St. Andrew's National School, Chippenham
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Chippenham St. Andrew's National School for Boys.
Early History.
The first entry in the log for this school is dated September 13th 1869, although the building was built much earlier, in 1837.
It was a parochial school and attendance was not free. Initially the fee for the children of skilled artisans was 6d per week and for the poorer families 1d or a halfpenny per week, if they were willing for their children to attend Sunday School. The fee rose to 2d if they objected to attendance at Sunday School. During 1870 however the fee structure was changed to 2d for every first child and a 1d for each subsequent sibling.
The boys and girls were taught separately, only coming together for prayers at the beginning of the day.
Charles Groome, a certified teacher, took charge of the boys' school with the help of an assistant master, a pupil teacher and some monitors. He found the school to be very short of books and slates. The children were ' untidy in appearance and coarse in manners and no child could subtract £1.9s.11d from £5.00.'
It was not until October that the number of boys was listed as 81, but they were still described as dirty, untidy and late for lessons.
In November 1869 a night school was opened during the winter months for boys between the ages of 13 and 17. The experiment was repeated in 1870 with good results.
Extra lessons were offered also to boys from the upper standards, from 5.30 -6.30 in the evenings, to improve their arithmetic, algebra, English grammar and drawing.
Charles Groome resigned in November 1872 and was replaced by C.J Crump. He stayed for five years before handing over to William Marigold on September 30th 1878. He was to be in charge of the school for 25 years.
He 'found the school in a fair state of discipline, but in a poor state as regards attainment generally.' He filled the log with very detailed listings of exam results for each standard, recording the percentage passes in the three Rs. Not all the children were presented for exams. They were exempted if they had learning difficulties or were deaf or partially sighted.
Mr. Marigold was constantly troubled by the ignorant state of the infants that came up into standard I. He wrote in June 1883, 'The first standard, as usual, is lamentably backward -very many of the new boys have hardly the barest notion of either letters or figures.'
In 1879 the school had admitted 21 boys from the Union Workhouse, but had problems with their attendance record because events at the Workhouse often required them to be absent from school, particularly to play in the band.
The school had some academic successes over the years however. The log records a few of their pupils being accepted at the Grammar School or winning a scholarship to the technical school.
Staffing.
Charles Groome resigned in November 1872 and was replaced by C.J Crump. He stayed for five years before handing over to William Marigold on September 30th 1878. He was to be in charge of the school for 25 years.
He 'found the school in a fair state of discipline, but in a poor state as regards attainment generally.' He filled the log with very detailed listings of exam results for each standard, recording the percentage passes in the three Rs. Not all the children were presented for exams. They were exempted if they had learning difficulties or were deaf or partially sighted.
Mr. Marigold was constantly troubled by the ignorant state of the infants that came up into standard I. He wrote in June 1883, 'The first standard, as usual, is lamentably backward -very many of the new boys have hardly the barest notion of either letters or figures.'
In 1879 the school had admitted 21 boys from the Union Workhouse, but had problems with their attendance record because events at the Workhouse often required them to be absent from school, particularly to play in the band.
The school had some academic successes over the years however. The log records a few of their pupils being accepted at the Grammar School or winning a scholarship to the technical school.
Staffing.
The main problem holding back improvement was shortage of teaching staff.
As early as 1871, Charles Groome was lamenting 'the great want of good monitors.' He felt that one was needed in each class, to support the pupil-teachers and improve discipline.
Two monitors were appointed at 6d per week, but the quality of teaching remained low. The pupil-teachers struggled to pass their qualifying exams and did not demonstrate much commitment. After the Whitsun holidays of 1878, the two pupil-teachers had to be reminded that school had re-started, because they did not turn up on the Monday.
HMI Reports.
The Diocesan reports on the scripture teaching were usually quite kindly and approving, but the HMI reports were a different matter. The reports for the first five years were reasonable, but as the teaching problems increased, so the reports became more critical.
In 1878, the inspectors found Standard I backward, Standard II weak in reading, Standard III weak in arithmetic and standards 5+ 6 poor in grammar. This resulted in the Head suspending singing lessons to work on extra reading and arithmetic.
This seemed to have worked for awhile, for the report of 1880 said 'Discipline is firm and effective and marked progress is noticeable in every branch of school work.'
As early as 1871, Charles Groome was lamenting 'the great want of good monitors.' He felt that one was needed in each class, to support the pupil-teachers and improve discipline.
