L J Cope and Mrs A M Cope
1st June 1885 Mrs Amy Maude Cope takes charge of and commenced duties in, the Infant Department of Shipbourne N School. The two departments are now worked under one principle Certificated Teacher, the Infants as a separate class of the school by a qualified teacher Article 50 New Code.
Work conducted according to new approved time-table.
When elder girls take Needlework instruction on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the Infants are taught by a Monitress under the supervision of the Mistress.
12th June 1885 Mrs Wharton visited on Monday last. Several infants admitted. The upper class does not change lessons are quietly as could be wished. The order requires firmness.
13th June 1885 Summary of Inspector’s Report received today for school year ending April 30th 1885
“ The Infants Department is as usual in a very efficient state. The elementary work is very good and appears to lose nothing by the large admixture of the Kindergarten system.”
Miss Redgrove will shortly receive her Certificate.
Annie Redgrove Certificated Mistress Second Class
Signed AP Wharton Correspondent
19th June 1885 The Sunday school annual treat given at Vicarage yesterday after afternoon school.
26th June 1885 Mrs Wharton on leaving Shipbourne Vicarage last Tuesday for her new home at Barham called and wished the teachers farewell, hoping success would attend their labours here.
3rd July 1885 Admitted Henry Clarke and Alfred Wisby this week. Attendances very good. No visitors.
10th July 1885 A lady visited today. Admitted Alice Clarke on Monday.
The kindergarten material being exhausted, Mrs Cazalet has wished to purchase all I require.
17th July 1885 Mrs Cazalet visited. Admitted Edith Brice this week.
20th July 1885 List of Object Lessons till end of August.
1 The Baker 2 The Pig 3 The Duck
4 Snow 5 Potato 6 Corn
23rd July 1885 Admitted two children viz John Hayes and Annie Pucknell.
30th July 1885 The end of First Qaurter of school year. Alfred Wisby returned to London, entered him Left. Received supply of Kindergarten Materials. Admitted Daisy Georgina Packham.
3rd August 1885 Registers examined and found correct signed AGK Simpson Manager
4th August 1885 No school held today
14th August 1885 Attendance fairly good. George Elliott left the school through removal of parents.
28th August 1885 The Infants received toys today and broke up for the Hop gathering Holidays of five weeks.
5th October 1885 School reopened this morning after holiday with good attendance. Admitted R Cripps.
9th October 1885 The Rev AGK Simpson visited on Teusday
13th October 1885 Registers examined and found correct signed George Wenbon
16th October 1885 Holiday given in afternoon for the Harvest Festival. The Assistant Mistress (Miss Davis) takes the Infants on Monday Wednesday and Friday afternoons whilst the Mistress teaches needlework to the upper girls in classroom.
23rd October 1885 No visitors this week. George Evans admitted.
List of Object Lessons till Christmas.
1 The Butcher 2 The Cow 3 The Dog
4 Sparrow 5 Hops 6 Rain
26th October 1885 This school taught today by Miss Davis, Assistant Mistress.
5th November 1885 Routine as usual Average 28
13th November 1885 Visitors this week Rev AGK and Mrs Simpson. The former checked the Registers, and the latter inspected the Kindergarten work then in progress.
27th November 1885 The rain has slightly decreased attendance
30th November 1885 Miss Davis has charge of this department today.
10th December 1885 The cold weather has diminished the little ones’ attendance this week.
17th December 1885 Mrs Hankey visited. Work proceeds as usual.
23rd December 1885 School closes for Xmas holidays. Mr Wenborn visited.
1886
18th January 1886 School re-opened this morning with 20 children
22nd January 1886 School visited by Rev A and Mrs Simpson.
Several of the younger children have not attended.
List of Object Lessons from now till March 31st.
1 The Grocer 2 The Horse 3 The Cat
4 Sugar 5 Fowls 6 Trees
29th January 1886 Attendance rather small; children absent with colds.
5th February 1886 Mrs Simpson visited. Attendance still small, several away ill.
11th February 1886 On this afternoon I inspected the Registers calling over the names of those present, I found that they were correctly entered. Signed AGK Simpson Manager
12h February 1886 Mrs Cazalet, Mrs Simpson, the Rev A Simpson and Mrs White visited. The stove in this room is insufficient to warm the room so the Managers have decided to obtain another similar to one in boys’ room.
19th February 1886 The younger children still absent. The upper class is making progress.
26th February 1886 The cold weather prevents many from attending school.
12th March 1886 Mrs Simpson visited and inspected the knitting. I have sent Annie Jenner home as she had ringworms; Daisy Saunders is absent from same cause.
19th March 1886 New stove arrived for this room. Two more children away with ring worms
26th March 1886 Henry Clarke away with ringworms.
1st April 1886 List of Object Lessons from now till May.
1 The Carpenter 2 An Apple
3 The Elephant 4 The Sheep
2nd April 1886 Attendance still low owing to prevalence of sickness.
9th April 1886 The weather being finer the attendance is better this week. Registers not marked on Thursday afternoon, the Diocesan inspection.
16th April 1886 James and John Collins sent home with ringworms.
19th April 1886 Eleanor and Annie Hedges sent back this morning with ringworms and their attendance cancelled. Mrs Evans sent to say George was seriously ill.
30th April 1886 The attendance has improved. I find the Infants though not having been taught Music by Note in former years not so proficient with it as one might expect.
