4758-1906-Report-of-the-Inspector-of-Schools-for-1905 — Page 21

1090

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, JUNE 22, 1906.

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 begun.

* 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 130 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 School is uniformly very good, over 80 % of marks having been gained at examination by the 3 highest Standards.

w

Hygiene. The manual has been begun with promising results. The upper Standards bave 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.

1