LJ Cope Shipbourne School 1891
9th October 1891 As hop picking is not quite completed the attendance this week has been meagre. Three children have left, removed from Shipbourne.
16th October 1891 The Rev A Simpson and Mr Wenborn visited. The children received the rewards for regular attendance given by the Committee on Wednesday afternoon. Two new admissions this week. E Pilbeam reached the age of 13 years has left. The children have returned to school this week, the holidays appear to have affected their memories. Standard III commenced Compound Rules, (Addition)
20th October 1891 Mr Tucker visited this morning and overlooked Registers. Some children prevented by heavy rains and dirty by ways from being at school. The following Object Lessons will be given to the Infants’ Class.
1 Cow
2 Butter
3 Pig
4 Salmon
5 Wheat
6 Wood
27th October 1891 Mr Wenborn visited and commented on the cheerful and neat appearance of the children and distributed monthly periodicals for home reading. These I find have a good effect on the reading and awakens interest in literature.
3rd November 1891 The afternoon meeting commences at 1 pm. Registers closed by 1.5pm, lessons taken half an hour earlier throughout. 93 children present. Admitted two new families this week.
17th November 1891 The 3 children of Cripps’ family left this school on account of grandmother’s removal and attending Stone Street school. Admitted Geo: Vigo this week. I have sent a list of the absentees to the Attendance Officer, and received from his Committee a number of circulars on Attendance for distribution.
19th November 1891 Several infants away with colds this week. Received new books, stationary and slates for children’s use. Attendance rather small this afternoon.
27th Nov 1891 The boy Johnson has gone to reside at Plaxtol and will in future attend that school. Rhoda M Savage is likely to remain with relatives at Sheerness so I have cancelled her name. Many infants still away with heavy colds. A portion of the ceiling in classroom fell this morning, the room at the time was fortunately unoccupied.
4th December 1891 The two Peacocks were absent on Monday to attend the Government examination at their late school. The Proficiency Schedule received from Education Department shows that Caroline Packham who presented herself at St Lawrence’s School Seal for examination in Standard IV on 24th November failed to pass in Writing.
11th December 1891 Work continues as usual. The children are taking great interest in a Cantata viz “The Bundle of Sticks” which they are preparing after school for their Christmas Entertainment.
18th December 1891 A new cupboard is required for school materials, the carpenter called yesterday before school hours and took measurements.
23rd December 1891 Visitors. The Rev A Simpson and Mr Wenborn. The children acquitted themselves well in the entertainment they gave on Monday evening, and as it was somewhat of a novel character in this village it was well attended. Each child received a Christmas gift and orange the following day. This afternoon Mr Wenborn kindly gave a pretty Christmas card to those present and after exchange of seasonable wishes the school was closed until 4th January 1892.
1892
4th January 1892 Influenza has been abroad, many children absent on that account. The school cleaner, Mr Baldwin, who has acted in that capacity for some 15 years, has become a victim to its effects of prostration. 79 children in attendance.
15th January 1892 The improvement in Standard IV attainment, with a few exceptions, has been maintained especially in English; Dictation however is still the weakest subject. Only half the number of infants in the roll are in attendance. One new admission this week to Standard 3.
22nd January 1892 The general attendance has somewhat improved, the weekly average being 8.2 in excess of last week’s.
29th January 1892 I have ordered new Attendance Registers, Infant Readers etc. Attendance exceptionally good, with exception of upper Standard boys yesterday and today who are cover beating for shooting parties, the average being 89.8 for the week.
3rd February 1892 School opened six times this week, the Vicar requires the room tomorrow for a tea, the following day it will be cleaned, which cleaning has been postpone from Xmas vacation until after this event.
9th February 1892 School resumed yesterday with a goodly number present. Work continues as usual; Spelling still requiring much attention. Arithmetic careless in Standards 3 and 4 especially amoungst the girls.
19th February 1892 Admitted two boys McNeill newcomers to village. Severe weather decreased infant average but snow plough had been along the roads very early so attendance was not so small as it would undoubtedly otherwise have been.
24th February 1892 Admitted two boys West from Tunbridge Wells, one of them exceedingly backward, and an infant girl, Quinell.
Arithmetic on paper yesterday carelessly and untidily done.
26th February 1892 Again advertised for an Assistant Mistress for Lower Standards.