7th May 1886 Edith Brice returned again after 3 months absence. Nellie and Annie Hedges away with measles. The Coopers have left the village.
14th May 1886 Mrs Cazalet visited yesterday and inspected the Kindergarten. Work proceeding as usual.
17th May 1886 Government inspection:
List of songs:
1. Exercise song (action)
2. Bird’s Nest
3. Little Bird (action)
List of Recitations:
1. The Rain Drops
2. The Quarrelsome Kittens
3. The Robin
Note. Now Infants are worked as a Class of the Mixed School under one Certificated Teacher, Log entries are only made in one book
No records for June 1886 to April 1888, the following entries start on the same page of the Log Book and are now entered and signed by the Master, LJ Cope rather than Mrs AM Cope, Mistress
April 1888 The former Log Book being filled, this Book will in future be used for entries applying to whole of mixed school. signed LJ Cope – Master
7th April 1888 Visitor: Rev AG Simpson
Admitted two children, new residents, Lily Marchants and William Legg. Francesca Cheesman has left the school having gone to live with friends in London. Work proceeding as usual with an improved infant attendance.
9th April 1888 Registers examined and found correct signed Geo Wenbon
13th April 1888 Admitted two newcomers. Mrs Packham called to say Fred: the boy who obtained a labour certificate at the Stone Street examination had got work so I have marked him ‘left’.
20th April 1888 Examined all Standards in three Elementary Subjects. Standard IV Girls work carelessly in Arithmetic. Some of the writing is poorly shaped.
27th April 1888 Attendances not marked today (section 76 of the Education Act 1870), scholars examined by Rev. Nunn Diocesan Inspector.
4th May 1888 Visitors:- Rev and Mrs A Simpson
Admitted three children, new comers. Examined all Standards today.
11th May 1888 School inspected and scholars examined today by J C Legg Esq HMIS and his Assistant, in the presence of Rev Simpson and Mr Wenborn.
School Songs
1 The Robin
2 The Kitten
3 I wish I were a birdie
4 Get up little sister
5 Always speak the truth
6 O refuge calm and holy
7 At my work
The following course of Lessons was approved for year
ensuing.
English: Standard I The boy who told a lie
Standards II, III Bruce and Spider
Standards IV to VII Prisoner of Chillon
Geography Standard I, II The work of Standard I
Standards III, IV The work of Standard III
Standards V, VI, VII The work of Standard VI
Ninety two children were in attendance.
18th May 1888 The Rev AG Simpson visited thrice-
Admitted several young children; William Hayes entered as left. School closed from today for a week’s vacation.
28th May 1888 School re-opened this morning with good attendance. Admitted Robert Smith.
List of Object Lessons for Infants.
1 The Duck 2 The Squirrel
3 The Camel 4 Potato
5 Sugar 6 A Train
28th May 1888 Summary of Inspector’s report for school year ending
April 30th 1888. (AGK Simpson – Correspondent)
“The teaching is intelligent and as successful as may be expected from a single handed school of this size. The slight decrease in accuracy this year may probably be due to the time lost through the past severe season, and the same cause may perhaps account for the somewhat more noticeable falling off in the class subjects, which in the higher classes are not above fair, the answering being often very inaccurate and confined to a few children in each class. An improvement in writing may easily be effected by attending to the looped letters and the spacing between the words, while in some of the Reading, particularly among the boys of the fourth Standard, there is a high pitched monotony which should be discouraged. Needlework is good. The Infants have been very well taught throughout.
Staff: Lorence John Cope - Certificated Master. 2nd Class
Amy Maude Cope - Assistant Mistress Article 50
1st June 1888 Elizabeth Wenham, having concluded her holiday visit and returned to Withyham, is entered as Left. Commenced new work in each Standard.
8th June 1888 Five new admissions this week.
Working away with new rules.
14th June 1888 Examined the Registers, calling out the names of the children present, and found that they were correctly kept. Signed AGK Simpson. Correspondent
15th June 1888 Two new admissions; three children left.
On Tuesday afternoon, school was closed out of respect for the late Mrs Cazalet who was that day buried. The school has lost a munificent supporter who took the deepest interest in education and the general welfare of the children.
In loving memory of Mrs Cazalet, who died June 7 1888 aged 50 years – Thy will be done. |
In loving memory of
Mrs Cazalet who died
June 7 1888 aged 50 years
Thy will be done
22nd June 1888 Pursued new Standard work. Sent Geo. Packham and Robert Rich’s names to School Attendance Officer. Two infant boys new admissions.
29th June 1888 The Rev A Simpson and Mr Tucker visited. Admitted Frances Stevens, an infant. Attendance slightly worse through the unsettled thundery weather.
5th July 1888 Work proceeding as usual. Standard V work Simple Proportion.
9th July 1888 Visited the School signed J Carrington Ley HMI
13th July 1888 Good attendance. Work proceeding as usual. Sent following names to Mr Tucker School Attendance Officer, viz Frank Jury and Naomi Tapp. Upper Standards commenced Recitation “Byron’s Prisoner of Chillon”. Admitted H M Capeling.
31st July 1888 “The first quarter of school year ends. Amount of funds £11.12.4 an increase of £1.12 on corresponding quarter of last year. School opened 106 times against 108 last year; with quarterly average of 97, an increase of 11. Admitted 22 new scholars, whilst 6 have left, giving a total number on books of 116.
