Shipbourne History continued 1903 - 1909

17^th July 1903 Mary Mead brought into upper group to work as she appeared beyond disciplinary control of the teacher of lower group. She is for her age, like the rest of this group very backward and lax in her work.
Mr Chatfield has been appointed Attendance Officer for this district and as such paid a visit on Monday afternoon last.

24^th July 1903 A holiday was given on Monday the local festivities consequent on the marriage of Miss F M Hollams and Mr C L Fox taking place at Dene Park

31^st July 1903 School closed on Wednesday for the Horticultural Fete and Exhibition held at Fairlawn. The first quarter of the school year ends today; names re entered in Registers. L Fussell and E Vanns qualified by age and Lilian Stacey removed from district, have left. On Roll 122 average for quarter 108.8

7^th Aug 1903 Last Monday was Bank Holiday. The Peacock family (4) away on account of whooping cough. Admitted a foundling to Infants’ class

14^th Aug 1903 Admitted a boy to Standard VI from Witley, Surrey.
H M Clark stole chalk on Wednesday elder sister marched into school to interfere with class teachers. No. on books 122

21^st Aug 1903 Received copy of draft final order from the Board of Education regulating the appointment and tenure of office of the Foundation Managers from 1^st July 1904

27^th Aug 1903 Mr Yardley Church Army Instructor gave the Religious Instruction this morning at the Rev Schreiber’s request. This organisation has a van located here and is undertaking a ten days mission.
The exterior of Master’s residence is being painted and rotten woodwork repaired.
School closes for usual vacation, hop picking.

6^th Oct 1903 The scholars reassemble after vacation. Several Michaelmas changes of labourers being affected.

10^th Oct 1903 Supply of fuel ordered from Kent Education Committee.
Average for week 109.6; on Roll 127.

17^th Oct 1903 Supply of Ink and Slate Pencils received.

24^th Oct 1903 C W M Hitchins appointed HM Inspector of West Kent

30^th Oct 1903 Several children left school.
The second quarter of the school year terminates today. 117 on roll, average attendance for quarter 105.
Names of scholars re entered in Registers.
The lower form weak in knowledge of English and Geography. This class needs a good teacher with firmer discipline.

6^th Nov 1903 Forms filled up respecting the Pearson childrens continual absence.

13^th Nov 1903 Standard IV careless in Arithmetical working.
Lily Pearson returned to school, has been absent since 7^th July.

20^th Nov 1903 Laura Pearson returned to school having been continuously absent since the tenth day of July last.

25^th Nov 1903 Received two new doormats and sanitary pails for use.

4^th Dec 1903 The additional Teacher absent all the week, medical certificate produced. I have taken the lower Form this week at various times and find their writing in a careless and untidy style.

11^th Dec 1903 Beatrice Goodwin resumed duty, remonstrated with her on Tuesday on the untidy and mishapen writing set on the Black board for her class, and pointed out the dirty and bad work the scholars in her form do in their exercise and copy books, the mistakes uncorrected, and the lack of an ideal.
The Standard i I have for Writing Lesson drafted over to the Infants Mistress in order to improve the work and shew the Additional Teacher the pupils are able, with careful supervision, to acquit themselves more creditably.

18^th Dec 1903 An order given for two fire screens to protect the two stoves as suggested by HM Inspector at his recent visit.

23^rd Dec 1903 The Monitress absent yesterday through illness. School closes for Xmas vacation.

1904

15^th Jan 1904 Firescreens supplied and fitted.
R Holt White Esquire HMI appointed Inspector of Schools in the Malling Union area.

20^th Jan 1904 Leonard Ellis returned to school this morning, has been away with eye affection since 31^st July. Attendance this afternoon diminished. Several away to Sunday School Xmas treat; the session commenced at 1 o clock. Registers closed 1.5 pm to enable others to leave early and secure their attendance.

29^th Jan 1904 Heavy rains and severe cold have prevented several children attending. The playgrounds are in a dreadful muddy condition and totally unfit for purpose of drill or recreation, the offices too need attention.

5^th Feb 1904 Managers viewed the yards on Tuesday in consequence of my repeated complaints and decided to invite estimates for stone and gravel.

