L J Cope Shipbourne School 1893

25^th September 1893 School was re- opened this morning after five weeks vacation with an attendance of 77. Hop picking only concluded on Friday.

29^th September 1893 The Rev A Simpson visited twice this week. Class Subjects require working up, especially upper division Geography appears to be forgotten. Average for week 81.6; 123 on roll.

6^th October 1893 Standard 3 commenced Compound Addition. Several children left school, some have removed, Michaelmas, whilst others are either qualified by age or standard for exemption. Acorn gathering is now cause of irregularity although average this week has improved and risen to 98.1. Several new admissions, no. on books 126.

9^th October 1893 Registers examined and found correct signed Geo Wenbon

13^th October 1893 Mr Wenborn visited this week, checked the Registers and distributed monthly periodicals. I examined Standards I and II today, found Arithmetic weak. Clare Peacock and Elizabeth Warren have left school according to notification received from their parents. No. on Books now 124; this week’s average 109.1. The rainwater gutter on girls’ lobby needs repair, the porch on Wednesday was flooded and girls’ clothing had to be removed to infants’ classroom; I have mentioned it, and drawn the attention of the Correspondent thereto.

20^th October 1893 The builder Mr J Allcorn called and inspected gutters on girls’ porch. The mantelshelf in infants’ classroom fell yesterday afternoon and will need replacement. The following Object Lessons will be given to the Infants’ Class.

1 Horse

2 Fox

3 Chicken

4 Bricklayer

5 Carpenter

6 Autumn

7 Tea Plant

8 Turnip

Average attendance for week 111.6. Needlework materials ordered for girls’ use.

27^th October 1893 The Rev AG Simpson and Mr Wenborn, the Vice Chairman of the Hadlow School Board and Mr Hy Weavie visited on Thursday (yesterday)

Work continues as usual, Spelling requires constant attention. Charles Whyman, 7^th Standard left school, employed minding game on Fairlawn Estate. Average for week 115.6

3^rd November 1893 The Second quarter of school year ends, names re- entered in Registers. Reclassified those children who were unable to grasp the work of their respective class. Needlework materials received as per order. School opened 87 times dutring quarter, average for same 108.8 No. on Books 123

7^th November 1893 Admitted Alfred William and Elizabeth Billings late of Plaxtol now resident in this village. Mr White called yesterday.

10^th November 1893 The attendance, with two or three notable exceptions, is well maintained throughout. Standards 1 and 2 thoroughly examined today, did better work than on last occasion 13^th October. The Vicar looked in this afternoon and paid the monthly accounts. Mr Allcorn and men repaired mantelshelf and gutters of girls’ porch this week. Commenced fires in rooms. The Wolfes admitted in October from Hildenborough are very dull, the eldest boy appears to be defective in intellect.

17^th November 1893 Standard 3 seems very dull and careless and not as ready and bright as one would wish. Average this week 116. I called the Managers attention to the repeated irregularity of Edith and Arthur Brice. Supply of wood received for firing.

24^th November 1893 Admitted Kate Holmes, who has not been to school for past six months and is fearfully backward, to Standard 1. The Wood Carving Class to be held by County Council arrangement meets this evening for first course in the classroom. Average this week 114.9. No on Books 126

1^st December 1893 I applied for more desks, infants require some badly. Admitted two girls to Standard II. Average this week 116.4; on Books 128

6^th December 1893 Kindergarten Material received. Work proceeds as usual.

8^th December 1893 The attendance this week has been very good throughout, average 121.3. Work improves, Standard IV inclined to be lax on Class subjects especially the girls who wait for boys to answer.

15^th December 1893 The Rev AG Simpson and Mr Wenborn visited the latter checking the Attendance and inviting children, as a reward for regularity, to a tea and entertainment on 20^th. Average for week 117.2 Standard II are improving especially in Handwriting.

22^nd December 1893 Mrs Cazalet and Miss Heron-Maxwell visited and invited children to tea. School closes for usual Xmas term. Average 124.4

1894

8^th January 1894 School reopened today with small attendance, only to be again closed however by medical order on account of an outbreak of measles, till 29^th January.