Two monitors were appointed at 6d per week, but the quality of teaching remained low. The pupil-teachers struggled to pass their qualifying exams and did not demonstrate much commitment. After the Whitsun holidays of 1878, the two pupil-teachers had to be reminded that school had re-started, because they did not turn up on the Monday.
HMI Reports.
The Diocesan reports on the scripture teaching were usually quite kindly and approving, but the HMI reports were a different matter. The reports for the first five years were reasonable, but as the teaching problems increased, so the reports became more critical.
In 1878, the inspectors found Standard I backward, Standard II weak in reading, Standard III weak in arithmetic and standards 5+ 6 poor in grammar. This resulted in the Head suspending singing lessons to work on extra reading and arithmetic.
This seemed to have worked for awhile, for the report of 1880 said 'Discipline is firm and effective and marked progress is noticeable in every branch of school work.'
Sadly, it did not last long, for the next year, the first two standards were judged to be backward in all the 3Rs, and the attainment in geography throughout the school 'barely moderate.'
By 1882 the inspectors were threatening to reduce the school grant if the level of the arithmetic did not improve. Grammar and geography was unsatisfactory and one of the pupil-teachers was castigated for his poor exam results.
The pupil-teachers copped it again in 1883 -'The attainments of the pupil-teachers are not a subject for congratulation.'
The reports of 1884 and 85 were more positive, although the inspectors recommended that 'as the premises do not include a playground, it is very desirable that some good system of physical education should be introduced.'
1886 brought a very poor report.
'The general absence of merit will prevent any grant being recommended another year unless improvement is made'
They did deduct something from the grant because the staffing was insufficient. We shall see when looking at the later history, that poor reports, fluctuating grant and lack of staff continued to be a nightmare for the school.
Subjects Taught.
By 1882 the inspectors were threatening to reduce the school grant if the level of the arithmetic did not improve. Grammar and geography was unsatisfactory and one of the pupil-teachers was castigated for his poor exam results.
The pupil-teachers copped it again in 1883 -'The attainments of the pupil-teachers are not a subject for congratulation.'
The reports of 1884 and 85 were more positive, although the inspectors recommended that 'as the premises do not include a playground, it is very desirable that some good system of physical education should be introduced.'
1886 brought a very poor report.
'The general absence of merit will prevent any grant being recommended another year unless improvement is made'
They did deduct something from the grant because the staffing was insufficient. We shall see when looking at the later history, that poor reports, fluctuating grant and lack of staff continued to be a nightmare for the school.
Subjects Taught.
St. Andrews was a parochial school, so the teaching of scripture and regular church attendance was central to the life of the school. In the early years, the Vicar opened up the school every morning. A curriculum for religious instruction was laid out in May 1870, a mixture of Old and New Testament themes, with hymns and the catechism. The teachers were advised to choose and keep mainly to one gospel, not to cause confusion. The pupils were tested regularly on their knowledge of scripture and moral issues.
The rest of the teaching was based around the 3Rs, supplemented by history, geography, life sciences, drawing, poetry, singing and some physical exercise.
The school was always struggling, without much success, to improve the boys' arithmetic. The teaching scheme for the subject was set out in May 1870 - Standard I. Subtraction up to 20 and addition of 4 or 5 lines up to hundreds.
Standard II. Multiplication by one figure and the addition and subtraction of money.
Standard III. Division by one figure.
Specimen problems were illustrated on the board and explained by the teacher, then the boys were given books of problems to work on.
Later it was decided that questions of arithmetic put to the upper standards needed to be of practical working use, examples of wages, savings, interest, profit and loss and freight charges.
The rest of the teaching was based around the 3Rs, supplemented by history, geography, life sciences, drawing, poetry, singing and some physical exercise.
The school was always struggling, without much success, to improve the boys' arithmetic. The teaching scheme for the subject was set out in May 1870 - Standard I. Subtraction up to 20 and addition of 4 or 5 lines up to hundreds.
Standard II. Multiplication by one figure and the addition and subtraction of money.
Standard III. Division by one figure.
Specimen problems were illustrated on the board and explained by the teacher, then the boys were given books of problems to work on.
Later it was decided that questions of arithmetic put to the upper standards needed to be of practical working use, examples of wages, savings, interest, profit and loss and freight charges.
Arithmetic flash cards were ordered in 1872, along with spelling cards and atlases, with the intention of letting the pupils use these for homework.
