sweet primroses cheer thy sad room,
Whispering softly that flowers never dying
Fairer and purer in Paradise bloom.

CORRESPONDENTS' ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES.

E. E.

SIR,-In reply to "M. Y. Z.," I beg to state that the subjects requiring most attention are, Scripture, School Management, and Mathematics. I should strongly recommend "M. Y. Z." to devote not more than an hour or an hour-and-a-half to the study of one subject; for a change of study is a rest to the mind. Not having stated the time per evening which he intends to devote to his "private study,' it would be difficult to construct him a suitable time-table. I also beg to recommend to his notice, as being really useful, Guyot's Earth and Man, Hughes's Manual of Geography, Morell's Grammar and Analysis. K. N. S. M.

North Wales Training College, February 4th, 1856.

SIR,-I beg to forward, in answer to "P. M.," February Number, what I take to be an explanation of his query, i.e. what is usually done by students here and elsewhere, as attempts at the government questions, which he adverts to.

Take, for instance, the eastern coast of England, and proceed thus: 1. State the boundaries; 2. Bays, inlets, estuaries, &c.; 3. Capes or headlands; 4. Enumerate successively the maritime counties, beginning at one of the cardinal points (N. or S.); 5. Mountains (if any) adjacent, or parallel to the given coast; 6. Rivers rising in and flowing from them, with their direction, tributaries, commercial advantages or disadvantages, &c.; 7. Maritime towns of note, state of commercial intercourse with foreign nations, manufactures, exports, and imports.

It is advisable, too, before entering upon the political geography of any part or parts of the description, that the physical character of the coast should be mentioned-whether it is indented, precipitous, rocky, level, &c.

Hoping the above will meet the exigencies of the querist,-I am, &c.

GWILYM FFRAID.

"A. J.," who inquires for a book of songs for children in an infant school, is referred to Songs for Children, published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. The airs, which are original, are simple and graceful, the words plain and interesting.

"C. P." recommends a "Pupil-teacher" A Manual of Mathematical Geography, comprehending an Inquiry into the construction of Maps, with Rules for the formation of Map Projections, by W. Hughes, and published by Longman and Co. It contains all the information necessary for meridian parallels, &c.

Mr. Hay states, in reply to "A. Y. S.," that his Register is fitted for schools requiring the Capitation Grant, and may be had at the National Society's Depository, Westminster.

INFORMATION WANTED.

INQUIRIES BY CORRESPONDENTS.

Sproughton Church-of-England School, February 13th, 1856. SIR,-It is a strange fact, that I have as a pupil in my school a boy, aged ten years, a Russian by birth. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of the Alma while in charge of some bullocks which he was in the act of taking to the Russian army for their supply. He is cheerful, very good-natured, and can speak English sufficiently to be able to ask for all he wants, and also to answer commonplace questions put to him. But the difficulty is, he can neither read nor write; and at present we cannot sufficiently make the thing interesting to him to engage his whole attention (for he is so very restless and talkative). Of course no other of my scholars are so backward as he is; and 1 should be glad if any of your correspondents would kindly suggest a plan, through your valuable periodical, to remedy these difficulties: 1. How to engage his attention. 2. Is there any plan by which he may be taught in concert with other boys, so as not to require a monitor to be placed specially over him?—I am, &c.

H. D. B.

"A Factory Young Man" asks whether the following papers have been printed and published, and if they have, state the price; but if not, could the manuscripts be obtained from the authors by paying the expenses of postage: A paper on "Music," by Mr. C. Beckett, of Castle Riding, member of the West Norfolk, Isle of Ely, and South Lincolnshire Church Schoolmasters' Association (Monthly Paper, December 1854). A paper on "Teaching of vocal music," by Mr. B. Franklin, a member of the Vale of Aylesbury Association (Monthly Paper, December 1854). A paper on "How to teach singing in schools," by Mr. Winter, of Grassby, a member of the Glandford Brigg Association (Monthly Paper, May 1855). A paper on the "Tonic sol-fa method of teaching singing," by Mr. Johnson, of Sutton-at-Hone, a member of the County of Kent Association (Monthly Paper, July 1855). A paper on "The teaching of vocal music," by Mr. S. Jackson, a member of Bridgnorth Association (Monthly Paper, January 1856).

SIR, A certificated master is advertised for in this month's Paper who is required to be actuary to a Government savings-bank. Permit me to inquire what the regulations of the Committee of Council are upon that matter. I believe, some time ago, an especial case bearing upon that point came under the notice of the Committee of Council, viz. the case of Mr. Read, certificated master of Reigate, and actuary of the Government savings-bank in that town. I am, &c. E. W.