12^th Feb 1904 The boys yard is now being stoned and gravelled.

19^th Feb 1904 The paving in the boys porch is being covered and sloped with concrete as rain drove in and remained in a pool, a weather board and new sills also placed. A former Manager, Vicar and Correspondent from 1885 to 1898, a thorough educationalist. To be buried here tomorrow.

26^th Feb 1904 The boys porch has been painted. Another case of ringworm, several children ill decreased attendance, average 96.6

2^nd March 1904 Heavy snowstorm, only 25 attended, then meetings abandoned for the day.

30^th March 1904 School closed for Easter vacation.

22^nd April 1904 HMI inspection R M Harbour.

29^th April 1904 The following course of lessons and Instruction will be given during 3 terms ending August, January and April the school being broadly divided into upper and lower forms for scholars over 7 years of age.
The subjects of Reading Writing and Arithmetic, Singing and Needle work will follow the course portrayed in Schedule i and Appendices 3 and 4 of Former Education Codes. That portion of English Language embraced in Grammar will be (a) i.e lower form, to point out the parts of speech. (b) the upper form to parse and analyse simple sentences.
In Geography: the lower form should be conversant with a compass, globe, uses of maps and charts, and have a knowledge of geographical definitions with special reference to Map of England. Upper Form. Asia and Africa.
The lower section of upper form will constitute a separate group and receive instruction on Geography of England with special knowledge of Kent.
History. The lower form to become acquainted with leading characters in early times. The upper form. Period from BC 55 to AD 1485.
Nature Study:- lower form, about 30 lessons on flora and fauna, arranged to suit the seasons. Upper Form: the bodily organs and their functions.
Drawing: (lower) exercises in free arm, freehand and ruler work. (Upper) The above and simple models, things in common use, brush drawing, and geometrical figures with compasses.
Physical Exercises: (Lower form) Position drill, formation in single and double file, dressing marching, exercises in breathing, and with dumbbells.(Upper form) same as above with wand exercises 1-12, formation into fours, wheeling, arm, shoulder and trunk movements.

13^th May 1904 I find the spelling and general intelligence very poor of those children promoted from the lower form

20^th May 1904 Whitsun recess

3^rd June 1904 The new work presents some difficulty of application. Bertha Cripps having passed the Government Examination on 14^th May for recognition as a pupil teacher the Education Committee have notified she should now be formally appointed on the staff. Roll 121 Average 105.9

24^th June 1904 Several absent that day at Tonbridge where Sir Redvers Bullen was unveiling a South African War Memorial.

19^th July 1904 Summary of HMI Report for year ended 30^th April 04 and Remarks of Board of Education.

Mixed School “ The school is orderly and is taught with care and intelligence. The registers should have been signed at issue, and checked at least once a quarter.”
Infant Class “ The Infant Class is also creditably taught”
(Still haven’t complied with written agreements for teachers see previous report)

20^th July 1904 The work generally lacks neatness and methodical arrangement- the children in Standard iii very dull and below average attainments for those of similar age. I found exercise in lower form carelessly and inaccurately marked and drew the supplementary teachers attention thereto.

22^nd July 1904 In consequence of a tea given by Mrs Cazalet this afternoon in Fairlawn Park, to which the scholars are invited, there will be no second session.

17^th Aug 1904 Attendance reduced this afternoon by Wesleyan Sunday School summer treat. Leonard Ellis left school having obtained admission to Metropolitan Police Orphanage School Twickenham

19^th Aug 1904 The King family removed to Tonbridge – a loss if three bright children.

24^th Aug 1904 Rev F Schreiber and HB Read visited this morning and execute the memorandum of Agreement for the Supplementary Teacher. Have been working away at the Standard iii, especially in literature, language and Geography. These children require much attention and constant revision of work.

25^th Aug 1904 Hop picking holidays.

3^rd Oct 1904 School resumed with 103 scholars present.

7^th Oct 1904 The rains have been so heavy and incessant that only 23 children presented themselves, hence no session was held.

