Sessional_Paper_1891 — Page 152

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The average attendance in March was 27, whilst that for December was 40, which shows a greater improvement in the regularity of the attendance than in the increase of pupils.

Subjoined is a list of the averages for March-December.

March,

April,

May,

June,

.27

29

July, August,

.34

..31

.29

September, .........36

October, November, .... December,

.39

.42

.40

.38

In August Miss MANN resigned ber duties as Head Mistress of the School.

Steady though slow progress has been made throughout the year and we may confidently look forward to a large increase of numbers at the new year.

I-Work of the Year.

The School is in two divisions, Upper and Lower. The former consists of the more advanced English-speaking girls and these are taught by the Head Mistress, receiving instruction in :-Reading, Arithmetic, Composition, Grammar, History, Geography, Drawing and Needlework.

The study of Chinese is optional.

The Lower Division is in charge of the Chinese Assistant Mistress by whom they are taught English Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.

II-Suggested Improvements.

The surroundings of the present School premises militate strongly against the chances of success in attracting the daughters of Europeans. The school is situated in an uninviting neighbourhood, sur- rounded by Chinese houses it is inconspicuous, and has no open space which can be utilised as a play ground.

Internally the premises also are inconvenient: it is difficult for the Head Mistress to supervise the younger classes, as they are on a lower floor, and the upper classes under her direct training are in separate rooms, which is an unsatisfactory arrangement. If two large rooms on the same level in a better neighbourhood could be obtained, there is no doubt that the number of pupils would quickly increase, and the work of the School could be carried on with greater efficiency.

2. Although the present staff is quite adequate for the scholars now in attendance, it is advisable that an English girl should be obtained as a pupil teacher who could be trained to assist in the work of the school while at the same time continuing her own education.

A girl brought up in the school would be a much more valuable teacher than one unaccustomed to school routine.

3. In English schools, increasing attention is now paid to physical training and exercises, and in nearly all the large Board schools some system of drill is in use. If the suggestion as to more convenient school premises can be carried out, it would be practicable to take up a modified form of Swedish drill, such as is given in the London Board schools, and which forms a pleasant change from the ordinary routine of school work, at the same time counteracting the tendency to stoop, induced by long hours in a sitting position. In the present building, such exercises can not be given, owing to lack of space, but there is no doubt that, if the school is removed to more convenient premises, some system of drill can be introduced, which will add to the happiness and well-being of the children and the popularity of the school.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

MARY E. WARD.