498
Algebra.-The subject is very well taught. More time might be given to the solution of problems.
Geometry.-Taken by Standard VII Senior and Junior. In the Junior Division the arguments were not written out as if the writers were altogether convinced of their truth.
Drawing-A new subject. No great advance has been made with it, so far. Excellent materials have been procured; and it may be hoped that St. Joseph's may before many years produce draughtsmen of the quality it once used to do.
Hygiene. Not began.
*No. 2-Italian Convent.
Discipline and Organization.-Discipline is very good. The organization is also very good in the lower Standards. But it must be borne in mind that a very thorough know- ledge of English is required in teaching the highest Standards.
Sanitation.-Very satisfactory.
Floor Space.-Sufficient for 430 pupils.
Apparatus.-Satisfactory. Slates should not be used after Standard III.
English-Colloquial.-Pains should be taken to make English spoken more freely in the Iwoer Standards. Reading.The scholars read audibly and distinctly, and take an in- telligent interest in the subject matter. Writing. The two highest Standards did poorly in comparison with Standards IV and V, who both did very well.
Geography. A useful manual on the local geography has been published for the use of the lower Standards. But the results shewn at examination were not altogether satis- factory. A good geography reader is used in the higher Standards.
History.-Gill's History if used must be supplemented by a more interesting text book or reader. The one used in Standard III answers the purpose. In Standard VI, I found that the conception of the scholars of the physical and social condition of England at the time of the Conquest (their period) was of the vaguest. Standards V and VII however did very creditable written papers on their periods.
Arithmetic.-The subject (both mental and written) is being very well taught in the lower Standards, and the work in the Upper chool is uniformly very good, over 80 % of marks having been gained at examination by the 3 highest Standards.
Hygiene. The manual has been begun with promising results. The upper Standards have been fortunate in getting the Rev. Father DE MARIA to illustrate the lectures by a few simple experiments.
General,--The school may again be classed as "thoroughly efficient." The weakest point in it is the composition of the 2 highest Standards. where the girls seem hardly up to the requirements of their position. The teaching in these Standards has left something to be desired. I understand that steps are being taken to strengthen them.
*No. 3.-French Convent.
Discipline and Organization.-Greatly improved. The school has now a very good course of instruction. The girls will not speak audibly.
Sanitation. Very satisfactory, except for the noisiness of the surroundings of the Infant Class-room.
Floor Space.-Sufficient for 138 pupils.
Apparatus. Very satisfactory.
English.-Colloquial.-Pains should be taken to correct the speech of the non-English girls. Reading.-Very well taught. The, 3 Readers used cover a great deal of ground.