L J Cope Shipbourne School 1895

4^th October 1895 The school re-opened on Monday 30^th September. Maria Charlotte Croucher from Barcombe commenced duty as Assistant on Tuesday but as she appears unable to maintain discipline or give necessary instruction as required by the Time Table I have advised the Correspondent to terminate her engagement.

Several children left and new admissions. Number on Books still 137, Average 115.5

7^th October 1895 Rev AG Simpson and Mr Wenborn visited. The Assistant left this morning, having been paid a month’s salary.

11^th October 1895 Annie Birch of Roughway aged 16 years commenced yesterday as Monitress; am advertising for Assistant Teacher. I have worked hard with lower Standard work, and restored discipline. The work although excessively heavy has been completed by overtime on my part. The Newman’s have left for Wye. Number on Books 134 Average 117

18^th October 1895 Mr White called on Tuesday. I gave Standard VI an amount of Blackboard work (vulgar fractions) Standard I and II have worked better this week, Standard III is somewhat dull and below the average; they are generally not a bright set. I hope shortly to have a qualified Assistant as it is the work is laborious. Mr Tucker School Attendance Officer paid a visit of enquiry. Attendance this week slightly better, average 118.2

25^th October 1895 Commenced fires yesterday. Standard 3 still slow to grasp their work. Average 118.3

2^nd November 1895 Admitted Reg. Axtell a visitor here for a few weeks, the Cox family removed to Crouch. Re-entered names in Attendance Registers. The second quarter of school year closes, the school has been opened 80 times during that period with an average attendance of 120.9 and 131 scholars on books.

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

1 Pheasant

2 Rail Station

3 Dog

4 Squirrel

5 Brown Bear

6 Post Office

9^th November 1895 School opened nine times this week Average 116.4 Annie Birch, Monitress terminates her duties.

15^th November 1895 Caroline Cecilia Feltham (Born 24/12/70) from Romsey commenced duty as Assistant under Articles 50-52 on Monday; Fanny Payne and Albert Pilbeam have reached the age of 13 years and left school. Average 118.8

20^th November 1895 Visited the School signed J Carrington Ley HMI

22^nd November 1895 Visitors this week; J Carrington Ley Esq HMI, Mr Maggs, Assistant Inspector, the Rev AB and Mrs Cotton, Rev A Simpson, and Mr Wenborn. The attendance has been good throughout the week, an average of 123.6 out of 130 on roll. Work proceeding as usual, Standard VI boys had first lesson in Mensuration.

29^th November 1895 Needle work material ordered received for scholars use. Standards 1 and 2 are working more carefully and shewing greater interest in neatness and accuracy in their work. The girls are taking a course of exercises in Scarf Drill.

6^th December 1895 The dinner children – 76- have this week been supplied with hot cocoa in the dinner houf; the experiment has been well taken up and appreciated by those who remain at school for their midday meal. Average this week 120.4

13^th December 1895 Mrs Cazalet and the Rev AG Simpson visited this week. Work proceeding as usual; received a pair of Blackboard Compasses for teachers’ use. Average 121

20^th December 1895 The school closes today for fortnights’ Christmas holidays. Fred Pilbeam has left, residing now at Tonbridge. Average 122.8

30^th December 1895 Mrs Cazalet gave the children a tea, Christmas tree and present. WM Cazalet Esq and the Rev A Simpson and A Cotton and Mr Wenborn attended.

The girls did various scarf drill exercises and carols were sung. The Vicar and Master acknowledged Mrs Cazalet’s kindness and generosity.

1896

10^th January 1896 Reggie Axtell returned to Wadhurst, name removed from roll; admitted William Trevena? Formerly of Marylebone School. Attendance good, weather being open and favourable.

17^th January 1896 The writing throughout the school is now improving and words are better spaced. Several of the Standards are now working Problematic Arithmetic with teacher on Blackboard. Attendance still maintained.

24^th January 1896 Work still proceeding in usual routine. Careless working is the worst fault generally, although there are a few laggards in each class. Mr Cole called this afternoon.

31^st January 1896 Mr Cotton gave Lantern Entertainment to children at close of school. Names re-entered in Attendance Registers; the third quarter of school year ending today.

7^th February1896 Lower Division learning new song “Childhood”. Supply of Fuel ordered and received.