English lessons for the lower classes involved basic spelling and reading. The children copied easy words on to slates from dictation and also did transcriptions from books on to paper.
Several distinct sets of reading books were given to each class. The Excelsior Readers, the Royal Readers, Jarrold's New Code Reading Books, the Empire Readers, English Histories and Geographical Readers were all mentioned in the log.
From 1883 the poems to be learned by each class and the pupil-teachers are listed. They were dramatic, narrative poems. The titles of many of them will still be familiar to the older generation now. Flodden Field; Casabianca; The Deserted Village; Horatius; The Pied Piper; Gray's Elegy; Faithful Unto Death; The Village Blacksmith are just a few of those listed.
The pupil-teachers were bidden to tackle Paradise Lost and Canto V of The Lady of the Lake.
Evidence would suggest that too much emphasis was placed on learning the words by heart rather than the meaning of the poem or the joys of the rhythm and images. An HMI report pointed out that the pupils' poetry recitation was 'dull and spiritless, with no understanding of the meaning of what they were saying.'
English lessons for the lower classes involved basic spelling and reading. The children copied easy words on to slates from dictation and also did transcriptions from books on to paper.
Several distinct sets of reading books were given to each class. The Excelsior Readers, the Royal Readers, Jarrold's New Code Reading Books, the Empire Readers, English Histories and Geographical Readers were all mentioned in the log.
From 1883 the poems to be learned by each class and the pupil-teachers are listed. They were dramatic, narrative poems. The titles of many of them will still be familiar to the older generation now. Flodden Field; Casabianca; The Deserted Village; Horatius; The Pied Piper; Gray's Elegy; Faithful Unto Death; The Village Blacksmith are just a few of those listed.
The pupil-teachers were bidden to tackle Paradise Lost and Canto V of The Lady of the Lake.
Evidence would suggest that too much emphasis was placed on learning the words by heart rather than the meaning of the poem or the joys of the rhythm and images. An HMI report pointed out that the pupils' poetry recitation was 'dull and spiritless, with no understanding of the meaning of what they were saying.'
In July 1871 it was recorded that the pupil-teachers were to have training in the art of teaching during school hours and these classes should be integrated into the official timetable.
Progress in geography was uneven, but William Marigold frequently notes in the log, his pleasure at the quality of the boys' map-work.
History was taught by a series of topics in a loosely chronological order, backed up by the use of History Readers. The syllabus in 1901 was as follows- The Conquest; The New Forest; Domesday Book; Magna Carta; The First Parliament; The Conquest of Wales; The Scottish Wars; The Discovery of America; The Spanish Armada; Drake and Raleigh.
The following year, a selection of Roman, Saxon and Medieval subjects were chosen.
There is little mention of the life sciences in the logbook, but in 1896 it records a list of object lessons chosen from the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms.
Annual visits to Wombwell's Menagerie began in 1903. 70 boys and three teachers had a natural history lesson in the menagerie.
Drawing was given some prominence with a tutor engaged solely to teach it and separate exams marked by a local representative of the Royal Academy.
It was difficult to indulge in much P.E. when the school had no playground, but the boys were taught an indoor drill routine from a book.
Progress in geography was uneven, but William Marigold frequently notes in the log, his pleasure at the quality of the boys' map-work.
History was taught by a series of topics in a loosely chronological order, backed up by the use of History Readers. The syllabus in 1901 was as follows- The Conquest; The New Forest; Domesday Book; Magna Carta; The First Parliament; The Conquest of Wales; The Scottish Wars; The Discovery of America; The Spanish Armada; Drake and Raleigh.
The following year, a selection of Roman, Saxon and Medieval subjects were chosen.
There is little mention of the life sciences in the logbook, but in 1896 it records a list of object lessons chosen from the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms.
Annual visits to Wombwell's Menagerie began in 1903. 70 boys and three teachers had a natural history lesson in the menagerie.
Drawing was given some prominence with a tutor engaged solely to teach it and separate exams marked by a local representative of the Royal Academy.
It was difficult to indulge in much P.E. when the school had no playground, but the boys were taught an indoor drill routine from a book.
Much later, in 1904, Chippenham Swimming Club offered their facilities to boys from the school who wished to learn to swim and a group went to the swimming pool on Friday afternoons.
Attendance.
The average attendance at the school varied greatly. During 1870 the highest attendance was 107 and the lowest 69.