3rd August 1888 Admitted one infant boy this week. Work continuing as usual. Sent Walter Hayes, Geo. Packham, Caroline Packham, William Evans and four Cheesman’s names to the School Attendance Officer. Some children still absent gathering fruit, the unsettled weather has prevented the completion of this work.
9th August 1888 Reported R Rich, N Hesketh, A Capeling, E Hedges, John and E Jenner, N Tapp and four Cheesmans to School Attendance Officer for non attendance this week, most of them playing about the roads just previous to school hours. Mr Tucker the officer visited, inspected Attendance Registers and promised to send them warnings. The other children except a few above the IVth Standard -total exemption- attend exceedingly well.
17th August 1888 The Reverend A Simpson visited twice this week. Gave double lined exercise books to standards 3 to 6 in which they copy writing from the blackboard in order to improve style, looped letters, proper spacing etc. I find careless inattention the great fault, several big children, even in the 5th Standard mis-spelling the copy in front of them.
Admitted William Ovenden, an infant of Ightham Moat. Several children still absent the whole week; a few others attending irregularly.
22nd August 1888 Susan Wisbey having returned to London is entered as left. Several children absent this afternoon, attending the Ivy Hatch Sunday School treat.
31st August 1888 The school closes today for the hop picking holidays.
1st October 1888 List of Object Lessons for Infants.
1 Bear 2 Lion 3 Goose
4 House 5 Trees 6 Fire
3rd October 1888 School reopened this week with small attendance; only 60 present Monday morning.
5th October 1888 No school yesterday (Thursday) afternoon as the Harvest Festival took place.
12th October 1888 Several children have left this week owing to parents agreement at old Michaelmas with new employers, and consequent departures from parish.
Admitted Harvey Cripps to infant class.
19th October 1888 Visitors: The Rev A Simpson and Mrs Whitrow.
Standard III commenced Compound Rules. Most all children now returned to school. Received Kindergarten materials for infants.
26th October 1888 First Class Girls for most part, away; otherwise attendance is good. Mr Tucker, School Attendance Officer, called. Standard V commenced Practice sums.
2nd November 1888 Re- entered children’s names in the Attendance Registers.
Edgar Whyman having obtained constant employment at Tunbridge Wells is entered as left.
The second quarter of school year ends.
9th November 1888 Mr Wenborn visited and checked Registers. Children learnt a new song. Infants attendance poor, several away with colds. During the second quarter school has been opened 97 times, with quarterly average of 95 a slight decrease on previous quarter.
16th November 1888 Sent list of absentees to Mr Tucker, SA Officer, several children being absent the whole week; infants still in small attendance.
23rd November 1888 Many children especially infants have mild form of pox. Work proceeds as usual. Learnt a new song.
30th November 1888 The Rev A Simpson visited. Mrs Cunningham sent word to say as Harry was 13 years of age, he would now leave school.
7th December 1888 I have examined Alice Clarke on sums, reading and spelling and consider her too dull for the first Standard, but think she might remain to her advantage amoung the Infants for another year signed AGK Simpson Manager.
14th December 1888 The Rev A and Mrs Simpson visited. Ordered new school material. Work proceeding as usual.
19th December 1888 The Master absent today, work carried on by Mistress. School closed from today till January 6th Christmas vacation.
1889
January 7th 1889 Re-opened school after fortnight’s holiday with 76 in attendance. Received new school slates, books etc.
10th January 1889 Object lessons for infants: Sheep, Cat, Hay, Bread.
18th January 1889 The Rev A Simpson visited and assisted with Reading Lessons. The Master absent this week on account of illness school carried on by Mistress. Mr Tucker called, I mentioned W Evans continuous absence to him.
25th January 1889 The Master again at his post. Standard V commenced Fractions Vulgar. Lockyer and Jenner left the village entered as Left, also B Carter who is gone to Tonbridge Commercial School.
1st February 1889 The Rev A Simpson and Mr Tucker visited . I again drew his attention to W. Geo: Evan’s continued irregularity.
William Lockyer having gone to Aberdare to live with his parents is entered Left. Work proceeding as usual, Standard V have had Blackboard work with Fractions and Compound Practice.
8th February 1889 Good attendance especially in upper classes. Re-admitted Ellen Quinnell.
15th February 1889 No school this week, no children presented themselves, the road being nigh impassable with deep snow.
22nd February 1889 Filled up a Certificate respecting William Geo: Evans attendance. The reading generally is somewhat carelessly rendered; arithmetic has somewhat improved. Writing still requires much attention.
1st March 1889 Mrs Clarke called to say George had left, now he was thirteen, to work. Standard IV worked reduction in Square Measure. The weather has caused irregular attendance amoungst infants.
5th March 1889 I informed children the Registers would tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, be closed at 9.15 and Religious Instruction be given after 11.25 the elder children going to Church 11.30am.
8th March 1889 The Rev A Simpson and Mr Wenborn visited.
Work continues as usual style although there is not that neat finish with work on paper I should like.
15th March 1889 Admitted several new comers, and two or three children have left owing to changes, and removals, in the parish.
15th March 1889 I examined the registers throughout the school. Calling out the names and found them correctly kept. Signed AG K Simpson
22nd March 1889 I have sent Walter Hayes, Edith Hedges and E Rich’s names to the School Attendance Officer. Examined all Standards this week.