1st March 1892 I notified Religious Instruction would be given tomorrow Ash Wednesday 11.30 am the elder children attend Church at that hour. Registers called and closed by 9.15 am
Drawing improves in upper classes. 100 children present this morning, 98 this afternoon. Working hard with Arithmetic and Spelling.
4th March 1892 So few children come on Wednesday on account of weather that no school was held. Science and Art Form received and returned filled up to Major General Luard Local Inspector.
11th Mrach 1892 Notice publicly read and affixed of Religious Inspection on 25th March at 2pm. Mr Cunningham sent to soy Albert had left school and obtained a situation at Ightham Mote.
25th March 1892 William Vanns obtained situation at Puttenden and left school.
1st April 1892 Walter Geo Savage left, will reside with aunt at Gravesend.
8th April 1892 Drawing examination conducted this morning by Major General Luard Local Inspector; in the presence of the Rev A Simpson. Timetable departed from in consequence thereof; the girls taking Needlework meanwhile.
14th April 1892 School closes tonight until Tuesday morning. The Saunders’ away by medical authority on account of scarlet fever in the house. Ellen Humphrey returned to school this week after eighteen weeks consecutive absence through illness; the brother still unfit to attend. Alfred Warren away for a time, scaring birds on Church gate Farm. Sent the Attendance Officer a list of absentees.
Grammar (Standard IV) still requires attention. Arithmetic lately improved.
22nd April 1892 Winifred Gossett left and gone to school at East Grinstead.
30th April 1892 The school year ends today; received new Registers and entered scholars names. The average attendance for year is 27.7 in Infants Class and 59.8 in school for older scholars. 110 children on books.
An Assistant Mistress has been engaged and will commence duties on Monday next.
3rd May 1892 Elizabeth M M Simmonds, late of Hadlow Girls’ School, commemced duties here yesterday under Article 68 taking the two lower Standards.
Mrs Clarke called to say Dr Lipscombe had forbidden Alice Clarke to attend school until he gave permission.
Mr Tucke School Attendance Officer called and left forms of returns for teachers’ use.
13th May 1892 Admitted Kate West to Standard V and Emma Jones to Standard IV
16th May 1892 List of School Songs
Infants
1 The Trees
2 Dolls Chorus
3 Good night
Lower Division II
1 Hurrah for England
2 Around the hearth
3 Give me a man
4 Evening is falling to sleep
5 The Raindrops
Upper Division III
1 The sad autumn winds
2 O England
3 The Raindrops
4 Evening is falling to sleep
5 The Skylark
20th May 1892 The school was inspected and the scholars (107 present) examined on Monday last by J Carrington Ley Esq HM Inspector and his Assistant Mr Maggs in the presence of Rev AG Simpson and Mr Wenborn.
Several infants admitted on Tuesday.
Drafted children in higher Classes and commenced new work.
27th May 1892 Admitted five children to infants’ class. Duplicate examination schedule received showing passes for Labour Certificates. Arthur Avis and Mary Pucknell have left school for work.
The following Object Lessons will be given to Infant Class.
1 Sheep
2 Goat
3 Duck
4 Haymaking
5 Garden
6 Fruit
13th June 1892 School re-opened this morning after Whitsun recess with good attendance. Admitted several new scholars.
15th June 1892 Mistress absent this afternoon, Infants under charge of a Monitor with Master’s supervision. Girls Needlework not taken.
17th June 1892 The Science and Arts Department have awarded the school the mark “Good” on the results of the Drawing examination held in April. Several children admitted to the Infants Class, two Winders’ from Plaxtol School admitted to Standards both very backward.
21st June 1892 Summary of Her Majesty’s Inspector’s Report for year ending 30th April 1892
Mixed School “The sample of children examined in Composition in the fifth Standard was not quick in apprehending the point of the story, but with this exception all the results of the examination are very good and in all other respects the school may be said to be in a very high state of efficiency. Singing is good on both Departments.”
Infants’ Class “The infants, as usual here, are taught with very marked success.”