Four main things affected attendance- extreme weather, local events, seasonal work and epidemics.
Weather. Frost, snow, flood, thunderstorm and excessive summer heat, all discouraged children from coming to school. Many of the poorer boys had only one pair of boots or change of decent clothes and if they got soaked, they had nothing to change into.
An entry of March 5th 1880 says, 'A flood on Wednesday hindered all the boys beyond the river from coming to school.'
The school was closed from January 21st -28th 1881 because of deep snow, whilst in July many children were sent home because they were soaked in a violent thunderstorm.
Another flood in October 1882 was described as the highest since 1809.
Local events. Unusual events happening in the town were a great temptation to the boys to miss lessons. Truanting in the market was often recorded in the log. The cattle show, the flower show, a passing circus, Wombwell's Menagerie, Sunday school treats, the Band of Hope procession, and general elections - all these things tempted the boys away from school.
Attendance.
The average attendance at the school varied greatly. During 1870 the highest attendance was 107 and the lowest 69.
Four main things affected attendance- extreme weather, local events, seasonal work and epidemics.
Weather. Frost, snow, flood, thunderstorm and excessive summer heat, all discouraged children from coming to school. Many of the poorer boys had only one pair of boots or change of decent clothes and if they got soaked, they had nothing to change into.
An entry of March 5th 1880 says, 'A flood on Wednesday hindered all the boys beyond the river from coming to school.'
The school was closed from January 21st -28th 1881 because of deep snow, whilst in July many children were sent home because they were soaked in a violent thunderstorm.
Another flood in October 1882 was described as the highest since 1809.
Local events. Unusual events happening in the town were a great temptation to the boys to miss lessons. Truanting in the market was often recorded in the log. The cattle show, the flower show, a passing circus, Wombwell's Menagerie, Sunday school treats, the Band of Hope procession, and general elections - all these things tempted the boys away from school.
In July 1897, the log comments ' A poor school this afternoon in consequence of a large fire having occurred this morning in Mr. Light's timber yard.
Military manoeuvres, filling Chippenham with soldiers, caused great excitement and absenteeism in 1903.
Seasonal work. The older boys were absent often because they were helping out with haymaking, potato planting and picking and blackberrying.
An entry in the log of 1871, shows that Charles Groome had some sympathy with the parents of these children, when commenting that many were absent through 'bird tending and potato picking. The parents are glad of the few pence their boys can earn at this season of the year.'
The attendance was so low throughout July 1872 that it was suggested the summer holiday should take place in the haymaking season rather than during the corn harvest.
The school began sending out weekly absentee notices in1874, threatening parents with their children being removed from the register if their attendance fell below the minimum required. Then in 1885 it was decided that the parents of all children who attended less than 6 of the 10 teaching sessions in the week, should pay double fees, if no good excuse was forthcoming.
Military manoeuvres, filling Chippenham with soldiers, caused great excitement and absenteeism in 1903.
Seasonal work. The older boys were absent often because they were helping out with haymaking, potato planting and picking and blackberrying.
An entry in the log of 1871, shows that Charles Groome had some sympathy with the parents of these children, when commenting that many were absent through 'bird tending and potato picking. The parents are glad of the few pence their boys can earn at this season of the year.'
The attendance was so low throughout July 1872 that it was suggested the summer holiday should take place in the haymaking season rather than during the corn harvest.
The school began sending out weekly absentee notices in1874, threatening parents with their children being removed from the register if their attendance fell below the minimum required. Then in 1885 it was decided that the parents of all children who attended less than 6 of the 10 teaching sessions in the week, should pay double fees, if no good excuse was forthcoming.
William Marigold complained in 1899 that the school attendance officer was not doing his job properly, 'especially on Market days.' But by December of the same year, the officer seems to have got the message, for Marigold describes him as taking 'more interest and activity in his work.'
Health. There was one thing that the school could not control to improve attendance and that was sickness.
The pupils often came from crowded, damp homes and epidemics spread rapidly. Conditions in the school were not ideal either. In June 1970 an attempt was made to improve the ventilation in the schoolroom 'and thus render it more healthy.'
The log records that William Hart from Standard II died of fever in September 1870 and after the summer holiday of 1871 ' many boys absent, several at work, but many suffering from fever.'
During the 1870s not much detail is written about the types of illnesses afflicting the pupils, just general statements such as 'one or two boys away ill.' However serious outbreaks of epidemics of measles, scarlatina, mumps, whooping cough and diphtheria during the 1880s and 90s loom large in the log.