29th March 1889 Received, filled up, and returned to HM Inspector Form 8M. Mrs Rich sent to say Elsie being 13 years of age had left school. Elizabeth Peacock, temporary Monitoress, signified her wish to leave at end of a month for services at Fairlawn.
5th April 1889 Charles H Chevis, a visitor to Ightham Moat Cottages, has returned to his home at Wrotham, so is entered as ‘Left’. Some improvement noticeable in upper classes peper work. Fanny Godfrey away through illness. Most of the infants now in attendance again, as weather improves.
12th April 1889 The Rev A Simpson and Mrs Wenborn visited. Henry Packham a promising infant leaves the district tomorrow for Southborough. Examined all Standards, found the Spelling weak especially in 3rd Standard.
18th April 1889 The school was inspected by the Diocesan Inspector (Rev Nunn) on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of the Vicar and Mr Wenborn consequently Registers were not marked. Tomorrow ‘Good Friday’ the school will not meet. Admitted Frank Potter a visitor from Yalding.
26th April 1889 No school last Monday afternoon, Easter Monday. Work proceeds as usual. Elizabeth Peacock, Monitress left on Monday for service.
30th April 1889 The registers I have examined and I found all correctly kept. Signed Geo. Wenbon
3rd May 1889 Re-entered names in and commenced New Attendance Registers. Sent name of Grace Cheesman to Attendance Officer.
10th May 1889 William Cripps has obtained a situation at Golden Green so has left school. Work continues as usual; am devoting special attention to Spelling throughout.
17th May 1889 Many children irregular, hop tying commenced; have sent a list to Attendance Officer. Frank Potter has returned to Yalding. The Cripps family absent with mumps.
23rd May 1889 School inspected and Scholars examined by J Carrington Ley Esq HMIS and his Assistant.
School Songs.
1 Action Song
2 The Spring
3 The Sunbeam
4 The Reaper
5 One gentle word
6 Come where the sunlight gleameth
7 The old bell
30th May 1889 Today Ascension Day a half holiday given. No school tomorrow. School opened 7 times this week. Received Duplicate Schedule, re-arranged Standard accordingly.
7th June 1889 Object Lessons for Infant Class-
1 Flower (Common Kinds)
2 A Garden
3 Harvest
4 Elephant
5 Tiger
6 Bricklayer
17th June 1889 Summary of Her Majesty’s Inspector’s Report for school year ending 30th April 1889.
Mixed School “This school continues to do very well and makes progress as regards the quality of the elementary work most noticeably in Handwriting. Tone and order are very good”
Infants Class. “The infants are very well taught throughout. Their Writing is especially praiseworthy”
Lorence John Cope Certificated Master 2nd Class
Amy Maude Cope Assistant Mistress Article 50
Signed A G K Simpson Correspondent
17th June 1889 School reopened this morning after Whitsun vaction. The Rev A Simpson visited. Jane Northeast commenced duties in this school as Candidate on Probation (Article 40)
28th June 1889 The Rev A G Simpson, Mrs Simpson and Mr Geo: Wenborn visited this week.
Admitted several new comers and sent list of absentees to School Attendance Officer.
Standard VI commenced Decimal Fractions.
6th July 1889 School opened nine times this week. Mr Tucker Attendance Officer called on Monday. Work continues as usual. The girl Jane Northeast not proving efficient as a teacher, will shortly terminate her engagement as a Candidate in this school.
13th July 1889 The Rev A Simpson visited thrice. Attendance far from satisfactory, so much outdoor work, haymaking, fruit gathering etc in which children assist. Jane Northeast terminates duties today. A week’s holiday given from today for fruit gathering.
22nd July 1889 School reopened this morning with 81 in attendance, numbers much less this afternoon on account of Foresters’ annual festival at Plaxtol.
26th July 1889 A meeting of the School Managers was this day held, when J H Platt Esq was elected in room of Thomson Hankey Esq resigned. The Master brought the question of irregular attendance to their notice especially in cases of Cheesman’s and Robert Rich. A half holiday this afternoon, W M Cazalet Esq kindly giving a treat to the children.
Visitors this week. Rev A Simpson, Mr Wenborn and Mr Tucker S A Officer.
2nd August 1889 Gave notice that Monday next being Bank Holiday school on that day would be closed. Three children left this school, two of them having passed total exemption standard.
9th August 1889 On Wednesday evening the scholars were entertained by the Master with various dissolving views. Work proceeds as usual. I sent a list of several names to Mr Tucker Attendance Officer.
16th August 1889 The Rev A Simpson, Mr Wenborn and Mr Allcorn visited this week respecting repairs to building during vacation. The Ashbee’s have removed from Dene Park so are entered as Left. Work continues as usual.
23rd August 1889 The school will be closed for usual summer holidays – five weeks – until 30th September.
30th September 1889 School re-opened after Hop picking holidays.
The following Object Lessons will be taken by Infants.
1 Apple
2 Rabbit
3 Parrot
4 Wool
5 A station
6 Coal
4th October 1889 Attendance fairly good on resuming work last Monday morning.
A half holiday was given yesterday (Thursday) afternoon the annual Harvest Festival being held. Admitted four scholars, Savage new comers to the village; whilst three children have left.
11th October 1889 Registers examined and found correct signed Geo Wenborn
11th October 1889 I sent several names to Mr Tucker SAO of children absent acorn- gathering.