29^th January 1894 Extension of medical order for closure till 5^th February measles still prevalent.

5^th February 1894 School reopened 83 scholars present. Re-entered names in 4^th quarter of Attendance Registers. Work retrograded.

9^th February 1894 The Holmes family removed to Hever. Average for week 94.4 Several children, especially Infants still too ill to attend.

The following Object Lessons will be given to the Infants’ Class:-

1 Monkey

2 Camel

3 Elephant

4 Winter

5 Tea

6 Orange

16^th February 1894 Several children still unable to attend; but attendance generally improved, average 107.8 Standard III seem dull and backward.

23^rd February 1894 Nothing to record. Average 106.2 No. on Books 127

3^rd March 1894 Working away with Arithmetical problems. Standard VII some trouble. Geo Ireland returned to school having been away since 22^nd December. Sent list of irregulars to Attendance Officer. Average 119.6

10^th March 1894 Rainy weather has lowered attendance this week in each class, weekly average dropped to 102. Received new material and three desks for Infants; which were badly needed.

17^th March 1894 Improved attendance paper work fluctuates somewhat, results not uniformly satisfactory. Lower Division learnt a new School song. The Sanitary Inspector ( Mr C Souter ) inspected offices etc today.

23^rd March 1894 Tomorrow Good Friday no school.

31^st March 1894 Vicar intimated his intention of asking the Inspector to make an early fixture of annual examination as he would like use of room for Nigger Entertainment. Considering the school was closed by medical order, a month since Xmas, and many children appear delicate since their attack of measles, a little more – instead of less – time for preparation would have been acceptable.

6^th April 1894 Work is improving throughout. Standards I and II passed a good Examination. Standard III not so intelligent as other Classes.

13^th April 1894 Visitors: Major General Luard and Rev A Simpson. The Standard V Model set. Hexagonal pyramid- is beyond Syllabus requirement for that Standard. Attendance good; devoting special attention to problematic arithmetic.

20^th April 1894 School on Wednesday, the 18^th from 9am to 1 pm. The Vicar called, Confirmation in afternoon Received notice of annual Government examination on 2^nd May. Works proceeds as usual.

27^th April 1894 Work progressing in usual style. Attendance maintained. 117.5 weekly average. Sent a return of four irregulars to Officer.

30^th April 1894 School year closes today. Re-entered scholars names in Registers. The school during the year first closed has only been opened 393 times on account of closure by Medical Officer of Health for a month from 8^th January to 5^th February 1894. The annual average is 113.4 consisting of :

Infant Boys’ 22.8 Infant Girls’ 15.9

Elder Boys’ 35.7 Elder Girls’ 38.8

The number on Books Infants 46 Mixed 79

2^nd May 1894 List of School Songs

Division 1

1 Daisy Dimple (action)

2 The Shopman (action)

3 Little Bo-Peep

Division 2

1 The Dolls Chorus

2 Home sweet home

3 Father Christmas

4 Smiling little valley

5 The crafty Fox

Division 3

1 Over rock and over weed

2 Home sweet Home

3 Father Christmas

4 Laugh and grow fat

5 Now pray we for our Country

Recitation for 1894 –5

Standard I Signs of Seasons

Standard II Homes of England

Standard III Bruce and Spider

Standards IV –VII Mazappa

Class Subjects English and Geography

Standards IV – VII taking work of Standard VI as one group.

4^th May 1894 The School was inspected and the scholars examined on Wednesday by J Carrington Ley Esq and Mr Maggs, in the presence of the Correspondent and Mr Wenborn. Average attendance for week 121.3

11^th May 1894 Duplicate Schedule received from Education Department. Admitted several young children to Infants Class. Draughted scholars and commenced teaching new Standard work. Average 127.3

School closed for usual Whit-week vacation.

31^st May 1894 Mr Wenborn visited on Tuesday afternoon and distribute magazines to children. Work making a fair start throughout. Ordered new books and school materials.

1^st June 1894 Summary of Her Majesty’s Inspector’s Report for school year ending 30^th April 1894

Mixed School. “The instruction is, as usual here, bright and intelligent, and excepting some weakness in Arithmetic on the fourth and sixth Standards the results are highly satisfactory. Class answering and Singing by Note are equally commendable.”