E M M Simmons is recognised under Article 68 School Staff
Lorence John Cope Certificated Master
Amy Maude Cope Assistant Article 50
Elizabeth M M Simmins Additional Teacher Article 68
Signed AGK Simpson
(Note in margin 56:17 23:16 D 2:4)
24th June 1892 Beatrice Lewis removed to Tonbridge Hospital for Infectious Diseases – scarlet fever case. Fred Maddocks absent through illness, Linda M Savage left the village. With exception of two or three children the attendance is very satisfactory.
Examined Standards 1 and 2 today. Notation and Spelling require careful attention. Taught new song to upper classes.
1st July 1892 Several younger children away ill.
8th July 1892 Admitted two children to Infants’ Class. Commenced a new song “Willow the King”. Standard IV making better progress with new Arithmetical Exercises than Standard V. Geography at present very elementary.
11th July 1892 The Master absent one hour this afternoon the Mistress in charge.
16th July 1892 The attendance this week has fallen to lowest point obtained during the quarter viz 92.1 fruit picking being general in the neighbourhood; there is however and exceedingly good muster of infants, their weekly average being 34.2
23rd July 1892 Little progress can be made in the instruction on account of the many absentees. Henry Garrett and Arthur Pilbeam two VI Standard lads have left school.
29th July 1892 Attendance still lax especially yesterday afternoon.
5th August 1892 Several children returned to school after fruit gathering; a list of those still away sent today to Attendance Officer.
School opened eight times this week, Monday no school as it was the August Bank Holiday.
12th August 1892 Linda Maude Savage left the village
26th August 1892 The School closes today for usual hop picking vacation. The attendance has been well maintained, the rewards (books) for regular attendance during past school year being distributed today. Average for week 114.6
3rd October 1892 The school re opened this morning after vacation with an attendance of 104. Some few children not yet returned from holiday resorts where they go at conclusion of hop picking. The Rev AG Simpson visited. The schools have been painted, coloured and varnished and present a clean and fresh aspect.
5th October 1892 The following list of Object Lessons will be given to the Infants.
1 Swan
2 Pheasant
3 Cow
4 A Drum
5 River
6 Coal
7 Sugar Plant
8 Beech
9 Oak
14th October 1892 Three children left and three new admissions. Mr Tucker called on Wednesday and remarked on the good attendance. Standard III commenced Compound Addition (Money)
21st October 1892 Received new Maps and apparatus for school use. Work continues to make steady progress. Standard IV commenced Reduction (Money) VI Standard appear dilatory in their work.
28th October 1892 Admitted a new comer to Infants’ Class. Rosetta Collins a Standard V girl left the district. The second quarter of school year closes today.
Names re-entered in the Attendance Registers. The lower division in Drawing are not making as much improvement as I should wish, although in general work they did better with me today than a fortnight ago.
Several children detained on Tuesday for being late, one boy James Collins repeatedly so.
The maps and blinds taken down for school cleaning during holidays were re-hung this week. Commenced fires in school for winter.
8th November 1892 This afternoon school meets from 1 to 3.10, Registers called and closed by 1:5 pm. The attendance slightly decreased in Infant Classes by an outbreak of mild chicken pox. Work making progress, IV Standard commenced Reduction. Avoirdupois.
18th November 1892 Two boys left the school, one over 13 years of age, the other departed from village.
The chicken pox answerable for infants’ irregularity still.
25th November 1892 Admitted two children to infants’ class. Infants attendance a trifle better, wet weather and muddy roads a terror to those recently ill. Examined Standard 1 and 2. Spelling still weak especially in Standard 2. The Assistant appears to work hard although in a somewhat harsh tone. Taught a new song.
2nd December 1892 Infant school harmonium returned after repair. Consequent on parochial removals of workmen on Fairlawn Estate the family of Cummingham’s (3) have left for Plaxtol. Admitted a new comer to Infants’ Class.
The caretaker and cleaner gave a month’s notice to relinquish her post. Several children still ill. Work continues as usual.
9th December 1892 Standard III taught Compound Subtraction, Standard V Simple Proportion (Method Unity). Working up Spellings in all classes. Upper classes had introductory physical exercises. Several children still away, ill.
16th December 1892 The Rev AG Simpson, Mr and Mrs Wenborn and White visited this week.
With exception of a few children absent the whole week with colds, the attendance is good throughout. Spelling improves a little in Standard 3. Writing careless.
23rd December 1892 School closed for a fortnight’s vacation.