15th October 1889 This morning I had occasion to punish Lizzie Rich for repeated playfulness and not having done her lessons: whereupon her brother Robert got out of his class and told her to go home at once, as I did not allow her to do so, he got into a temper and himself went out. In the afternoon he brought an elder sister who with much abuse demanded her sister at once, saying they would attend another school. I at once cancelled her attendance.
21st October 1889 This morning the two Rich’s put in an appearance. I called Robert up and enquired if he was sorry for his past conduct and would promise to behave in future; he said No he shouldn’t do that- I told him I could not take him, until such a promise was openly made, as the order and discipline of the school must be maintained. He therefore left, whilst his sister remained. Mr Tucker visited this afternoon, to whom I mentioned the above.
1st November 1889 The second quarter of school year ends today; the average attendance is much below that of corresponding period last year. Two infants have left school this week. Standard IV commenced Reduction Avoirdupois and Standard III Compound Addition. Have much trouble with Spelling throughout.
7th November 1889 The attendance is better. Gave notice that tomorrow Religious instruction would be dispensed with Registers marked and closed by 9.5 am prompt, four hours of secular instruction being given straight away.
11th November 1889 The Rich’s have gone to reside at Hildenborough so will not attend this school.
22nd November 1889 The girls have not attended so regularly this week. Learnt a new song “The sea”. Filled up a form for Attendance Officer to prosecute Cheesman for irregularity.
29th November 1889 Admitted three children, Warren’s, new comers to the village. Standard IV are making progress with Reduction “Weights and Measures”
6th December 1889 Geo: Garrett has obtained work as house-boy at Marchurst so has left school. Alice Cheesman’s parents prosecuted for her irregular attendance; and attendance order was made by the justices. Received new stock of Kindergarten material for infants.
13th December 1889 The bad state of roads is undoubtedly the cause of several children’s non-attendance. Mr Maddocks called to say his son William had finished for this season his work with game on Fairlawn Estate and he should like him to attend school during the winter months; next spring he would require him again. I told him to send him on Monday and I would work him on in his next Standard although having been away since May he is quite behind the work of the Class.
Routine continues as usual.
20th December 1889 The day and Sunday school children were entertained by Mr Wenborn on Tuesday evening with a tea, magic lantern entertainment and service of song. He also distributed cards and leaflets at close of school this afternoon to each child and addressed a few seasonable remarks to them. The school closes for Christmas vacation till 6th January 1890
1890
10th January 1890 The school re-opened on Monday morning with a fair attendance. Heavy colds and whooping cough prevalent in parish several children away with same whilst others fear to come. Received two new hanging lamps for large room
13th January 1890 Geo: Brice has left this school and is in attendance at Tonbridge Skinner’s Comprehensive Commercial School. Fanny Godfrey has left to assist her invalid mother.
The Mistress unable to attend by a heavy cold this afternoon so Standard I are working with Standard II in this room; the Infants being under charge of the Monitress. Signed Lorence John Cope Master
14th January 1890 The Mistress still unable to attend school. By advice of the Correspondent I this morning returned two boys, Robert and Harry Smith and Agnes Tapp as members of the respective families are attacked with whooping cough.
17th January 1890 We have had a poor attendance, the average for the week being the lowest this school year viz 68.9. Many of the children in attendance appear to be ailing with coughs.
24th January 1890 There has been no school all this week, the Managers having decided that as so many cases of whooping cough exist, and the teaching staff attacked with influenza, it would be best to close in the hopes that epidemics may prevent spreading.
27th January 1890 School re-opened this morning with 45 scholars in attendance. Weather unfavourable.
31st January 1890 The third quarter of school year ends today, average for that period 76.2. I have re-entered names in the Attendance Registers. The following lessons will be given to the Infant School during next quarter in addition to those already selected.
1 Horse
2 Fowls
3 Straw
4 Snow
7th February 1890 The Rev A Simpson visited thrice this week. Attendance a trifle better, still much below the usual average. Standard IV commenced Reduction ‘Square Measure’.
14th February 1890 I sent a list of absentees to Mr Tucker several children away the whole week. Work continues as usual; William Legg a very dull boy a complete drag on his class, noted for dirty incorrect work. Albert Cunningham too works far from satisfactory. Mr Jury states Frank must leave to help with horses in place of his elder brother.
21st February 1890 The attendance this week and especially this afternoon has been very low, average 56, colds and whooping cough still preventing over thirty children from attending. Much progress cannot be made but work continues in usual way. Geo: Cripps has obtained a situation at work and left school.
28th February 1890 Two children removed from district to West Peckham; admitted Ethel Slatter to infants’ class. Gave Mr Tucker a list of 30 children away, to enable him to make house to house visitation and enquire if all were really ill as reported. The attendance this week is the lowest I have ever experienced.
7th March 1890 No school on Monday owing to the snowy weather. Alfred Cunningham has obtained employment at the Moat Farm so has left school. Whooping cough still keeps the attendance low, average 44.8
14th March 1890 Admitted May Hider – an infant from Moat. The attendance this week has improved a little, the average being 56.6
21st March 1890 The improvement noticeable last week in the attendance has this week vanished owing partly to the very wet weather yesterday when only 17 children were in attendance, the weekly average having fallen to 49.1
I examined those today who were here but as so many were away unexamined it is difficult to form a conclusion on the general attainment of any one Standard. I have sent the Attendance Officer another list of all not present that he, by personal enquiry, may satisfy his Committee whether the children are ill as stated.