13^th Oct 1904 The scholars in lower portion of upper form are very slow in all subjects and require much demonstration and reiteration of work; there appear to be a larger percentage than usual of dullards.

4^th Nov 1904 Memorandum of Agreement executed this morning between the Education Authority, the Managers and Mrs Cope, paragraph 3 of the same being deleted.

25^th Nov 1904 The Taylors 2 children have left for Horton Kirby.

22^nd Dec 1904 Christmas holidays.

1905

13^th Jan 1905 School resumed

27^th Jan 1905 The scheme of Higher Education of the County Committee providing for the instruction of pupil teachers at the Tonbridge centre took effect this week. In consequence Bertha Ellen Cripps is in full time attendance there at during the next six months. The Board of Education have notified that in as much as she attains the age of eighteen next August they recommended her engagement for two years instead of three. A new Memorandum of Agreement has been effected amending the period and terms.
End of third quarter of school year. 123 on roll, average attendance for quarter 111.
Names re entered in Registers.

2^nd Feb 1905 The boys have been granted permission to use the field adjoining their playground for football, a kindness much appreciated. Mr Taylor sent stating Joseph aged three and a half years being very delicate, he would remain at home for winter months.

3^rd Feb 1905 The Rev F.L. Schreiber visited this morning and gave Prayer Book instruction to the upper form.

17^th Feb 1905 The Correspondent received Circular re Training of Pupil Teachers. New Cross College.

24^th Feb 1905 Several fresh cases of ringworm amoungst infants.

3^rd March 1905 Have taken upper Standard Arithmetic Demonstration as the past examination shewed careless working.

7^th March 1905 The Rev Brownhill : Inspector in Religious Knowledge examined the scholars. 115 in attendance. And expressed himself very pleased with the intelligent and ready answers given especially in the upper forms and infants department; whilst a comprehensive syllabus had been taken. The Rev Schreiber was present.

10^th March 1905 Standard III Arithmetic rather inaccurate, and a few in this form backward generally.
Several boys desire to attend examination for Labourers Certificates to be held on 18^th at Wrotham.

24^th March 1905 The Clerk to local S A Committee forwarded Labour certificates of exemption for those who were examined on 18^th.

20^th April 1905 Easter vacations till 1^st May.

12^th May 1905 The annual re-union of past scholars took place on Monday evening. Sir John Hollams, Mrs F Hollams and Mr Hollams attended.

26^th May 1905 Empire Day – a half holiday was given. The Rev Schreiber described his recent tour in the Mediterranean.

2^nd June 1905 Two foundlings have left for Foundling Hospital.

16^th June 1905 Monday Bank Holiday. School closes tonight for one week’s holiday in lieu of usual week given at Whitsun.
Syllabus of Work for year ending 30^th April 1906. The mixed department consists of upper and lower forms and school has three terms ends August, January and April. The curriculum is set forth in New Code, and Language ‘B’ Arithmetic follow the previous Codal requirements and arrangements.
History (upper) form 1485 to 1714 AD. (lower) How we are governed.
Lives of present and previous monarch.
Geography. (upper) North and South America. (lower) England and special references to Kent.
Physical Exercises from the Groups recommended in Syllabus of Inter-departmental Committee.
Music. (upper) Division iii tests embodied in 1901 Code (lower) Division ii tests.
Drawing. (upper) freearm and hand, scale, common objects (lower) Ruler and freehand.

30^th June 1905 Meeting of Managers at school.

7^th July 1905 Uniform attendance now prevailing. Admitted several newcomers to the district. No. on books129 average for week 122.7.

14^th July 1905 The children in the Ightham Moat district away fruit gathering; this has decreased the weekly average to 115.

28^th July 1905 The number on the roll and the average attendance have increased as compared with last year although in a thinly populated district such as this no great variation is possible.

4^th Aug 1905 Two or three of the upper boys reprimanded and their parents notified of their loose talk in coming to and going from school.
One of two girls not as tidy with their hair as usual, cautioned them as to proper care and cleanliness.

8^th Aug 1905 This school in now in C W Hitchens District . Bank Holiday yesterday.
Commenced first term examinations.

24^th Aug 1905 Five weeks hop picking vacation.