SIR,-I have to thank you for many excellent hints which from time to time have appeared in your Paper; and had I been fully alive to the hints given by "C. M." in the September Number, and by "D. S. M." in the December Number, sooner, I might have been able to save myself more than six months' augmentation, which I can ill spare. Could any of your correspondents inform me whether the Committee of Council have any good grounds for refusing the augmentation and annual gratuities due because a teacher does not happen to leave at the date of the inspector's visit? The reason mentioned by the Committee is, that it is found by experience that the pupil-teachers require to be protected by such a guarantee for their continuous instruction."

I forbear making any remark upon this, lest I should trespass too much upon your space. I will only add, that I have conducted my school for more than four years to the entire satisfaction of the incumbent (who has visited the school daily), the school committee, and the inspector, and that I feel it rather hard to be deprived of my money now. The clergyman has kindly done what he can for me, but all is of no avail.-I am, &c.

R. T. B.

"W. M." asks: 1st. Must a certificated master of necessity lose his augmentation grant when in a school under Government inspection, because there are no pupil-teachers in it? 2d. Can a mistress-registered and declared fit to instruct pupil-teachers-have them apprenticed to her in a mixed school where there are both a master and mistress, &c.: if she have pupil-teachers apprenticed to her, must the girl's and boys be separated?

'Z. O." and "T. P." want a cheap and good book of instruction for learning the Organ.

"G. R." asks whether there is any book published that will inform him how to ascertain the quantity of bark in weight after it has been properly ricked; and if there is such a book, where it can be got, and at what price.

"W. M." wants to be recommended a cheap work containing a system of Shorthand suitable for a lad.

"W. E." asks where he may procure a small treatise on School Gymnastics.

"Scholastic" asks the best method of hearing home-lessons.

"J. L." asks the best and cheapest work on Drawing for a master who wishes to sit for a diploma. "A Subscriber" asks for the best text, round, and small-hand copies, suitable for a small mixed village-school.

"J. H." wishes to be informed of any means for removing ink-spots from unvarnished maps and from deal-boards; and also of a good and useful work for teaching Fractions to children in a plain and simple manner.

"R. T. F." asks for Music set to the Multiplication-table; also, if there is no music, whether there are any tunes which might be used to it.

"J. B." wants a good work on the Pronunciation and Derivation of Geographical Names. "J. W. C." wishes to be recommended to a book on Geometrical Drawing.

"A Pupil-teacher" asks for the best works on the Explanation of the Catechism and Prayer-Book ; and also the best work (if there is one out) on the Practical Duties of a Teacher.

"R. G. Thomas, Esq., of Iscoed, Kidwelly," would be much obliged for information on the following points, with reference to school-buildings: 1. The best mode of heating them where fuel is cheap; 2. Ventilation; 3. Best kind of gallery for infant-school; 4. Desks and benches for boys and girls; 5. Best kind of washing troughs or basins; 6. Surfaces for school-yards; 7. The names of some of the best new school-buildings in the midland, southern, eastern, or western counties, where a sight of any thing worthy of a visit could be obtained. Communications may be addressed as above.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

We have received several books. Our notices are deferred this month.

Schoolmasters' and Schoolmistresses' Associations.

METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION.-The Annual Dinner of this Association took place in Freemason's -Hall, on Saturday, the 2d February. The Rev. T. C. Cook, one of her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools, occupied the chair, and was well supported. The dinner gave great satisfaction; and on the removal of the cloth, a large number of ladies availed themselves of the accommodation which had been provided for them in the gallery. The Chairman, in a suitable speech, gave the "Health of her Majesty,' which was received with great heartiness, and followed by the National Anthem. Prince Albert and

the rest of the Royal family came in for a full share of hearty cheers. The Rev. J. H. Gurney, in an appropriate speech, proposed "Church and State." The Report of the Committee was then read by Mr. Hay, one of the secretaries. The Rev. R. Burgess proposed "Success to the Association," and maintained that much good had resulted from such institutions. Mr. Myers responded to this toast on behalf of the Association, and took occasion to observe, that it was to the Metropolitan Association he owed much of his success as a teacher, having been an active member for fifteen years, and a schoolmaster for twenty-five years. The treasurer, Mr. Marshall, then presented to Mr. Boulden, the late secretary, a very handsome Timepiece, as a token of esteem from the members of the Association, accompanied by an address, to which Mr. Boulden replied in suitable terms.