Infants’ Class. “The infants are excellently taught by the best methods.”

E M M Simmons is continued under Article 68 of Code.

Lorence John Cope Certificated Master

Amy Maude Cope Assistant Mistress Article 50

Elizabeth Mary M Simmons Assistant Article 68

Signed AGK Simpson Correspondent

8^th June 1894 Attendance lower this week, several children especially infants away with heavy colds. Work continues as usual. Average118

15^th June 1894 Mr Wenborn kindly presented a model of the “Tower Bridge” for school. Received the converted cupboard glazed as Museum for specimens which I hope to interest children in and obtain contributions from them to it. Average better. 129.3 for week 140 on books. Admitted Palmer’s children late of Ightham.

22^nd June 1894 Standard V commenced to learn easy sums in Compound Practice. A slight falling off in boys’ attendance hay making having commenced. Average for week 128.8

29^th June 1894 Received supply of Kindergarten Material. Attendance exceptionally good. Average 136.1

5^th July 1894 Mr Wenborn checked the Attendance yesterday and distributed magazines to children. Tuesday was set apart for Religious examination so Registers not marked on that day. The Rye family have removed to Hadlow; names taken off roll. No. on Books now 137. Average for week 127.8

13^th July 1894 Attendance very good this week, average 133.6. Taught new school song. The following Object Lessons will be given to Infants’ Class, viz

1 Frog

2 Deer

3 Goat

4 Harvest

5 Post Office

6 Carpenter

20^th July 1894 Standard V commenced “Bills of Parcels” Attendance well maintained, average for week 131

27^th July 1894 The Davidson family have removed from the village. First quarter of school year closes today, re-entered names of scholars in Registers. Average for quarter 127.1 No. on Books 134

3^rd August 1894 Standard IV working Compound Long Division. Prizes for Regularity distributed yesterday by Mrs Cazalet. Average this week 122.8

10^th August 1894 Holiday on Monday – Bank Holiday. The Coopers have left district No on Books no 134, average 118.6. Sent several names, absentees, to Attendance Officer.

17^th August 1894 Work steadily progressing. Average attendance 125.7

24^th August 1894 Work satisfactory except Spelling.

31^st August 1894 School closed from today for usual five weeks vacation. Average for week 128.8

15^th October 1894 School re-opened this morning, 72 children in attendance. Hop picking and nut gathering not finished. Seven children left the number now on books is 127.

19^th October 1894 Arithmetic in upper Standards suffering from careless mechanical mistakes. Received new books and supply of material. Average attendance for week 84.5

26^th October 1894 The Rev AG Simpson visited on Tuesday and Friday: Mr Wenborn on Tuesday afternoon, distributing magazines to children. Mr W Cole Attendance Officer visited on Friday, examined Registers enquired for absentees and left copies of new Bye Laws which were given out to families at close of school. Average attendance this week 106.3 Admitted one infant, Mabel Ovenden. No. on roll 129

The following Object Lessons will be given to the Infants’ Class.

1 Hedgehog

2 Goose

3 Stag

4 Fish

5 Train

6 Blacksmith

2^nd November 1894 Names re-entered in Attendance Registers for third quarter of school year.

9^th November 1894 Work continues as usual. Nothing of note to record. Average attendance 117.1

16^th November 1894 The Rev AG Simpson visited each day during this week; Mr Wenborn yesterday. Admitted three children this week, No. on Books now 128, average 90.0 which is very low on account of heavy rains and flooded roads.

23^rd November 1894 Work makes fair progress, several children away from school ill. Average 109.6 Received timpiece for Infants’ Room.

30^th November 1894 Three families away by medical order with Scarlatina. Used plenty of disinfectant in offices and rooms. Average 102.7

7^th December 1894 Sveral fresh cases of Scarletina, average only 87 a decrease of 16 on previous week whilst some remain away through fear.

12^th December 1894 School closed from today by medical order of the Officer of Health Dr Butterfield until 13^th January 1895.

E M M Simmons concluded duties as Additional Teacher here. Average this week 78.3

1895

14^th January 1895 School re-opened this morning. The Rev AG Simpson and Mr Wenborn called.