2^nd Oct 1905 During the vacation the ceilings and walls have been well brushed, the sanitary offices lime washed and partially recovered and the girls entrance porch re laid with bricks.

3^rd Oct 1905 The following has been received from the Board of Education
“Report on Drawing”
School Shipbourne (Boys only) “This school is doing good work” signed Edward G Baker.

20^th Oct 1905 The pianoforte and harmonium were overhauled by a tuner sent by Education Committee.

3^rd Nov 1905 I find the spelling still far from satisfactory and the children recently admitted appear very ignorant in this matter. The Crouch boys detained for rudeness on the way home from school.

10^th Nov 1905 A full school with fairly regular attendance the weekly return shewing a percentage of 94. Another case of ringworm has occurred

13^th Nov 1905 The Horticultural Society with a view to encourage Nature Study and to obtain competitors at their spring show have offered purses to children who excel in bulb culture, the plants to be grown and developed at school. I have given instructions respecting adaptive soil and planting if the bulbs and thirty six have provided themselves with bulbs.
The Rev F Schreiber visited this morning and suggested on the mothers application that G Mumford should be excused any lessons of an exacting nature on brain or nerve system as his head at times had been affected since childhood. Admitted a scholar from confines of Surrey, new resident.

17^th Nov 1905 The school clock removed yesterday for repair.

Mrs Cazalet kindly suggested giving a tea and entertainment to the scholars on 21^st prox

24^th Nov 1905 Some general improvement in attainments is noticeable

1^st Dec 1905 Attendance exceedingly good, all on the roll present during the week.

Standard I are advancing well, their work is neat and carefully done.

8^th Dec 1905 A full school, two new admissions making 137 on roll, attendance good especially in upper divisions.

21^st Dec 1905 Christmas vacation 2 weeks

The scholars are entertained to tea this evening by Mrs Cazalet, and medals and certificates for regular attendance given by the Education Authority for 1904 awarded.

1906

8^th Jan 1906 Eliza Warnett returned to Shorne? entered as ‘left’ page56

10^th Jan 1906 Notification from Education Authority . From 1^st January 1906 the official name and number of this school is Shipbourne No. 329

22^nd Jan 1906 Readmitted the two Cooper boys who are living with a married sister in the village for a time whilst their mother is in the Tunbridge Wells General Hospital. The number on the roll now equals the accommodation of the school viz 140

26^th Jan 1906 Received supply of monthly attendance cards from the Education Authority; and new chairs from proceeds of an Entertainment given in December last.

2^nd Feb 1906 Re-entered names in attendance registers. The third quarter of school year ended.

9^th Feb 1906 Concluded second term examinations. The results of the lower form are decidedly poor and the Composition in upper very weak. The girls and infants playground, lower portion has received a quantity of stone and gravel where formerly was deep mire; this is an improvement. An infant conveyed to Isolation Hospital with scarletina.

16^th Feb 1906 The heavy rains and severe cases of ringworm have depleted the attendance which has dropped considerably. Many children have heavy colds and harsh coughs.

9^th March 1906 Rose Hunt removed to Sevenoaks

16^th March 1906 The drain from the children’s offices has been blocked for several weeks, a new drain is being constructed. George Singyands qualified by age has left school.

23^rd March 1906 Several children left school. The three Standard VI boys who attended examination for Labour Certificates successfully passed. The Clerk for Attendance Committee writes for their birth certificates to be furnished him ere Labour certificates can be granted them.

29^th March 1906 School visited. The Girls cloakroom has not sufficient accommodation, and the clothes are on the ground. The Boys Offices are not kept clean and fit for use. The lower form want more Reading books, the desks used by this class are too low for the size of the class. C W Hitchens (HMI)

30^th March 1906 C W Hitchens HMI visited yesterday

6^th April 1906 The Managers held a meeting this evening and considered HM inspectors (above) suggestions.

11^th April 1906 Easter vacation till 23^rd April. Requisitions for materials sent to the Local Authority.

27^th April 1906 Received new Registers of attendance for ensuing year. Several new admissions to infants division. The pupil teacher Bertha Ellen Cripps now in attendance, her course at the Secondary School being completed.