The Rev. F. Temple gave "Success to the National Society," and spoke of the good which the Society had done in past years, and was still effecting. The Rev. E. Blick, in responding, as a member of the National Society, remarked, that he had good reason to remember its efforts. When a curate in a remote parish, he applied for aid in building, and, but for its prompt assistance rendered to him, he would have been without a school, as might hundreds of other parishes in England had not the National Society existed. Mr. Farnham gave "The Committee of Council and her Majesty's Inspectors," which was responded to by the Rev. W. H. Brookfield. Mr. Hay, in proposing the "Department of Science and Art," said, that drawing ought not to be considered as a new element, to be taught only in schools, as moderate skill in the art was proved to be one of the greatest aids a teacher could have, enabling him graphically to picture on the black-board such parts of a lesson, sacred or secular, as could but be indifferently understood by a verbal description. He said the method adopted by the department for helping teachers to obtain a knowledge of the art, and their certificate, was most encouraging. Of the five branches to be studied, the student might perfect himself in one or two at a time; for which, if passed in, he would receive a prize, and not be required to sit for the same again; so that by perseverance in two or three examinations a certificate would be obtained. He suggested that the Committee of Council would materially help and encourage uncertificated teachers if they would adopt some such plan, as many who could not pass in all that is required could master two or three subjects in a year creditably; so that if prizes were offered for proficiency in the most essential branches, a teacher might in time, although in charge of a school, and having to contend with numerous difficulties, complete his studies so as to obtain a certificate. He spoke in very high terms of the courteous manner and ready help teachers met with from the masters of the department. Henry Cole, Esq. C. B., acknowledged the compliment paid to the department, and stated that every facility would continue to be afforded for promoting the study of drawing, especially amongst schoolmasters; and stated that the progress made by teachers had been exceedingly encouraging and satisfactory of late. Dr. Brewer proposed "The Ladies" in a very interesting speech, in which he dwelt most on the influence of females in moulding the character of children in their earliest years. Mr. Kimpton proposed the health of the Chairman, and spoke at some length upon the manner in which, as one of her Majesty's Inspectors, the reverend gentleman had won the esteem of the teachers in his district, and passed a high compliment upon him for his conduct in the chair during the evening. Several other toasts were proposed, and the members dispersed at ten o'clock.

On Saturday, February 16th, Herr Hoffman delivered a most interesting lecture on "Fröebel's System of Infant-Gardens." The attendance of members of the Association and their friends was very large.

The Secretaries of the Association waited on Lord John Russell with a petition from the members against the opening of the Crystal Palace, which his Lordship has since presented to Parliament.

CLERGY AND SCHOOLMASTERS' ASSOCIATION FOR THE DEANERY OF HAWKESBURY, DIOCESE OF GLOUCESTER AND BRISTOL.-An Association bearing the above title was formed at a meeting of clergy and schoolmasters, held at the National Schoolroom at Siston on the 8th of July, 1854, the Rural Dean in the chair; and rules for its future conduct were then agreed to. An opening address was read by the Rev. W. J. Copleston, Rector of Cromhall; and a paper on " Dictation," by Mr. Smith, schoolmaster of Hanham.

From unavoidable circumstances no second meeting was held until the 15th of December, 1855, when it took place at the National Schoolroom, Tormarton; the Rector of Cromball in the chair. An address was then delivered by the Rev. J. S. M. Anderton, Rector of Tormarton, on "The present prospects of Education, especially in the rural districts;" and a paper on "School-discipline" was read by Mr. Cross, schoolmaster of Tormarton.

A resolution was also passed at this meeting declaring the expediency of uniting the Association with the Diocesan Association.

TESTIMONIALS. — To Miss COLEMAN, late Mistress of the St. Nicholas School, Yarmouth, on her Marriage, a copy of Walks about Jerusalem, by Rev. G. Hills.

To Mr. HULLAH, Master of the Escrick Park School, York, on his Marriage, a Timepiece, by Lord and Lady Wenlock; and a Silver Cruet-stand, by the Hon. and Rev. S. W. Lawley.

TO JAMES KILLINGBECK, on his obtaining a First-class Queen's Scholarship, a Papier-maché Inkstand, by the Children of the Escrick Park School.

To R. F. BREWER, on leaving for the Battersea Training College, a Writing-desk, by the Boys of St. Paul's School, Leeds; and a Reference Bible and Bible Dictionary, by the Rev. J. R. and Mrs. Stratten.

TO ELLEN JONES, on leaving for Whitelands Training Institution, Six Volumes of Books, by the Clergymen and Teachers of St. Jude's, Manchester.

To Mr. JAMES LAWSON, on leaving for Battersea Training College, a selection of Books, by the Incumbent, Curate, Sunday Teachers, and Teachers and Scholars of the National School; and Gil Blas, by the French Section of the Mutual Improvement Class of the Bolton Mechanics' Institution.

To Mr. W. SCOTT, on resigning Alverthorpe School, Wakefield, D'Oyly and Mant's Bible (3 vols.), Timepiece, Gold Pencil-case, Purse, &c., by the Choir, Sunday-school Teachers, and Friends, of St. Paul's Church, Alverthorpe. TO GEORGE REED, on the completion of his Apprenticeship, a Writing-desk, by the Teacher and Scholars of the St. Barnabas National Schools, South Kennington.

To Mr. J. CHICK, late Assistant-Master of Ipstones School, Miller's Philosophy of History, by the Children.