1893
9th January 1893 School resumed with attendance of 98. Fifteen infants absent with colds etc.
13th January 1893 The new caretaker and cleaner commenced duties this week. The varnish and paint has in places suffered from rough treatment at public tea during holidays. Of 124 on books, no present at all has been 100. School suffers on account of bad roads etc in wintry weather.
20th January 1893 Admitted and infant, and re- admitted R White who has returned, and taken up residence in the village.
Mr Thomson Hankey, late a Manager of the Schools, was buried here this week.
The children had an hour’s entertainment, conjuring tricks etc. after school on Tuesday. All classes receiving special attention with Writing and Spelling which is still faulty.
27th January 1893 Admitted George Ireland to Standard V. Attendance this week has improved in Infant Class average for week, 109, about normal condition.
3rd February 1893 The Mistress absent three days this week with heavy cold. In every class there are many absentees, heavy colds and a case or two of measles, the average for week 79.8 the lowest this year by far.
Admitted an infant C Warren.
Mr Tucker, the Attendance Officer visited, reviewed the Registers and remarked on poor number present, of 125 on books, 21 have been absent all the week.
10th February 1893 I have this day forwarded a return of absentees to the Attendance Officer. Many children absent. Taught a new School Song to the upper division.
13th February 1893 The following list of Object Lessons will be given to Infants’ Class.
1 Rabbit
2 Peacock
3 Wheat
4 Hops
5 Lamp
6 Rain
Attendance today good, 110 present, an improvement on last week possibly result of Attendance Notices sent by the Officer.
17th February 1893 Capital school all the week, work improves all round. Ethel Payne left the village name cancelled in Attendance Register.
24th February 1893 The Mistress away ill with measles by medical command for two or three weeks. Albert Brice and Seale West both have left school; admitted Cyril Kent.
3rd March 1893 Several children away with mild form of measles. Admitted Reginald Larkin to Infants’ Class. Florence Humphrey removed to Plaxtol to live will be entered as Left, in attendance at Plaxtol.
10th March 1893 Mrs Cope returned on Monday last to duties. Small attendance this afternoon 75 present. Examined Standards 1 and 2, results improving. Working away at Arithmetic Problems Standard 3 and upwards. Standard V Composition not as full as I should wish; lack of general information.
13th March 1893 Admitted Arthur McNeill an infant. James Collins Standard VI boy called stating he had obtained employment at West Green and had left school.
Received and affixed notice of Inspection in Religious Knowledge (section 76 G Education Act) for 28th March at 2pm
24th March 1893 Many children absent through illness, renewed colds and slight form of measles. Admitted an infant boy visiting friends in the village. Work impeded by irregularity. Filled up and returned Form 8 M.
30th March 1893 School opened but six times this week. A much better attendance, average 108.3. Spelling improves, constant attention given to it. Examination schedules and Government Forms received from the Education Department.
7th April 1893 Monday was Bank Holiday. Admitted an infant girl. Sent list of irregulars to Attendance Officer.
14th April 1893 Notice of Drawing examination received. Two boys, Banfield and Peacock have left school. The Winder family removed tomorrow from the village. Work continues as usual.
19th April 1893 Tomorrow afternoon the lessons will not be taken on conformity with the Time-table; the boys being examined by Major General Luard, Local Inspector of Drawing, whilst the girls take Needlework
21st April 1893 The Rev AG Simpson and Mr Wenborn visited whilst the Drawing examination proceeded. Work continues as usual; Spelling much improved. Weekly average 113.9
29th April 1893 The school year is ended. No on Books 121. Annual average 104. 34 Admissions and 25 scholars left during the year.
1st May 1893 Admitted five new scholars today. Have written the Attendance Officer respecting F Cheesman’s continuous absence at work. Examination Forms and Schedules completed. Received p card from Correspondent stating the Inspection was fixed for 23rd May at 10.30 am. Working away at Arithmetical Problems.
5th May 1893 List of 5 names sent to Attendance Officer. John Humphrey gone to Tunbridge Wells Hospital – consumption of bowels. Average for week 112.9; No. on Books 125
19th May 1893 Mr Wenborn visited on Monday, checked the Attendance Registers and distributed some monthly periodical for home reading.