4^th May 1906 Ernest Hook appointed as office attendant

18^th May 1906 One of the desks broken at Tuesday evenings entertainment. Hat stand received to provide more accommodation for girls hats and clothes in cloakroom.

25^th May 1906 Mrs Cazalet, Mrs M Schreiber, the Rev Schreiber and Mr C L Fox visited yesterday. Empire Day was duly observed, and a half holiday given.

1^st June 1906 Registers checked thoroughout and found correct Francis L Schreiber (Correspondent)

School closed for Whitsun week.

15^th June 1906 Mr H B Read and friends visited on Tuesday afternoon to thank the staff and scholars for the part they took in presentation of golden wedding momento and distributed bags of sweets to those in attendance.

Musical instruments tuned by Goulden and Wind, contractors to Kent Education Committee

22^nd June 1906 The Kent Education Committee have notified Bertha Cripps that inasmuch as the Mangers’ recommendation for her retention on the school staff after her engagement as Pupil Teacher terminates, has not been received payment of her salary after 31^st proximus will cease and forwarding her a list of school vacancies. It was understood some time ago such a recommendation would be made by the Correspondent on behalf of the Managers. I have applied to him for another teacher in the event of her removal.

28^th June 1906 The Kent Education Committee have sanctioned the recommendations of the Mangers for increased pay for Monitors and the Office Attendant, such to take effect from 1^st June 1906

6^th July 1906 The Kent Education Committee have again notified Bertha E Cripps the pupil teacher whose engagement expires on 31^st inst and who passed the King Scholarship Examination held last April that as the Managers had not recommended her retention in the school as an Assistant Teacher, her salary here would cease on 31^st inst The enquiry by the Education Authority respecting this matter made in January last appears not to have been replied to, hence the Committee action.

10^th July 1906 The Board of Education has notified the Managers that the Grant payable under Article 32 New Code for part year is withheld as the staff does not fulfil the conditions of Article 12(b).

13^th July 1906 Mrs Cazalet has arranged to give the scholars a tea and entertainment at Fairlawn on 3^rd proximus

20^th July 1906 Standard V experience some difficulty with reproduction of a Story or composition on an easy subject; country children seem destitute of ideas and the power to express their knowledge.

27^th July 1906 The S.. Committee of the Local Authority have asked for information respecting the staffing of the school. The children are preparing some songs and physical exercises for the local flower show on Bank Holiday at Fairlawn.

3^rd Aug 1906 The Kent Education Committee have allowed the provisional retention of Bertha E Cripps on the staff pending further consideration.

10^th Aug 1906 Monday Bank Holiday the upper scholars performed some physical exercises at Fairlawn and were commended. The Local Authority have now agreed to Bertha E Cripps being placed on the staff as an uncertified teacher dating from 1^st inst. The Malling Committee have accepted Mr W Stow’s tender for coal and coke for ensuing year and this has been confirmed by the Kent Education Committee.

17^th Aug 1906 Examined the classes in potion of Syllabus taken during the first term of the school year. The spelling is poor in the lower classes where also general common information is meagre.

23^rd Aug 1906 School closed tomorrow as the Local Friendly Society and Church Choir take their annual excursion.

29^th Aug 1906 School closes for usual summer vacation.

26^th Oct 1906 No. on roll 133, average for month 121.3 or 90% of those on roll.

The agreement for Berth E Cripps as an Assistant Teacher concluded this day.

9^th Nov 1906 I have asked the Supplementary Teacher to be more particular with the cleanliness and neatness of the childrens’ work in her class. Attendance good considering the wet weather.

16^th Nov 1906 The work throughout needs careful attention respecting methodical arrangement.. Received supply of firewood.

23^rd Nov 1906 The top boy a good all round bright lad left this week for work as a garden lad. Agnes Tapp appointed school cleaner and caretaker.

30^th Nov 1906 The quality and tidiness of the work shows some improvement especially in the upper classes. Remarked on the waste of good food by some of the scholars.

Fred John Leftley qualified by examination and Walter Daley by age have left and taken situations.

