Sessional_Paper_1906 — Page 621

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speaks volumes that the girls have been induced to sing and recite in public at the prize- giving. I say nothing of the intrinsic merits of these performances, which, however, were as a new development only less interesting than to see old Chinese gentlemen applauding them.

Judged by itself, the school curriculum might be considered rather too ambitious for the Staff and students, and likely to lead to some diffusion of effort; but I think these risks are cheap to pay for the prospect of bringing Chinese female education in Hongkong upon a plane even distantly approaching that of the Anglo-Chinese Schools for boys. to do this the first requisite is to stimulate a feeling of legitimate ambition among the girls.

dards.

Sanitation.-Very satisfactory.

Floor Space.-Sufficient for 291 pupils.

Apparatus. Very satisfactory.

And

Chinese.— Reading.—Good. Composition.Good. Very good in the highest Stan-

Geography.--Good, especially in the lower Standards.

Arithmetic. Very good considering that only the four rules in their simplest form were taught in 1904.

Needlework. Only embroidery has been taught hitherto. This is well done on the

whole.

History.-An interesting beginning has been made of teaching the history of China's relations with other countries during the last 100 years.

Drawing-The subject has been begun with promising results. A Japanese book of instruction is used, which gives the girls the benefit of European as well as Eastern theory on the subject.

Singing. One of the senior girls has in 6 months mastered the harmonium; and in two months the whole school has learned to sing a selection of English airs, which are almost immediately recognizable, in unison.

Hygiene. The subject has been taught in the highest Standards, and was thoroughly understood. The facts taught were of course of an elementary nature.

No. 12.-Sheko Vernacular School.

Staf.-TSE KA-HIN.

Discipline and Organization.-Discipline fair. More attention should be paid to the punctual calling of the roll.

Sanitation.--Fair.

Floor Space.-Sufficient for 50 pupils.

Apparatus.-Maps are needed.

Chinese-Reading-Fair. Composition.-Fair.

Geography-Poor.

Arithmetic.-Good.