Appendix C.j

LI

E.- 2.

History has for the most part been treated as a reading-subject; but teachers are realizing that if this subject is to receive adequate treatment the reading must be directed and supplemented by vivid and realistic teaching. Elementary civics has been satisfactorily treated in most of the schools above Grade IV. In their schemes of work hi geography teachers have given more prominence to physical, social, and commercial geography than to the mathematical section. Of this action we thoroughly approve, holding as we do that intensive teaching in mathematical geography should be relegated to the secondary schools. Commercial movements and trade relations have been satisfactorily followed. and the treatment of the connexion between climate, products, and industries has been such as to develop the reasoning-powers without unduly burdening the memory. The drawing for the proficiency certificate was set and examined by Mr. Hawcridge, whose report shows that considerable advance has been made, especially in the scale and design branches. We should like to see more use made of this subject as a means of expression in other branches of school-work. In an increasing number of schools nature-study, instead of being treated in formal lessons, has been dealt with by means of short daily talks on what the pupils have observed in connexion with matters previously suggested by the teacher. This has called forth personal investigation, led to a closer acquaintance with the plant and animal life of the district, and stimulated the curiosity and sympathy of the pupils. The recent appointment by the Department of specialists in connexion with physical culture is a practical recognition of the importance of the sound body in any scheme of education. Physical culture has long received special attention in the Otago schools ; and the success that has been achieved is largely due to the excellent training received by our teachers at the hands of Mr. Hanna, whose enthusiasm, skilful teaching, and tactful management have been highly beneficial to all who have passed through his hands. In schools in which military drill has been taught the work has reached a high state of efficiency. Throughout the district the order, discipline, and tone of the schools are good. Of the work of our teachers, it has been our pleasing duty to report approvingly. The requirements of the syllabus make great demands on their patience, energy, skill, and time. Outside of their ordinary work, teachers have been called upon during the year to take part in movements entailing much labour and self-sacrifice, and they have come forward with ungrudging response and intelligent effort. Our ideals have seldom been reached, but in striving to attain them we have met with such honest service and exemplary conduct as to convince us that, true to their trust. our teachers are endeavouring by precept and example to train their pupils to become honest, intelligent, and selfreliant workers who will do the best their circumstances permit. We have again to express our high appreciation of the tine response made by teachers to our appeal for assistance at the manual-training centres and the teachers' training-classes. In this connexion we are deeply indebted to Dr. Church for once more coming forward and devoting so large a portion of his time to the training of our teachers in first aid and ambulance. To him we tender our congratulations on the fine result attained by his classes. We have, &c, C. R. Richardson,~] C. R. BossE\t-K. J. R. DON. Inspectors. The Secretary. Otago Education Boa.nl. J. Robertson-. J

SOUTHLAND. Sir,— Education Office, Invercargill, 25th March, 1913. We have the honour to submit our report on the schools of the district for 1912. During the year the number of schools under our supervision has increased by six, from 174 in 1911 to 180 in 1012. In connexion with this increase we venture to hope that some relief will be afforded us at an early period by the appointment of-an additional Inspector. This would enable us to visit every school twice in the school year, to spend more time in inspection as opposed to examination, and to gain a fuller knowledge of the young people employed by the Board than we can at present. The following extract from Form 23 gives particulars as to the number on roll, classification, and ages : — • Number on ' Present at the ; Average Age of Classes. □ U Annual ihe Pupils Examination. in each Clas". Yrs. mos. Standard VII 44 39 14 8 VI ... ... ... ... 673 659 13 11 V ... ... ... ... 1,018 979 13 1 IV ... ... ... 1,239 1,206 12 1 111 ... ... 1,290 1,241 11 0 II ... ... ... ... 1,407 1,362 10 2 I ... ... L.399 1,358 8 11 Preparatory ... ... ... 3,999 3,828 6 11 Totals ... ... ... 11,069 10,672 9 S

viii—E. 2 (A P p. c)