21^st Dec 1906 The Vicar gave oranges and bonbons to the children. Mr J Hollams distributed medal and certificates for regular attendance given by the Kent Education Committee and gave a box of chocolates to each medallist. School closed.

1907

11th Jan 1907 William Warnett not having employment has returned to school.

1^st Feb 1907 The Cunningham family have removed.

8^th Feb 1907 End of term exams

22^nd Feb 1907 The general work is commendable; a few untidy and careless workers.

1^st March 1907 Have considerable difficulty in obtaining fair composition from the upper form which comprises several of very limited ideas.

22^nd March 1907 Mr Pritchard and the Secretary of the Local Horticultural Society attended at close of Thursday’s afternoon session and gave a few remarks on “The cultivation of sweet peas for exhibition purposes” and distributed the ten prizes won by the scholars at the competition of flowering bulbs held at Plaxtol on Wednesday.

The Russell children have removed to Ditton.

28^th March 1907 School closes tomorrow Good Friday and for Easter week. Stephen Tapp succeeds H Hook as office attendant.

12^th April 1907 Admitted several scholars farmhands changing at Lady Day. No. on Roll 140 Average 128.9

19^th April 1907 Mr J Dubbins has been appointed as Manager vici Mr Russell. Several children ill, a mild form of pox prevalent.

26^th April 1907 The desks have been well scrubbed and look much cleaner.

3^rd May 1907 The Rev F Schreiber visited on Wednesday and took Form I away. Also today for Religious instruction.

Children promoted to new classed, working by new draft timetable.

17^th April 1907 The old scholars reunion took place in Monday evening and was a great success. Sir John Hollams accompanied by Miss Hollams attended and gave an excellent address.

24^th April 1907 School opened seven times during this week. Monday being Bank Holiday and today half holiday given. Empire Day. The usual lessons theis morning were suspended and oral lessons given on Our Empire and its expansion. Songs were rendered and gramophone selections given by Mr Roberts of Tunbridge Wells in the presence of Rev Alfred Schreiber, Miss Eva Schreiber and the Correspondent who made a few remarks on the Way and the late Queen.

31^st May 1907 Mr Frost, Kent Education Committee’s Inspector spent quarter part of this afternoon’s session; the Correspondent having applied for an increase of salary for the Supplementary Teacher, Mr Frost attended to hear her teach and report to the Authority.

21^st May 1907 Several scholars left on attainment of 14 years of age or removal from the parish.

5^th July 1907 Requisitioned for Arithmetic Books “Ricks” for all classes.

12^th July 1907 School closes for Fruit gathering in the district

Ethel Tucknell received notification of her success at the Board of Educations Examination held 11^th May last for recognition as a teacher; she has attended the Tonbridge County School for Girls this week to satisfy the Head Mistress as per requirement of the Kent Education Committee.

2^nd Aug 1907 Attendance bad this week thorough fruit picking; list of absentees forwarded to the School Attendance Officer (Mr Chatfield)

The Kent Education Committee have notified the Supplementary Teacher of their willingness to grant her increase of salary from 1^st April last on condition order of her class is maintained and she continues her studies for the preliminary certicate examination and Ethel Tucknell is to be engaged as a student teacher for two years from 1^st August 1907.

9^th Aug 1907 The classes have been organise to allow the student teachers opportunity for observation of teaching and for private study.

16^th Aug 1907 Lilian Jenner away, medical certificate covering 30 days,pneumonia.

23^rd Aug 1907 Examining classes on 1^st term work this week whenever opportunity afforded to delegate my own class. Ethel Tucknell promises well as a teacher.

30^th Aug 1907 Ordered and requisitioned for 6 new dual desks, stationary etc. Managers met and decided on necessary repairs during the recess.

School closed for hop picking holidays till 7^th Oct.

11^th Oct 1907 No. on roll 132. Ethel Tucknell attends the secondary school on Wednesdays.

18^th Oct 1907 Received Map of Kent and six Dual Desks.

25^th Oct 1907 The chimneys were swept as stoves did not draw. The Kent Education Committee do not see their way to sanction any but a hot air stove for larger room. The lower classes spelling very weak.

