535
Bookkeeping.-A long and difficult paper was excellently done by Standard VII, in a way much above the average as regards accuracy, neatness and grasp of the subject. Standard VI also did well.
Shorthand--is still in the theoretical stage. I think that no boy can yet write as fast as he can with long hand. The subject has been taught for 3 years.
Latin. The subject was started in the year under review. I have had personal ex- perience of teaching the text book used (Sonnenschein's Ora Martitima), and I can only express disappointment at the results achieved. The ability to translate from English into Latin at the end of a year is practically nil. The teaching of this very valuable subject requires reconsideration. I suggest that if is taught, more time must be given to it; which time might be gained by teaching the Non-Chinese boys Latin Grammar in the place of English Gramınar.
Chinese. Reading.-Good. Composition.-Fair. It would be an assistance to the Inspector if compositions were done in exercise books, and dated.
Chinese pens and paper should be used.
Grant.—I recommend a Grant at the highest rate of 35/- and report that the school is thoroughly efficient. The main points that seein to me to require attention are English Composition in the two highest Standards, and the danger of too rapid promotions.
* No. 9.-St. Mary's.
Staff.-Four European Sisters of Charity, and one Assistant Teacher.
Discipline and Organization.-The discipline has considerably improved. It is still hard to extract answers from the Upper Standards, where the teaching can not be considered to be altogether satisfactory.
Sanitation.-Very satisfactory.
Floor Space-Sufficient for 152 pupils.
Apparatus.--Satisfactory.
English-Reading.Good. Writing.-Dictation is good in the lowest Standards. Composition is very good in Standards III & IV and good in Standards V & VI; and there is generally a considerable improvoment in spelling and neatness.
Geography.-The lower Standards are doing well. Standard V profess to have learned Asia and begun Africa during the year. But their ignorance of Asia at examination shews that the treatment has been very superficial.
History. The method of teaching this subject requires a radical amendment in Standards ÏV & V. I am far from wishing the work to degenerate into learning strings of dates; but when (as happened when Standard IV were questioned on their period) the almost unanimous opinion placed Magna Carta in the XIX century, some change of system is surely called for. Standard VI were correct in their facts, though their replies were curt and stereotyped: but they should have a text book. At present they learn by means of questions and answers dictated to them.
Hygiene. The time devoted to the subject is only hour a week. Willoughby's Hygiene is not used as a book of reference by the Senior Classes. The simple facts of the Elementary Course appear to have been grasped.
Arithmetic. The theory of expressing numbers by figures is not well taught in Standard 111: in Standard IV fractions are never reduced to the lowest terms. The work of the higher Standards has greatly improved in neatness and accuracy, and is now very good.
Needlework.-Good.
Grant. I recommend a Grant at the rate of 30/-.