14^th February 1896 Lady Heron Maxwell and Mrs Cazalet called on Tuesday afternoon. With the exception of a few children, about ten, away with colds the attendance continues to be good. Average 118.3

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

1 The Goat

2 Sheep

3 Salmon

4 Bricklayer

5 Shoemaker

6 Coffee

21^st February 1896 The brick floor of girls lobby repaired. Work proceeding as usual. Average 116

28^th February 1896 Sent names of irregulars to the School Attendance Officer. The Sanitary Inspector overlooked premises. The writing in lower Standards improves. Average this week 113.1

3^rd March 1896 No school today. Only a few children presented themselves, it being very wet with rough gale.

6^th March 1896 Florence Chambers called to say she had left school and brought Certificate of Baptism which certified she was baptised April 1883 consequently was 13 years last month; correction of age made in Admission Register. Received approx: number Form from Major General Luard Local Inspector of Science and Art. The upper boys improve in model Drawing but Standards 3 and 4 still weak in Freehand.

13^th March 1896 Work proceeding as usual, Spelling is now the worst subject. Working Arithmetic Problems on Blackboard. Admitted three new scholars recent arrivals at Ightham Mote.

20^th March 1896 Admitted three children Hadaways just come to reside in parish from Hildenborough district, very backward, lived a great distance from a school. Number on Books 133. Average this week 117.9

27^th March 1896 School opened nine times this week, the room being used for a Concert on Thursday afternoon. Mr Cotton gave a Lantern entertainment on Tuesday evening “Travels in the Holy Land”.

3^rd April 1896 Visitors: Rev AG Simpson; Dr Robert, Medical Officer of Health and Mr Souter Sanitary Inspector. On account of a case of typhoid, Gertrude Saunders, the medical authority examined the offices and took a sample of drinking water for purpose of analysis. No school today Good Friday; next week Easter vacation.

17^th April 1896 Received notice of the Drawing examination viz 17^th April 10 am. Standard 3 still backward in Spelling, Writing generally has improved. A course of Lectures under the management of Technical Education Committee of the County and Parish Councils for Women on Home Nursing commenced today as W. Men’s Club. John Hayes has left school to become Telegraph Boy Messenger and William Packham to assist local butcher. The former is qualified by age, the latter by examination. Four or five names, absentees, sent to Attendance Officer. The school walls were well brushed and paint washed during vacation. Kate Cooper, an infant died last week; admitted two infant boys and one girl. Number on Roll now 135. Average for week 120.9

23^rd April 1896 Master feeling very unwell, left school for an hour today. Ate Reverands AG Simpson and AB Cotton and WM Cazalet visited the Schools and inspected yards and offices on Monday afternoon.

1^st May 1896 Visitors: J Carrington Ley Esq HMIS, General Luard, Reverands AG Sipmson, AB Cotton. The Master away from school this week by medical order. Registers for 1896 –7 entered, and Returns for school year ending 30^th April made up. Annual average 119. The Assistant has had charge of Standards 1,2 and 3 whilst the Mistress has had upper Standards and Infants under charge of Monitress.

7^th May 1896 The Master returned to his duties having recovered from his illness. The Managers are closing the schools tomorrow to enable alterations of offices as suggested by the Sanitary Authority to be affected.

15^th May 1896 The Managers closed the school on Monday as alterations to offices were not completed. Examined Standards 1 and 2; Standard 2 backward in Arithmetic.

22^nd May 1896 School closes for usual Whit week vacation.

6^th June 1896 The Drawing award “Good” has again been received. The Master out of school an hour today. Work proceeding as usual.

12^th June 1896 Admitted two girls to Standard I. C Coles returned to London so entered as left.

Wednesday last was a very wet day, many children resident at a distance prevented from attending. Average for week 106.7 Standard VI careless with Complex Fractions. Commenced a new song “Cradle Song” The premises for past two months have been without a water supply. Dr Volker condemned previous supply as impure, and no action has since been taken in the matter. Number on Books now 133.

15^th June 1896 Report of HM Inspector of Schools for school year ending 30^th April 1896

“I am fully satisfied that the school has been taught throughout the year with the same diligence and ability as heretofore, and these remarks apply equally to the infant classes.”