30^th Oct 1907 The Brush Drawing improves. Blackboard and Easel received.

29^th Nov 1907 A new tortoise stove fitted in mixed school and a door affixed.

Careless untidy work with some of upper boys necessitating their detention.

6^th Dec 1907 Mrs Willingham appointed as caretaker and cleaner.

13^th Dec 1907 The Pupil teacher has been voted £5 from “The Old Scholars Fund” to assist her in provison of books etc and the sessional fees of three former scholars who are attending evening classes at the Tonbridge Technical Institute have also been defrayed therefrom.

20^th Dec 1907 Mrs Cazalet gives a Xmas entertainment and tea to scholars this evening. Have obtained some recent Teachers books for the Pupil Teacher for study.

24^th Dec 1907 School closes till Jan 6^th for Xmas vacation

1908

10^th Jan 1908 The children gave a Band of Hope entertainment on Wednesday evening entitled “Santa Claus in Japan”

17^th Jan 1908 I have overhauled the written exercises in the lower Form (Standards I and ii) and am disappointed with the work, have again brought the Supplementary Teachers’ notice thereto, she has asked to bring their books to me in future every weekend for perusal.

24^th Jan 1908 Serious insubordination in lower Form; the teacher remonstrated with for the dishonesty and untruthfulness flagrant. The examination of the class revceals poor results and an absolute indifference to tidy careful work. The Correspondent invited to see the exercise books of this class.

31^st Jan 1908 Mrs Cazalet has presented two framed photos of Their Majesties The King and Queen for the school a valuable addition to the pictures.

7^th Feb 1908 The Correspondent visited and announced the Supplementary Teacher having secured an appointment nearer her parents at St Laurence School Seal had resigned

28^th Feb 1908 Notification of Examination for Labour Certificates at Wrotham on 6^th prox 10.15am

6^th March 1908 Beatrice A Goodwin left the school as Supplementary Teacher for St Lawrence Infants Seal.

13^th March 1908 Managers meet this evening. Lizzie Cole from Boxley Weaving School commenced on supply as Supplementary Teacher.

20^th March 1908 Lizzie Cole terminates her ‘supply’ engagement today.

3^rd April 1908 A very satisfactory report received from the Diocesan Inspector in Religious Knowledge.

6^th April 1908 Hilda Preece Cook, Supplementary Teacher, formerly a T T of All Saints Girls School Maidstone came on supply today. Terminates her duty 10^th April not caring for mixed class of boys and girls.

16^th April 1908 Annie Laura Owen from Sevenoaks commenced duty on 13^th April as Assistant Teacher Art 50 for Lower Form. School closed for Easter Vacation.

30^th April 1908 School closed yesterday for Musical Competition at Tonbridge. School year ends today. Stock taking for Kent Education Committee’s annual inventory.

4^th May 1908 An infant H Cummingham died of whooping cough and pneumonia, the scholars have subscribed a floral tribute.

8^th May 1908 The boys have been provided with a cricket set of materials from proceeds of entertainment they gave.

11^th May 1908 Mrs Cotton, with a lady friend visitor and Mrs Maggie Schreiber inspected the girls made garments in needlework and selected the best specimens for award of prizes.

18^th May 1908 The re-union of old scholars “ under Sir John Hollams bequest” was held this eveing when ninty- two assembled. The medals and certificates for regular attendance awarde by the Local Education Authority were presented to present scholars who sang several part songs. Addresses were given by the Correspondent, Mr Dubben, and the Head Master and the Assistant Teachers contributed pianoforte solos; followed by a cinematograph exhibition by Whiteley Ltd London.

22^nd May 1908 The whooping cough epidemic has abated and the attendance improved.

29^th May 1908 Empire Day was observed on Monday, lessons on the British possessions and duties of its citizens, patriotic songs sung and flag saluted after a performance of physical evolutions in the presence of the Correspondent, the Rev A B Cotton and several ladies. The rewards for regular attendance and needlework prizes were given by Mrs Hollams who complimented the instructress (Miss Cripps) on the tidy work submitted.

12^th July 1908 Whit Monday Bank Holiday

3^rd July 1908 Attendance not so good this week strawberry picking and haymaking taking a few older scholars.