28th March 1890 The Attendance Officer called and stated the absentees I returned him were unfit to attend school yet. Frank Haylor and Lily Marchant have left school and obtained situations.
4th April 1890 No school today Good Friday.
Walter Hayes’ father came for a labour certificate and said his boy would leave for work at Fairlawn. Admitted Florence Bertha Hider, an infant.
11th April 1890 The attendance is better this week, several children returned after long illness, far from satisfactory in their work. No Religious Instruction this morning. I have sent a list of absentees to Attendance Officer for him to enquire if they are fir to attend again. Working away to try to recover some of ground lost by continuous absence.
15th April 1890 Mr Tucker visited today to view the Registers as he was making a visitation to children’s homes. He told me he should require a medical certificate from all who were still absent through illness. Three or four more children returned yesterday; the infants too have, at last, reached 20 in attendance.
25th April 1890 School opened nine times, as few returned after dinner on account of heavy rain and those were very wet I did not keep them, hence no meeting. A better attendance this week, working away at spellings and mental arithmetic but so much has been lost through absences from illness and other causes that these two subjects are far from state I should like. Obtained two new sets of Test Cards.
30th April 1890 Notice of Government examination received. Date 21st May 1890 10.30am. The school year ends today.
Annual average 72.4 and decrease of 17.6 from last
School Fees £36.7.0 a decrease of £6.18.9
Number on Books 86 a decrease of 13
Re-written names in Registers of Attendance.
7th May 1890 Admitted an infant Mabel Banfield. Work continues as usual. Attendance improves. Brice, Saunders and Packham’s still ill.
14th May 1890 Average this week but 71. Work without alteration.
20th May 1990 Rev A and Mrs Simpson and Mr Tucker visited.
21st May 1890 List of School Songs 1889-90
Infant Class
1 Twenty little children
2 Black cat
3 Winter
Lower Division
1 Drive the nail
2 Twenty children
3 Another fleeting day
4 The Star of Peace
5 Monkey
Upper Division
1 Oh the foaming sea
2 Merrily over the snow
3 Norseman
4 We love our own
5 Peacefully rest
23rd May 1890 School inspected on Wednesday by J Carrington Ley Esq and his Assistant Mr F Maggs. School opened 9 times.
4th June 1890 Registers checked by A G K Simpson
6th June 1890 School reopened last Monday after a week’s holiday. Admitted six infants and four older scholars recently come to the village. Elizabeth Morison and George Banfield have left. The parent of the latter called to say his boy had obtained a situation and as he would be 13 years in a few weeks, he hoped he would be allowed to withdraw him. I sent in two Thomas’(Nellie and Edward) names to Mr Tucker. Received notice of Diocesan Inspection (which was publicly read and affixed) for 23rd June. Duplicate Schedule and Parchment received from HM Inspector of Schools.
13th June 1890 Drafted scholars to higher Standards and commenced new work. Admitted three children to infants’ class. Obtained four dozen penny memory books for use in lower Standards.
14th June 1890 Summary of Her Majesty’s Inspector’s Report for school year ending 30th April 1890.
Mixed School. “ The school is in excellent order, and in spite of illness and other causes conducive to irregularity of attendance, sound and good work has been done. Arithmetic, though satisfactory, is less successful than Spelling. The Directress of Needlework awards the summary mark good for the work of the girls, but remarks that in the first standard a chain edge must be shewn in the Knitting. Singing by note is very satisfactory throughout.”
Infants’ Class. “The infant children have as usual been very well taught. The Directress of Needlework awards the summary mark fair for their Needlework.”
Lorence John Cope Certificated Master Second Class
Amy Maude Cope Assistant Mistress Article 50
Signed AG K Simpson Correspondent
20th June 1890 The Rev AGK Simpson called and signed the verbatim entered copy or Report. Five new admissions made during week. The classes are now fairly started in their respective new Standard work.
27th June 1890 The Rev A G and Mrs Simpson and Mr Hankey J P called. The latter has kindly given a set of cricket stumps and two balls for boys use.
Alfred Godfrey has passed Standard VII, his name is cancelled on Attendance Register. William Percy Maddocks has left.
3rd July 1890 Mrs Simpson called respecting the girl Slatter, a very backward child recently admitted. Rose Haylor, the monitress has left for service.
11th July 1890 Admitted two boys to infant class. Several elder children away fruit gathering out of 102 on books only 92 present at all giving a weekly average attendance of 83.1; school opened eight times this week, holiday on Tuesday last.
15th July 1890 Religious subjects exam rev A Nunn and Rev S Gladstone 10am to noon.
25th July 1890 The family of the police constable - new comers from Smarden – recently admitted. Work continues as usual.
28th July 1890 Object Lessons for Infants’ Class
1 The Dog
2 Farmyard
3 The Lion
4 House
5 The Donkey
6 Jam
1st August 1890 The children invited by W M Cazalet Esq to a treat on Thursday afternoon at Fairlawn. Sent a list of 14 absentees to Mr Tucker. The first quarter of school year ends today re-entered names in Attendance Registers. Work continues as usual although somewhat impeded by the irregular attendance of those who go fruit gathering and hay making.
8th August 1890 A good attendance this week, average 91.8, fruit gathering is now concluded.
Admitted Daisy Hawkins to Standard II from Stanley St Board School New Cross. Monday being Bank Holiday there was no school.
