5. ANNUAL EXAMINATION.-The Head Master holds an examination of all the boys in College not only for prize purposes, but also to discover carefully the attainments of each boy that may be assigned to a suitable place in the following year. The Inspector of Schools also holds examination for the purposes of the Education Department. For the sake of the boys, the t examinations have been blended for the last ten years. Writing in 1886 Dr. ErrEL says in his repor
"The system followed by me in examining the various classes of the Government Central Sel was virtually the same as that adopted in previous years, except that most of the papers set w "proposed by the Head Master (for the purpose of determining the award of the annual prizes and "scholarships of the school) and consequently the questions which the scholars had to answer at the "examination were of a more searching character than I would have thought necessary."
But previously in 1883 Dr. EITEL had written.
"The severity of the test applied lifts therefore the result of this examination beyond all comparis "with the results of the Grant-in-Aid examinations, even considering that at the latter examinatial "two thirds of the marks possible entitle to a pass, while at the Central School 1 passed at th 66 examination all who had made half marks."
By comparing then these two Reports of the Inspector of Schools we discover that the seve test of 1883 had assumed a more searching character in 1886. If further we compare the Examinatic Questions of 1886 with those of 1892 there is manifest in the latter a higher standard in a ve marked degree. There has thus been during the past ten years a continuous steady advance in standard of education in this institution. The first examination that I held, in January, 1882, is the novelty of the circumstances impressed indelibly upon my memory. I am therefore in a positiv to state with confidence that Class III B is the highest class of Victoria College the work of whic at all reminds me of what was done in 1882 by Class I of the Central School. There are now ther fore 150 boys in this College doing work of a higher standard than the highest of 1882.
-6. RESULTS OF ANNUAL PRIZE EXAMINATION.-Of 709 boys examined 640 or 90.26 per cent passed. Returning as I did from Europe within six weeks of the examination, I feel that I can spe more freely of the impression produced on me by the work doue in this competition for Prizes an proinotion. The first thing that struck me was the general high tone, in neatness of work, excelle writing, and great advance in setting down Mathematical work in a clear form. Dictation conting to prove itself a stumbling block, though the results in half the classes were very creditable. Englis Composition, presented by 382 boys, was pleasing in its effect. The Grammar papers, 599 in numba shewed on the whole remarkable intelligence in grasping some of the chief difficulties in the Englis language. The paper on Shakespeare by Class 1. A simply astonished me, as it appeared to me the the replies to more than one question necessitated personal observation of actors on the stage; enquiry I found that this was precisely the case, they had had the great advantage of witnessing representation of the play of "Hamlet" at the City Hall. The work of the Upper School was abo average; Classes I. A and II. A maintaining a remarkably high character of work, together wi excellent percentages. In the Lower School Classes IV. A. IV. C and VI. A. turned out excellen intelligent work. The results in the Preparatory School left nothing to be desired. It must not b supposed that the masters and scholars of the remaining classes are undeserving of praise; with ne exceptions the work of classes, which have been only fairly successful gives evidence of care instruction and the inability of boys to avail themselves of it appears to be due to the forced motions, which are the natural consequence of the introduction into the College of 400 new boys, the course of the year.
the
7. PUPIL TEACHERS' EXAMINATION.--The Inspector of Schools set a very stiff paper on Theory and History of Education. Two boys obtained three-quarters marks and none of the remain ing four failed in this subject. Mr. JONES, the Assistant Master who was in charge of the Preparator School with its Pupil Teachers and Monitors, wrote a very careful Report in which he shows th disadvantages under which these Juniors suffer, by the necessary promotion to acting appointmen when their Seniors are absent on leave. As a novel feature this year, I may note that, at Mr. Jox suggestion, the six Pupil Teachers and Monitors gave instruction in various subjects to a class in the presence of the Inspector of Schools. This year, one of the Monitors obtained the Stewart schola ship, the highest distinction in the College next to the Morrison Scholarship.