The first mention of measles comes in 1880, but it was the outbreak of scarlatina in 1884 that was more threatening. The assistant master was obliged to leave his house and take up lodgings because his own children were affected and he could not risk spreading it in the school.
Health. There was one thing that the school could not control to improve attendance and that was sickness.
The pupils often came from crowded, damp homes and epidemics spread rapidly. Conditions in the school were not ideal either. In June 1970 an attempt was made to improve the ventilation in the schoolroom 'and thus render it more healthy.'
The log records that William Hart from Standard II died of fever in September 1870 and after the summer holiday of 1871 ' many boys absent, several at work, but many suffering from fever.'
During the 1870s not much detail is written about the types of illnesses afflicting the pupils, just general statements such as 'one or two boys away ill.' However serious outbreaks of epidemics of measles, scarlatina, mumps, whooping cough and diphtheria during the 1880s and 90s loom large in the log.
The first mention of measles comes in 1880, but it was the outbreak of scarlatina in 1884 that was more threatening. The assistant master was obliged to leave his house and take up lodgings because his own children were affected and he could not risk spreading it in the school.
In September the Local Education Board advised all schools to close because of the epidemic. The managers of the National School met, but decided against closure. They instructed the Head to examine every pupil that came to school for signs of scarlatina and to exclude all siblings if one child was infected.
One child, Frank Russ, from Standard I died from the infection in November.
Individual children could be away from school for many weeks with various illnesses and it would be very hard for them to catch up with their lessons when they returned. A list of January 1889 names 4 pupils who had been away for 10 weeks, 5 for 8 weeks, 4 for 7 weeks and one who had missed 6 weeks with a broken arm.
A child was excused exams in the same year because of 'a dangerous abscess in the head.'
The school was closed for an extra two weeks after Easter 1893 because of scarlatina and diphtheria. Measles caused the problem in 1894. 1899 was particularly bad year with scarlatina, whooping cough and measles decimating the school. It was closed for six weeks from 15th June and again from the end of October until 5th January 1900.
One child, Frank Russ, from Standard I died from the infection in November.
Individual children could be away from school for many weeks with various illnesses and it would be very hard for them to catch up with their lessons when they returned. A list of January 1889 names 4 pupils who had been away for 10 weeks, 5 for 8 weeks, 4 for 7 weeks and one who had missed 6 weeks with a broken arm.
A child was excused exams in the same year because of 'a dangerous abscess in the head.'
The school was closed for an extra two weeks after Easter 1893 because of scarlatina and diphtheria. Measles caused the problem in 1894. 1899 was particularly bad year with scarlatina, whooping cough and measles decimating the school. It was closed for six weeks from 15th June and again from the end of October until 5th January 1900.
There is a strange entry in the log for 10th December 1903. A certain Dr. Beddoe examined 'the eyes and hair of all the boys above 7 in connection with the ethnology of the County of Wilts.' It would be interesting to discover if research on the boys of Chippenham National School contributed to some learned dissertation on cultural anthropology!
An outbreak of colds, sore throats and fainting went through the school at the beginning of 1905. A restrained, but touching remark in the log February 6th 1905 haunts the memory. 'One boy, Frank Lear, died on Saturday morning. He had been absent from school since 21st November last. He was not a bad boy.'
Accidents. There is not one record of an accident occurring in the school in the whole of the school log, although many must have happened. However, mention is made of accidents happening to pupils and staff out of school hours.
In 1880, two boys, Albert King and George Payne, were drowned in the Avon on a Sunday afternoon. A pupil suffered a broken leg when he was knocked down in the street and a pupil-teacher 'smashed his finger playing cricket.'
Annual and Special Holidays and Events.
An outbreak of colds, sore throats and fainting went through the school at the beginning of 1905. A restrained, but touching remark in the log February 6th 1905 haunts the memory. 'One boy, Frank Lear, died on Saturday morning. He had been absent from school since 21st November last. He was not a bad boy.'
Accidents. There is not one record of an accident occurring in the school in the whole of the school log, although many must have happened. However, mention is made of accidents happening to pupils and staff out of school hours.
In 1880, two boys, Albert King and George Payne, were drowned in the Avon on a Sunday afternoon. A pupil suffered a broken leg when he was knocked down in the street and a pupil-teacher 'smashed his finger playing cricket.'
Annual and Special Holidays and Events.