To Mrs. WOODCOCK, on leaving the National School, Bakewell, Derbyshire, a Writing-desk, by the Children of the School.

To Mr. JOSEPH BOULDEN, on resigning the office of Secretary to the Metropolitan Church Schoolmasters' Association, a Skeleton Timepiece, from the Members.

To Mr. WILLIAM PULHAM, a Church-service, by the Choir of St. Mark's, Staplefield, Sussex.

To the Rev. E. RUDGE, on his resigning the Chaplaincy of the North Surrey Industrial Schools, Anerley, Surrey, a Silver Inkstand, by the Teachers, other Officers, and Servants of the Establishment. To Mr. THOMAS FRY, by the Teachers and Children, Pinnock's History of England and Shakespeare's Plays, on the completion of his Apprenticeship, fourth year, in the Castle Combe School.

APPOINTMENTS.-Mr. ROBERT COWLING, for more than ten years of Notting Hill, to the Free Grammar School, Somerton, Somerset.

Mr. J. COOKE, late Student at the York and Ripon Training College, to the Caldon Low National School, near Cheadle, Staffordshire.

Mr. J. HOLMES, from Battersea, to Church-of-England Schools, Broughton-cum-Filkins, Lechlade, instead of Gloucester, as printed in our last.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

We cannot undertake to notice anonymous communications, nor to insert letters or information received after the 20th. The name and address of our correspondents should always be sent, though not necessarily for publication.

"C. Z." Teachers under thirty-five years of age are not allowed to be candidates for registration. There is nothing apparently in the Minute of the 20th of August 1853 to prevent an unsuccessful candidate for a Certificate of Merit becoming a candidate for registration.

"Gymnastic Exercises." A Subscriber will find a woodcut of circular swings, parallel and leapingbars, &c., at page 209 of the Monthly Paper for 1852, and a caution at page 242, given by a correspondent in answer to a similar inquiry to that made by "A Subscriber."

"G. Lee." We regret that the notice is unsatisfactory; our limited space makes it absolutely necessary to avoid entering into details, and we endeavour to shorten all the notices as much as possible on one plan.

"A Village-School Teacher." Your reflections on the charity of others preclude us from making use of your letter.

"H. Le B.," "J. Macfarland," "S. N. A. E. W." are thanked; their communications are under consideration.

"C. W.," "J. W. G.," "Tee," "J. B. Jones," declined with thanks.

"A Master." Inquiry declined.

"A. R." Our notices are necessarily confined to Church-of-England Schools.

"M. J. L." is thanked. We hope to find space in a future Number for his notes.

"C. B." Your letter came to hand after the 20th, when our pages were already more than preoccupied; but if it had been otherwise we fear we could not have published your letter without occupying our limited space with a lengthened correspondence on a subject which is addressed to only a very small portion of our Subscribers.

"J.S." The list of persons exempt from serving on juries may be ascertained by a reference to the overseer of your parish.

"Phalanger." There are depositories at Maidstone and Gravesend. Each dépôt makes its own regulations with respect to what shall be charged for carriage of goods.

The Norwich Board Report has been received, and shall be noticed in due course.

"Scholastic." The parts III. and IV. can be had by remitting the stamps as you propose. Your

last inquiry should state more explicitly what you mean by the "half-hour" system.

We had hoped to insert the Class List, but up to the time of our going to press the entire List had not reached us from the Committee of Council on Education. It was expected the List would be completed in a few days.

[blocks in formation]

THE Meetings of the Committee of this Society have been attended during the past month by his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Romney, Lord Redesdale, Rev. Lord John Thynne, Right Hon. W. Henley, M.P.; Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart.; Sir Thomas Phillips, the Ven. Archdeacons Sinclair and Harrison, the Revs. Canons Wordsworth and Jennings.

Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the Society is fixed to take place on Wednesday the 4th June, at twelve o'clock.

The Meeting of Secretaries is fixed for the same hour on Tuesday, the preceding day.

Westminster Institution

FOR TRAINING SCHOOLMISTRESSES, SMITH SQUARE.

The Committee have given their anxious attention to the fact of a gradual decrease in the number of candidates for admission to this Institution, notwithstanding the continued demand for schoolmistresses adapted to schools not under Government inspection. The Committee have considered it prudent to dispense with one of the houses hitherto occupied by the Society for lodging the schoolmistresses in training; and also to make reductions generally in the training establishment. The Committee have taken this step most reluctantly; and they would be glad of any assistance which the Clergy and friends of Education may be able to give in procuring suitable candidates for admission to the Institution. Admission-papers and all necessary particulars may be obtained on application to Mrs. Barber, Matron, Smith Square, St. John's, Westminster.

Building Grants.

The following Grants have been voted by the Committee since the last announcement:

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« PredošláPokračovať »