8. PUPIL TEACHERS' SYSTEM-Pupil Teachers and Monitors continue to be employed in this as in all other large schools and colleges. To secure the continued services of the same junior teachers the Pupil Teachers have since 1887 been articled for a period of three years. It would be a mistak
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their errors in teaching and advising them in their many difficulties. In addition to this, they receive, once a week, in the afternoon from this master, instruction on the theory, history and principles of Education. This system appears to me quite adequate for the requirements of the College, and though at present capable of considerable improvement and extension, it will, I am confident, in a few years, bring great credit to the Institution. Apart from any other consideration, the efficacy of the system is demonstrated by the efficiency of the Chinese Assistants who were thus trained, several of whom hold Oxford or Cambridge Local Certificates. That Chinese Assistants should vary in natural aptitude for teaching, and in their ability to pronounce English purely, is not surprising, as the same variety is observable in the masters of schools in England. The Central School on more than one occasion provided teachers for Government and other schools in the Colony, and I have received from the Inspector of Schools and others letters bearing quite flattering testimony to the excellence of the manner in which those young men discharged their duties. If Victoria College does not continue to provide teachers for Government Schools, the low salary offered, and the isolation of village and suburban schools are, as far as I am aware, the only causes. It cannot be expected that a boy, who can earn $40 a month in the city of Victoria, will allow himself to be exiled to Shau-ki-wan or Stanley for $25 a month.
9. NORMAL SCHOOL-In 1879, the Government made the experiment of forming a Normal School in connexion with Wantsai Government School. It was closed in 1883 on my recommendation, as Acting Inspector of Schools, for the following reasons; (1) there was no probability of the Gov- ernment being able to redeem its promise of finding the pupils employment as teachers; (2) the number of pupils, reduced by sickness and desertion made the expense of the Institution dispropor- tionate; (3) an opportunity of joining the Medical College at Tientsin made the young men willing to terminate their agreements. Mr. MAY was very successful as Principal of the Normal School, and I have no doubt that, as Second Master of Victoria College, he will have equal success in training our Monitors and Pupil Teachers.
10. NON-CHINESE PUPIL. TEACHERS.-As to the employment of English, Portuguese or Indian boys as Pupil Teachers, I have never observed in English or Portuguese boys the least sign of adaptability to the profession of teaching, and have only once found an Indian capable of holding the post. which he did to my entire satisfaction. Mr. ALARAKIA subsequently ranked as a Chinese Assistant, and had therefore to be competent to speak and write Chinese with ease.
11. DRILL.-Drill was introduced last September; but as only one Instructor was engaged for all the Schools in the Colony, only two and a half hours a week fell to the share of this College. The result was that the squads, often numbering 130 boys, were hopelessly unwieldy and it was impossible for the instructor to correct the individual error of so many boys. There is a general belief in the benefits accruing from this form of exercise, and a scheme has been approved to provide a separate instructor to give 123 hours a week to our 900 boys, which will afford half an hour's drill weekly for squads averaging 36 in mumber.
12. STAFF.-Mr. Mar was in charge of the College as Acting Head Master for ten months, until my return at the end of October. Mr. JAMESON returned from leave on May 8th, and Mr. DEALY left for Europe on twelve-months' leave from September 9th. Thus the staff was short of two English Masters at the same time for six months of the
year, In addition to which the work of the College
the other for one month. suffered through the illness of two English masters, one of whom was absent for over two months,
13. OXFORD LOCAL EXAMINATIONS.-Last July there were from this College, one Senior and thirteen Junior Candidates, the Senior Candidate passed, and three Juniors also received certificates. There would have been four more successes, but for failures in Shakespeare, which is naturally a stiff subject for Chinese boys, and is rendered doubly so by the short time (four months) available for its
preparation.
14. CAREERS OF BOYS.-During the last twelve-months 96 boys from this College obtained situations; viz.: 4 in the Colonial Service; 9 in the Chinese Imperial Service, Customs and Telegraph; 40 in Mercantile and Professional Offices in Hongkong; and 43 at the Coast Ports, in Japan, and elsewhere.
I have the honour to be,
to suppose that they receive their appointments in order of the Prize Lists. As careful a system selection is observed, as the circumstances of the case permit. Monitors are appointed by the Hea Master, who immediately substitutes, if necessary, another boy better suited physically, or by naturs disposition, to the science and art of teaching. After the experience of a year or more, the best q these monitors who is willing to be articled, is recommended for that purpose to the Government Since the opening of Victoria College, considerable improvements have been made in the advantage enjoyed by the three Pupil Teachers and five Monitors. An English Master is appointed to supervis Honourable W. M. GOODMAN, the four lowest classes of the College, which are under their charge, observing their method correcting
Acting Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
GEO. H. BATESON WRIGHT, D.D., Oxon,
Head Master.
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