Mrs Wenborn visited this afternoon, and inspected the infants and girls’ knitting and garments; expressing herself thoroughly pleased with all. Two or three children gone away for Whitsun holiday visits and one or two ill. Average for week 112.1 Frank Cheesman returned on Monday having been absent 10 weeks which has not assisted his knowledge.
List of School Songs
Infants
1 The Train (Action)
2 Naughty Jack
3 Tramp, tramp
Lower Division
1 Laughing Morn
2 Spring Song
3 Summer Song
4 The Violet
5 Oh! What a world
Upper Division
1 Spring Delight
2 Willow the King
3 The School boy
4 We love our country
5 Oh! What a world
For year 1893 –4
1st Class Subject English Standard IV and upwards 1 group
2nd Class Subject Geography
Standards IV V VI VII one group taking Standard V work
Poetical Selections Standard I The Seasons
Standard II The Beggar Man
Standard III The Beggar Man and The Sunshine
Standard IV – VII Deserted Village
23rd May 1893 The school inspected and scholars examined (123 in attendance) this morning by J Carrington Ley Esq HMIS and his Assistant Mr Maggs; the Correspondent was present.
25th May 1893 As the scholars attended on Bank Holiday day previous to the annual inspection, tomorrow will be given in lieu thereof. The school will be closed for the following week – usual holiday given after the Government Inspection.
9th June 1893 Visitors: Rev A Simpson, Mr Wenborn and the School Attendance Officer Mr Cole.
Children drafted to higher Standards and new work commenced. Admitted several new comers mostly infants. Geo Streatfield a visitor returned to Brasted and H Maddocks ex VII Standard lad left to mind young game.
Average for week 120.5 No. on Books 133
The following course will be given to Infants
1 The Dog
2 The Lion
3 Donkey
4 Apple
5 Sparrow
6 Farmyard
13th June 1893 Report of HM Inspector for school year ending 30th April 1893
Mixed School “This carefully taught school continues to show very good results in all the branches of the children’s instruction. All the elementary work is accurate, the most praiseworthy feature being Spelling and the working of the Arithmetical problem. Singing tests are well done.”
Infants’ Class “ The infants, who are exceptionally numerous this year, are as well and carefully taught as hitherto.”
The classrooms should, if possible, be enlarged, as they are below the minimum size recognized by Rule 7 (a) Schedule VII of the Code.
E M Simmonds is continued under Article 68 School Staff
Lorence John Cope Certificated Master
Amy M Cope Assistant Mistress Article 50
Elizabeth M Simmons Additional Teacher Article 68
Signed AGK Simpson
17th June 1893 Several new admissions to Infants’ Class. Working away with new rules (Arithmetic) on Blackboard. Some elder children away fruit gathering. Average for week 111.9, on 13 weeks 136
22nd June 1893 Fruit picking still affects attendance in upper classes.
23rd June 1893 Work proceeding as usual. Commenced a new song “Laughter”
Average for week 104.8 No. on Books 136
30th June1893 The Correspondent visited on Tuesday, Mr Wenborn on Wednesday afternoon and the School Attendance Officer on Thursday. Standards 3 and 4 are making progress with Arithmetic. Average for week 114.9
7th July 1893 School opened eight times; holiday given on Wednesday – Choir boys outing to Brighton- instead of Thursday – Royal Wedding. Average for week 116
14th July 1893 Whole Attendance Committee explaining mode of granting Labour Certificates.
Average for week 116.2 No on Role 132
21st July 1893 Yesterday a holiday was given – the wedding day of WM Cazalet Esq the principal subscriber to, and Manager of , the Schools. The teachers and scholars presented a silver hot water jug on the occasion. Average this week 121.5
28th July 1893 Reg White left to reside at Tonbridge. Work making fair progress. Re-entered names in Attendance Register; first quarter of school year ends today.
Average for period 115.4. No. on Books 131. School opened 114.
4th August 1893 Half holiday on Tuesday – children’s annual treat at Fairlawn given by WM Cazalet Esq. Average for week 129.5 No. on Books 131.
11th August 1893 Monday last Bank Holiday. The two Virgo’es left for Warwick, names taken off Register. Average for week 119.3
18th August 1893 As hop picking commences next week the school will close from this afternoon for usual vacation. Average attendance 108.7
Several children intimated they were leaving school; the upper Standards are generally thinned here at this time of year.