10^th July 1908 School closes for fortnights’ fruit picking holiday

31^st July 1908 School resumed on Monday but the children from the Mote district are still away , fruit picking not completed.

14^th Aug 1908 The exam results in the lowest form of mixed department very disappointing. The late teacher left the scholars in a very backward state which the present teacher has not as yet much improved.

21^st Aug 1908 The Vicar is away in Suffolk attending Mrs Schreiber’s funeral. The scholars were entertained at Fairlawn last Friday evening by Mrs Cazalet.

27^th Aug 1908 5 week hop picking vacation.

27^th Nov 1908 Standard V seem below normal conditions of intelligence.

4^th Nov 1908 Mrs Cazalet visited this afternoon, saw the children perform their physical execises and heard them sing, expressing her appreciation.

18^th Dec 1908 Mrs Martin’s complaint to the Local Authority re the classification of her boy considered; the Managers decide from the Head Teacher’s report, and those of Masters of former L C C schools, and specimen of boy’s work, the Master’s action be upheld and the Correspondent was to notify same to Kent Education Committee.

23^rd Dec 1908 School closed till 11^th Jan 1909 for the Christmas vacation. On roll 135.

1909

12^th Jan 1909 Ethel Pucknell, pupil teacher, received notification that she has passed the Cambridge Senior Examination held in December last.

5^th March 1909 W M Cazalet Esq visited this morning. Heavy snow storm prevented children from attending yesterday.

12^th March 1909 Three boys were examined for Labour Certificates at Wrotham an 6^th inst and passed in Standard VI

26^th March 1909 Received weighing machine and Height Measure in connection with Medical Inspection.

2^nd April 1909 Standard V have slightly improved, much personal attention and explanation have been given individually to them.

9^th April 1909 Easter recess till 19^th April

19^th April 1909 Medical Inspection took place this afternoon.

Ethel Tucknell now attends for practice of and training in teaching, having complete her course at the Secondary School.

30^th April 1909 The pupil teacher shapes well and interests classes. I have again examined Standards i and ii and find the Arithmetic in a very poor state, the children appear baffled with simplest problems; it is very disheartening this lower class has for years been the weak spot in the school.

7^th May 1909 Classes reformed, children promoted and a start made with work of syllabus for 1909-10

14^th May 1909 Annual reunion and supper to old scholars

21^st May 1909 Several elder girls taken this evening to the Floral Exhibition shewing the blind and cripple girls ingenuity in flower making as taught by Lord Shaftesbury’s Watercress Mission Clerkenwell.

1^st June 1909 The pupil teacher is shewing aptitude for teaching and interests the class.

4^th June 1909 Dr Roberts held his second medical inspection of elder scholars this afternoon.

11^th June 1909 Sanitary Inspector made an inspection of premises, offices etc.

18^th June 1909 Dr Fox Medical Officer visited this afternoon and examined Edwin Murphy a defective child. No on roll 130

30^th July 1909 Rev A W Schreiber ,Vicar of Lamarsh, shewed pictorial postcards of Italian lakes and Swiss mountain scenery to the scholars.

6^th Aug 1909 Mr T J Dubbin visited today and checked the attendance which this week has improved and is now nearly to its normal condition. Fruit picking is not finished and a few scholars are affected thereby.

Mrs Naomi Tapp has commenced duty as school cleaner vice Mrs Peacock

No. on roll 130 Average for week 118.3

11^th Aug 1909 L I Wood Esq HMI visited the school today

13^th Aug 1909 The heat causes some lassitude and inattention

20^th Aug 1909 Term Examination conducted generally speaking sound progress is being made, the weakness is in lower form (old Standards i and ii) where teaching is not so capable and qualified and the discipline as well maintained; this form has always been behind the rest; or children appear to go back even on their former “infant division” work.

27^th Aug 1909 The Correspondent addressed the two upper forms on his visit to N W Germany which terminated yesterday. Return of attendances made by the late Pupil Teacher during year ending 31^st July 09(viz 126 out of a possible 401) forwarded to the Local Education Authority.