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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 31

[introduction]

The Classes are all conducted by teachers thoroughly efficient in their several departments, while the Lady Principal in addition to her own special classes exercises a general supervision over the whole school.

The School is divided into an Upper and a Lower Department, each comprising two classes; these classes are again sub-divided when necessary.

No examination is required for admission to the Lower School but it is expected that those entering shall be able to read and spell fairly, and know the four simple rules of arithmetic.

The aim in the Lower School is to lay the foundation of a sound English education—the studies being Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Composition, Arithmetic, Geography, Object Lessons, Writing, and Class Singing. Very simple lessons in History are also given. When the pupils reach the Upper Division of the Lowest or D Class they begin French unless the parents desire otherwise.

The studies become gradually more difficult as the pupils are ready to be moved upward. When the C class is reached, the study of Botany takes the place of Object Lessons; that branch of Natural Science along with Physical Geography forming the Science Course for the Lower Divisions of the Upper School. In the A, or Highest Class, Heat or Geology is the Science Course in alternate years. Lessons on the Laws of Health and on Social Economy are given as time and opportunity can be found for them. In the Upper School Mathematics forms an important part of the school work as a means of training the girls to habits of steady and accurate thought. The pupils of the A class are also introduced to the study of English Classics, a book of Paradise Lost and one of Shakespear's Plays being read critically each session.

The aim of the Educational Course given in the Girls' High School is to make of the girls thoughtful young women, who will, when they leave school continue to add to the knowledge acquired during their attendance there, and thus fit themselves for being useful members of society. Needlework is taught in all classes in the school except the highest. The girls who reach it are supposed to be able to sew well, and the studies in that class are so numerous that the school time does not admit of instruction in that branch.

The appointment of a Sewing Teacher will naturally benefit the industrial department, as the elder girls will be taught to cut and place garments as well as sew them. Fancy work is only permitted after pupils have satisfactorily made some piece of clothing. The lady Principal has been able to secure the services of an experienced dressmaker, who will conduct an extra class after school hours to teach any girls who may choose to attend it, to cut, fit, and make page 6 their own dresses. The Lady Principal would desire to draw the attention of parents to the importance of Class-Singing, as being good, not only as a healthy exercise, but as a means of cultivating the voice, giving facility in reading music, and thus preparing the pupils for taking private singing lessons.

The girls are drilled twice a week by Sergeant-Major Stevens. Gymnastic classes are conducted during the winter six months of the year by Mr. W. B. Long. Attendance at this class is also urged as a means of physical education.

The School possesses an excellent Library containing upwards of 400 volumes of useful and entertaining books, which may be taken advantage of on payment of an annual subscription of 4s. or a quarterly one of Is. 6d.