Anna Marion Carter of Roughway born 3^rd April 1875 commenced duty as Monitress in Mixed School with a view to approval by HM Inspector as Article 68

18^th January 1895 Average this week 73 school really should not have been open this week.

24^th January 1895 The heavy snows and delicate health of scholars militate against attendance. Work sadly interfered with, Nothing of note to record.

25^th January 1895 Master away this morning from 10 o’clock. Upper Standards in charge of Mistress, Infants with a Monitress.

Master returned at noon. The severe weather has reduced average this week to 89 which however is an improvement on last week. Standard IV working away with Recuction “Weights and Measures”

1^st February 1895 The third quarter of year closes tonight with average of 92.8

The following Object Lessons will be given to Infants’ Class

1 A Clock

2 Hairbrush

3 The Robin

4 Envelope

5 Springtime

6 Grain of Wheat

15^th February 1895 Trying to surmount difficulties and working away with those present.

22^nd February 1895 Mrs Cazalet visited and distribute prizes for proficiency in various subjects. She heard several part-songs, examined the writing, needlework and knitting and in addressing the children praised their needlework and music promising to give similar rewards at close of civil year. Average 101.3 this week.

1^st March 1895 Several children returned to school and attendance throughout better, average for the week 110.2. The work especially in Arithmetic has been retarded by recent epidemic and severe weather. Three girls have left this week, having by age become exempt from compulsory powers of Bye Laws.

8^th March 1895 Received approximate number form from Mahor General Luard preparatory for examination in Drawing. Admitted several new scholars, several others are leaving consequent on changes made by new owner of the Dene Park Estate, Mr Hollams. Arithmetic and Spelling still require great attention.

14^th March 1895 The Master absent this week with influenza. The Vicar called each day. The Infants are taught by a Monitress under supervision of Mistress who takes upper Standards. Several children also absent through influenza or nursing parents who are afflicted thereby. The two Newman’s from Leybourne admitted on Monday; the two Humphrey’s have left.

15^th March 1895 The Mistress down with influenza, no school today in consequence. School open eight times this week. Average 99.7

18^th March 1895 The Master resumed duties this morning. The Vicar called. Admitted two infants. Many children away with influenza. Number present this morning but 91.

22^nd March 1895 The Rev AG Simpson visited daily. The Mistress resumed duty today. Another family down with scarlatina viz the Jenner’s. The Sanitary Inspector called this morning. Received notice of Drawing examination viz 2^nd April 2pm. Average 91.9 Lady-day has several changes on farms, children migrating in consequence.

29^th March 1895 Received, filled up, and returned Form 8M. The Brice and Smith families leave today, all sharp and intelligent children. Sent list of irregulars to Attendance Officer. Standards 1 and 2 careless with Writing, both Transcription and Copy Book. One of two children returned to school this week after absence of four months. Average 103.9 Number on Books 128

5^th April 1895 The boys were examined in Drawing on Tuesday afternoon last by the Local Inspector, Major General Luard, in presence of the Correspondent.

Working away with Arithmetical problems. The School Attendance Officer called today having taken attendances made by Ridley during past eight weeks viz 26 out of possible 74.

12^th April 1895 School open eight times – Friday being Good Friday. Average but 89.9 this week compared with 113.4 last.

17^th April 1895 No school on Monday last – Bank Holiday. Work proceeding as usual.

30^th April 1895 Received new Registers of Attendance and entered names therin. The School year closes today. School has been opened 396 times with and annual average of : Infant Boys 15.8 Infant Girls 10.5

Older Scholars Boys 38.1 Girls 44.8

Total Annual Average 110.3

Number at present on Roll 122

The Award of the Science and Art Department on results of recent examination in Drawing is again “Good”

The school was closed during the year by order of the Medical Officer of Health from 12^th December 1894 to 14^th January 1895

1^st May 1895 Names entered in new Attendance Registers. 121 on books, 110 present this morning.