8th August 1890 Registers examined by AGK Simpson
22nd August 1890 I have sent the names of 3 Hayes’ Packham and Warren to School Attendance Officer. Several children absent this afternoon at a Sunday School treat at Ivy Hatch.
6th October 1890 The school re-opened this morning with a good number of children in attendance. Admitted two children F Hider and E Hedges.
10th October 1890 The average attendance this week is 96, there are 112 on the books, 2 more infants having been admitted since Monday. The vacation has had its influence in the attainments generally notable so in Arithmetic and Reading which has deteriorated in ability. The staff would be improved by augmentation.
17th October 1890 Sent a list of absentees to Mr Wenborn also to Mr Tucker, Attendance Officer.
The following course of Object Lessons will be taken by the Infant Class.
1 Goose
2 Cat
3 Squirrel
4 Rainbow
5 Oak
6 Hop picking
23rd October 1890 Registers examined by AGK Simpson
24th October 1890 The average attendance for week is 92.2 N Thomas has gone to Oxonhoath School the parents new residence being nearer to that school than to this. Nellie and Edith Hedges have returned to Plaxtol School, they have therefore been removed from the roll. Charles Diprose has also left school for work.
7th November 1890 New school apparatus and materials ordered. Standard V commence exercises in addition of Vulgar Fractions and the IIIrd Standard had black board teaching of Compound Addition (Money). A new song taught to upper division.
14th November 1890 Received new materials, slates, books etc; also an extra desk for Standard I. The attendance has not been so good this week as last the average dropping 9 per cent.
21st November 1890 The 2 Thomas’ have left the district and now reside at Tonbridge. Mrs Hawkins sent word that Eva aged 4 years would not attend again until the summer on account of great distance and bad roads.
27th November 1890 School opened six times only this week on account of the deep snow, roads impassable.
5th December 1890 The thaw has prevented several children from attending, but those who have been were very regular, no doubt prompted by the ticker scheme just instituted.
11th December 1890 The Mistress is absent this week with dental abscess and under medical treatment. Her sister has assisted with the Infants, the slides remaining open so that children may be under the direct supervision of the Master.
19th December 1890 The Mistress has resumed duties. Mr Wenborn visited the school this afternoon and addressed the children inviting them to a tea and entertainment next Tuesday evening.
24th December 1890 School closed from tonight till 5th Jan 1891 for Christmas vacation.
1891
6th January 1891 The Vicar visited this morning and tool the Religious Instruction. Several scholars away, possibly through severity of weather. Standard IV commenced Reduction Weights and Measures “Avoirdupois”. The new admissions to this Standard during the year give a deal of trouble in Parsing and Simple analysis, not having taken English in their former schools.
19th January 1891 Registers examined, found quite correct Geo Wenbon
23rd January 1891 Standard IV making satisfactory progress with Weights and Measures but not with Grammar, which is still very weak in that Standard.
31st January 1891 Re-entered names in Registers (4th quarter) Average attendance this quarter 84.7, school opened 112 times
Fees £10.18.6 No admission 3 left No. on Books 105
6th February 1891 A promising youth, well up in Standard V work, was buried yesterday, viz W Hawkins. Many children absent, some with colds, others timid of the possible spread of scarlet fever, of which there is one case in the village.
11th February 1891 Notice having been given yesterday; the Secular Instruction commenced at 9am. Registers called and closed by 9.5am; the children attending Church services 11.15am today, Ash Wednesday.
20th February 1891 Admitted an infant Annie Blackman.
Work continues as usual. Standard IV are now making a little more progress with English.
27th February 1891 The two boys, Morison, left last night for their future residence on Lancashire; have entered them as left in Attendance Registers.
4th March 1891 Registers examined AGK Simpson
6th March 1891 The following Object Lessons will be given to Infants Class viz
1 Robin
2 Clock
3 The Sun
4 Turkeys
5 Umbrella
6 A River
John Collins a backward lad in 5th Standard unable to write, his right hand poisoned and swollen.
13th March 1891 No school yesterday nor today on account of deep snow, roads impassable, drifts of snow very deep.
13th March 1891 Admitted an infant from Ightham Moat Cottages. School opened 6 times only with much diminished attendance.
20th March 1891 The School Attendance Officer made an inspection of the Registers and took names of seven irregular children.
Read and affixed notice of Religious inspection for April 1st 10.30am. Admitted and infant new comer. W Legg left the village, entry made to that effect.
26th March 1891 Tomorrow Good Friday. Received 8U from Education Department filled it up and returned it.
3rd April 1891 Wednesday the Rev WEM Nunn visited and questioned children on Religious subjects; in presence of the Vicar and Mrs Simpson.
10th April 1891 Ethel Chandler’s parents are removed to Tonbridge so I have entered her as left.
Florence Winder, a scholar from Plaxtol, came on Monday. I called on her mother that evening to ascertain if she had actually removed her child from that school and intended to send her here constantly. She acknowledged she hadn’t informed the Managers of her withdrawal, and I advised her as the school year was almost closed and the annual examination near at hand to keep Florence in attendance at Plaxtol school until the inspection with liberty to choose her future school immediately afterwards. She promised to consult her husband and send me word, which I received next morning that they would follow the course I had suggested.
17th April 1891 Geo: Rudd, an infant, removed from parish to Hastings. Admitted four new scholars, new residents. Work continues in usual manner. On account of large number of infants the scholars in Standard I have lately been retained in large room and worked by the Master with Standard II.