Lorence John Cope Certificated Master

Amy Maude Cope Assistant Article 50

Caroline Cecilia Feltham Assistant Article 50 and 51

Signed AGK Simpson Correspondent

19^th June 1896 Work proceeding satisfactorily. Nothing of note to record. Weekly average 116.7

26^th June 1896 The wet weather yesterday has reduced the average to 113.3. Commenced Compound Addition Standard 3, Compound Practice with Standard 5. The upper division are learning a new song “Lullaby”

(In margin £88.5 29.15)

3^rd July 1896 The Sanitary Inspector Mr Souter visited and complained of disregard of his former instructions by the Managers. Received and affixed notice of Diocesan Examination fixed for Thursday the 16^th inst. Work proceeds as usual. Average 116

10^th July 1896 Lily Burgess, visitor, returned to London. Attendance good, work progressing.

17^th July 1896 The Dioscesan Inspector made his annual visit yesterday, consequently Registers only marked eight times this week. Average 121.5

24^th July 1896 Examined lower Standards today; the Arithmetic and Spelling in Standard 2 not satisfactory. Spelling weak amoungst Standard 3 boys. Carelessness and Inattention – causes. Average 110.6

31^st July 1896 The first quarter of the school year ends today.

Re-entered names in Registers, and examined classes throughout, the weakest subject being Spelling.

7^th August 1896 Last Monday Bank Holiday. Attendance good, average for week 118.8

14^th August 1896 The Reverands AG Simpson and AB Cotton visited, the latter giving a coin to the best writers. This afternoon the scholars had their annual treat and prize distribution in Fairlawn Park. School opened nine times this week.

21^st August 1896 Nothing of note to record, work proceeding as usual. Average 112.6

28^th August 1896 The school closes today for usual hop picking vacation. The attendance this week has been well maintained, the hop picking not having yet in this district commenced.

5^th October 1896 School resumed with a small attendance viz 60

9^th October 1896 Hop gathering not being completed the attendance this week has been small, average for week 68.9. Recapitulation of previous work.

16^th October 1896 Attendance improved, average for week 99. still several children absent.

23^rd October 1896 The Henbasts now living at Plaxtol have gone to that school.

30^th October 1896 The second quarter of school year end today. I have applied for piano for purposes of drill accompaniment.

6^th November 1896 Visitors this week; HM Inspector F Maggs Esq and the Correspondent, Rev AG Simpson. The school harmonium required for two or three weeks at the Church, so school has to manage without. Re-entered names in the Attendance Registers for third Quarter of year.

13^th November 1896 The attendance just now very even from week to week. Received new models for Standard V Drawing.

20^th November 1896 The Correspondent visited twice this week and took Religious Instruction with upper class. The Avis and Burr families have left the village. Re-admitted Geo. Jenner Number on Books 125. Average this week 115.5

27^th November 1896 Work proceeding as usual. The Managers are willing to vote £10 for purchase of a piano, but I question if a durable one fit for school work can be obtained for that amount.

4^th December 1896 Part of the classroom ceiling has again given way. Received new Science Readers Standard 3 and Test Cards for all Standards in Arithmetic. Mr Allcorn called to inspect building to enable him to make estimate and specifications for improved ventilation, much needed.

11^th December 1896 We are now supplying those children who remain at school for dinner with cocoa during the depth of winter; about seventy have this week availed themselves thereof.

23^rd December 1896 Mrs Cazalet gave the children their Xmas tea this evening. School closed from today for the Christmas holiday.

1897

8^th January 1897 The children well returned after vacation as they are preparing for an entertainment to be given this month. Received new pictures for Classroom and Stationary.

15^th January 1897 Admitted two children now resident in village, formerly of Plaxtol named Wood. Mrs Barden sent to say Constance had left school as she was over 13 years of age.

22^nd January 1897 The upper classes have attended well. The practices for Entertainment after school work proving an incentive. Work improving.

29^th January 1897 School opened eight times only this week, the room being granted today for the children’s entertainment. This week’ severe wintry weather has prevented some of the infants from attending. Names re-entered in the Registers as the Third Quarter of school year ends today.

4^th February 1897 Jesse Humphrey left, being now an inmate of the Malling Union. No school on Tuesday, very few children presented themselves, the weather and state of roads preventing. Several young children away with severe colds. Mr Coles sent an enquiry respecting the irregulars’.