10^th May 1895 Form 170 received from Education Department stating “My Lords are willing to waive the Inspection this year under Article 84 (a) of the Code”

List of School Songs 1894 –5

Infants 1 The Blacksmith (Action)

2 Gently rock the Cradle

3 The Little Dolly

Lower Division 1 Be happy and good

2 Industry

3 Heigh-ho!

4 Lightly now

5 Higher will we climb

Upper Division 1 Lullaby

2 British Grenadiers

3 Stars of the summer night

4 Jock o’ Hazeldean

5 Canadian Boat Song

17^th May 1895 Visitors this week:- Mrs Cazalet, Rev AGK Simpson and Mr Wenborn.

Children drafted to their Standards and work of each commenced. Admitted weveral infants. Mrs Cazalet and the Vicar congratulated staff on the fact that the annual examination was dispensed with. The following Object Lessons will be given to Infants Class.

1 Mouse

2 Dew

3 Number

4 Sun

5 Cat

6 Elephant

24^th May 1895 List of irregulars sent to Attendance Officer. Average 111.9 attendance generally good. The kitchen and exterior of Masters residence undergoing repairs, painting, colouring etc Alice Wolfe aged 14 years left for service, the three Jenners left the village removed to Underriver.

31^st May 1895 Standard I and II do not appear to have gained as much knowledge from their Object Lessons as I should wish, their teacher is too easy with them. The usual week’s Whit vacation will be given.

14^th June 1895 Several new admissions. W Warren left for work. Standard V find some difficulty with Bill and Standard III with Long Division otherwise new work progressing favourably. Ordered new textbooks and material. To get the best results and work in most efficient manner I require help with upper Standards having 64 scholars in Standards III – VII to instruct without any assistance whatsoever. This, coupled with commencement of new rules necessitating much Black board demonstration, and constant supervision of Standards I and II, constitutes severe strain and hard work. Commenced a new song “Learn a little every day” for seniors, and seniors, and “The Restless Stream” for juniors.

21^st June 1895 Sanitary Officer who inspected school offices etc.

Received new books, Geography Standard VII and Science Readers for lower Standards. Examined Standards 1 and 2 in their Object Lessons which were better know than on the last occasion I took them. Average 126.2 Number on Roll 139.

27^th June 1895 The Bartlett family have left the village, names taken off roll. Number on Books 137, Average for week 122.1

5^th July 1895 Admitted three new scholars to Infants’ Class. Standards 1 and 2 do not make the progress I should wish for either in Elementary or Class subjects.

12^th June 1895 No school on Wednesday the Choir (Church) taking their annual excursion, the Sunday School (Chapel) holding their anniversary and summer treat.

Admitted four children, the Elliott family (4) are leaving the village. New Kindergarten material ordered.

18^th July 1895 Admitted one scholar, two left the village. No attendance marked tomorrow (El: Ed. Act section 7) Average for week 116.6 Number on Books 139

26^th July 1895 Form 170 received from Education Department. Anna M Carter who has been assisting here with lower Standards since 14^th January 1895 notifies her intention of relinquishing work at hop picking vacation as her parents are removing to London in September. Standard I did not do well today with me in Arithmetic; Notation and arrangement of sums very weak. Geography too, but fair.

Average for week 117.4 Number on Books 140 Admitted a girl to Infants’ Class.

2^nd August 1895 Alfred Wickenden of Ightham Mote Cottages left this school for Plaxtol; admitted a visitor for a few weeks. Re-entered names in Attendance Registers and compiled totals for first quarter of school year. School opened 122 times, average for quarter Boys 64 Girls 54.5 This shows a decrease of 8 on corresponding quarter of last year.

9^th August 1895 The attendance this week has improved, average 126.6. I have had Standard II all week working in my room leaving Standard I for Assistant to work up. I took them this afternoon but was disappointed with results especially in Spelling and Arithmetic. Re-admitted Harold Kent an infant who has been away from home over four months.

17^th August 1895 Work proceeding as usual, attendance this week good, average 130.9 The scholars were photographed on Tuesday. One infant admitted, one dead. Sent Clara Warren’s and Edith Cheesman’s names and attendances to Attendance Officer.

23^rd August 1895 School closes from today for the usual hop picking holidays – five weeks. Miss A M Carter concludes her duties here.