24th April 1891 Plenty of problems (Arithmetic) explained to three upper Standards on Blackboard. Parsing in Standard IV improved, exceptions Collins and Garrett. Work;hard.
30th April 1891 Scholars names entered in new Attendance Registers. The Brigden family removed beyond Plaxtol (Broadfields) and gone to Plaxtol school. Two Hawkins’ children admitted. No. on books 105. Annual Average 85.9
8th May 1891 The Rev AG Simpson visited and took first Class in Poetical recitation.
Received notice of Government Examination and inspection fixed for Monday 25th May. Several children irregular through colds.
15th May 1891 The Rev A Simpson and Mrs Simpson visited. The latter overlooked the Girls and Infants needlework. Two of three families state they are victims to the influenza, thus accounting for children’s non-attendance. Work continues as usual; Standard IV has had many unseen passages given as Spelling Tests.
25th May 1891 The school was inspected and the scholars examined by sample this morning by J Carrington Ley Esq HMIS and his assistant Mr Maggs.
98 children were in attendance.
School Songs.
1 Rosie’s Answer
2 The Grinder
3 Little Soldiers
Division II
1 The Warrior’s Grave
2 The March Winds
3 The Sports of Childhood
4 One flake at a time
5 Come with me the moon is beaming
Division III
1 The Warrior’s Grave
2 The Quail Call
3 The Last Rose of Summer
4 You may laugh because etc.
5 Silver Lake
Poetical Extracts for Recitation submitted and approved
Standard I The Seasons
Standards II and III Inchcape Rock
Standards IV V VI Horatius
8th June 1891 AGK Simpson examined registers
9th June 1891 Mr Tucker School Attendance Officer visited this afternoon, inspected the Registers and visited several absentees. The school tomorrow will be closed, the Choir boys having their annual excursion.
12th June 1891 Mr Wenborn visited yesterday afternoon. Admitted two girls to infants class. The Hiders brought a note from their mother stating they would in future attend the school at Plaxtol as it would not be so lonely for them, nor so far. I have acknowledged this, pointing out they must attend there or here permanently as migration from school to school in one year, to and fro, could not be allowed.
16th June 1891 Summary of Her Majesty’s Inspector’s Report for school year ending 30th April 1890
Mixed School “The instruction is bright and intelligent, and the school and scholars are neat and orderly. The results are almost uniformly good, though Spelling in the fourth Standard is not above fair. Poetry is well known but the children in some cases do not recite distinctly. Singing is good, especially in the lower division.”
Infants’ Class “The infants are, as usual here, taught with much success and ability. Knowledge of Number is below the level of the other attainments.”
Lorence John Cope Certificated Master
Amy Maude Cope Assistant Mistress Article 50
Signed AGK Simpson Correspondent
17th June 1891 Infants Object Lessons
1 Horse
2 Rabbit
3 Sparrow
4 Train
5 Station
6 Post Office
7 Trees
8 Ice
9 Buildings
( Small note in margin £51.12 22.2)
19th June 1891 James Quinnell and S Warren have left, and two infants have been admitted, this week. The rain-water tanks have been emptied and cleansed. Science and Art Form filled up and returned to that Department.
26th June 1891 The Jones’ family removed to Ightham, entered as left. Admitted two infants. Number on Books 111. Standard 3 not making such progress with Long Division as I should wish.
3rd July 1891 A list of irregulars sent to School Attendance Officer showing usual children had not made 100 attendances during the past six months out of a possible 190. John Hayes punished for stubbornness and refusal to obey.
10th July 1891 The Vicar and Mr White visited. Some few children away all the week assisting with hay making. Work continues as usual.
14th July 1891 The Mistress absent this afternoon, the Infants taken by Monitress under personal supervision of the Master, the sliding partition remaining open.
24th July 1891 Fruit gathering has commenced, this, with hay making precludes many children in higher classes from attendance.
31st July 1891 Small attendance retards progress. Communication received from County Council respecting Technical Education; Correspondent replied suggesting lectures in winter months, offering use of room for same with light and firing.
7th August 1891 Still a very poor attendance, the showery weather has prolonged the fruit gathering and delayed the completion of hay making. The state of upper standards attendance may be gathered from the fact that only 14 attended at all out of 30. Emily Alice Callow, an infant left; gone to London.
14th August 1891 The Rev AG Simpson visited thrice this week. A few of the children who have been away fruit gathering returned this week but there is a marked indifference to thorough regularity during the past three or four weeks probably consequent on the postponement by the Vicar of promise awards gained by the ticket system.
The Monitress away on leave for next fortnight. Mr Gossatt called this morning complaining of Ebenzer Pilbeam’s interference with, and ill treatment of, his children on their way from school. Boy cautioned and detained for a time at close of school.
Mr Hankey called and heard the children sing.
18th August 1891 The Correspondent received Circular For Grant, accepting terms offered therein from date of commencement of Act September 1st and replied to that effect to the Education Department; therefore from 1st September the whole of this school will be free. Ivyhatch Sunday school treat this afternoon several children away.
21st August 1891 I have asked the Managers for an Assistant Teacher after Hop picking holidays. Donald Curris and Co, in reply to application, sent Map of South Africa with ship, for school use.
28th August 1891 Gave notice that school would be close for usual vacation for hop picking 5 weeks and upon 5th October date of reopening the school, under the Education Fees Act 1891 would be a free one. The rewards for attendance will be distributed after the holidays.