12^th January 1897 The Rev AG Simpson visited each day this week; checking Registers Wednesday afternoon. New stove received and set in large school room. Upper Standards work carelessly in Arithmetic Standard IV deficient in Reading fluently.

A set of diagrams for Standard 3 Object Lessons ordered and supplied. Average for week 111.8

19^th February 1897 Examined upper Standards throughout. Received now Model, Square Prism. Average this week 113.1

5^th March 1897 Visitors: J Carrington Ley Esq HMIS and the Rev AG Simpson, Correspondent. Work proceeds as usual. Standard IV rather a drag, consists of several dull children. The Warren children have left; and departed to Stone Street near Seal. Admitted Herbert Saunders, a visitor, for a few weeks.

12^th March 1897 The Rev AGK Simpson visited twice, and the Rev Canon Carter, Diocesan Missioner. The Rumbolds leave today for Queen’s Gate London. Average this week 110.5

19^th March 1897 Admitted two infants Standard IV have been working with Assistant whilst I have taken Standard 2.

26^th March 1897 Received notice of examination in Drawing viz 7^th April at 2 o’clock.

2^nd April 1897 Admitted two new comers to Dene Park from Sevenoaks, the boy aged 6 years not having previously been to school.

9^th April 1897 Ordered new Attendance Registers; and Chalk. Children promoted to next Standard.

16^th April 1897 Today, Good Friday, no school; the vacation extending over Easter to 26^th.

1^st May 1897 The new work commenced this week in each Standard. New Registers entered and returns made on Form IX. Weekly Average 113.7 School opened 423 during past year Annual Average 111.5

8^th May 1897 Several children have severe colds, consequently the attendance has suffered. Number on Books 119 Average for week 103.1 Number present at all 112.

15^th May 1897 Three infants admitted and John Jenner Standard VI lad left for Sir A Judd’s Commercial School Tonbridge. Average 105.3; 121 on Roll.

21^st May 1897 Admitted (3) Predeth’s and (2) Barnetts. Several absentees returned this week. Average attendance increased to 115.3

24^th May 1897 Summary of HM Inspector’s Report for the school year ending 30^th April 1897

Mixed School. “The instruction continues to be very intelligent and the work good. The children are very clean and orderly and neatness is conspicuous throughout.”

Infants’ Class. “I am satisfied that the Infants are as well and carefully taught as hitherto.”

Staff. Lorence John Cope Certificated Master

Amy Maude Cope Assistant Article 50

Caroline Cecilia Feltham Assistant Article 50

Signed AGK Simpson Correspondent.

28^th May 1897 Admitted an infant boy: 127 on Books. Average 115.2

Fair progress is being made with new work by those who have attended during the month but a few have been irregular or absent through sickness.

4^th June 1897 Registers examined and made correct by cancelling one attendance. Signed AGK Simpson.

Mr Souter RSO called and inspected offices etc.

11^th June 1897 Received result of examination on Drawing, summary mark “Good”. Holiday on Whit Monday.

18^th June 1897 School closes today for one week, Jubilee. Average for week 115.4 Number on Books 128

28^th June 1897 School resumed this morning with an attendance of 117.

2^nd July 1897 Received and affixed notice of Diocesan Inspection for 15^th July at 10am. Mr W Cole Attendance Officer visited.

9^th July 1897 Sent list of absentees to Attendance Officer, the average this week has dropped to 108.3 several children away currant picking.

16^th July 1897 The Reverands AG Simpson and AB Cotton visited. Registers marked eight times, Thursday being set apart for Religious Inspection by Rev WEM Nunn. Average 107.7

23^rd July 1897 Three infants left this week. Work continues as usual; Standards 3 and 4 appear to make most progress. Standard I rather backward and inattentive.

26^th July 1897 School open for afternoon session half an hour earlier than usual as many want to leave early to attend the Club Festival held at Fairlawn.

30^th July 1897 First quarter of school year ends with average 110.5 a decrease of 4.8 on that of corresponding quarter last year. Admitted Geo Penfold.

7^th August 1897 School opened but seven times this week, Monday being Bank Holiday and Thursday afternoon the annual school treat at Fairlawn. The Collins’ children leave today for Ilford. Number on Books 124. Average for week 113.

27^th August 1897 The Assistant Mistress C Feltham absent through illness. School closed for five weeks hop picking vacation.