The normal annual holidays were observed by the school at Christmas, Easter, Whitsun and Summer but also many day and half-day holidays were granted throughout the year. Some of these were annual and others a response to a once-off event. They can be grouped into four main types, religious holidays, celebrating royal occasions, marking national or international events and attending local events.
All the Saints' days were acknowledged with a visit to church and a half day holiday. Confirmation days, Ascension Day and harvest thanksgiving also merited holidays.
The genuine respect throughout the country for the Royal Family meant that many half- day holidays were granted. Coronation Day, the anniversary of Victoria's coronation was celebrated annually on 30th June. Another holiday was announced to give thanks for the recovery of the Prince of Wales from a dangerous illness.
On January 20th 1892 the school was closed in the afternoon because of the funeral of the Duke of Clarence. But on a happier note, the children were practising ' The National Anthem' and ' God Bless the Prince of Wales' to sing on the Duke of York's wedding day. When the day came on the 6th July, they were treated to tea, sports and entertainments rather then lessons.
Queen Victoria's Jubilee was another grand occasion and when the new King, Edward VII, was crowned on June 20th 1902, the school closed for a whole week's holiday.
All the Saints' days were acknowledged with a visit to church and a half day holiday. Confirmation days, Ascension Day and harvest thanksgiving also merited holidays.
The genuine respect throughout the country for the Royal Family meant that many half- day holidays were granted. Coronation Day, the anniversary of Victoria's coronation was celebrated annually on 30th June. Another holiday was announced to give thanks for the recovery of the Prince of Wales from a dangerous illness.
On January 20th 1892 the school was closed in the afternoon because of the funeral of the Duke of Clarence. But on a happier note, the children were practising ' The National Anthem' and ' God Bless the Prince of Wales' to sing on the Duke of York's wedding day. When the day came on the 6th July, they were treated to tea, sports and entertainments rather then lessons.
Queen Victoria's Jubilee was another grand occasion and when the new King, Edward VII, was crowned on June 20th 1902, the school closed for a whole week's holiday.
Earlier in the year, when the Prince and Princess of Wales had passed through Chippenham, many boys had taken an unofficial holiday, so those pupils who had turned up to school were allowed to leave early to catch sight of the royal couple.
Holidays were also granted to mark historic events both past and present, such as Empire Day and Trafalgar Day. The relief of Ladysmith and Mafeking were celebrated and the end of the Boer War merited a whole day's holiday.
There were many local events that attracted the pupils away from school. All the schools had to accept the reality of the situation and either allow half-day holidays or let the children out early to attend the more exciting events. The log lists the annual agricultural show, the Sunday School outing to Weston-Super-Mare and a visit from Gardiner's Clown Cricketers.
There was a sports day held at Monkton Park for all the schools at the end of the summer term and the Mayor financed a treat of tea and entertainment every year. One year he organized a magic lantern show at the Town Hall.
If the pupils happened to be choirboys or members of a brass band, they were allowed to attend weddings and other functions. When Miss Awdry, the daughter of one of the school managers, got married the whole school was invited to the wedding.
Holidays were also granted to mark historic events both past and present, such as Empire Day and Trafalgar Day. The relief of Ladysmith and Mafeking were celebrated and the end of the Boer War merited a whole day's holiday.
There were many local events that attracted the pupils away from school. All the schools had to accept the reality of the situation and either allow half-day holidays or let the children out early to attend the more exciting events. The log lists the annual agricultural show, the Sunday School outing to Weston-Super-Mare and a visit from Gardiner's Clown Cricketers.
There was a sports day held at Monkton Park for all the schools at the end of the summer term and the Mayor financed a treat of tea and entertainment every year. One year he organized a magic lantern show at the Town Hall.
If the pupils happened to be choirboys or members of a brass band, they were allowed to attend weddings and other functions. When Miss Awdry, the daughter of one of the school managers, got married the whole school was invited to the wedding.
There are very few unusual events recorded as happening at the school. Gabriel Goldney M.P. in company with the proprietor of the local cloth factory, visited the school in September 1870 and questioned the boys.
The Head wrote on 15th July 1872 'Had the boys photographed by the Scholastic Photograph Company.'
Another event that was considered worth a mention was the fact that 24 boys had collected £1.12s.3d for The British and Foreign Sailors' Society. Ten of the boys were given medals and a copy of the Society's annual publication 'Chart and Compass' was sent to the school library.
Misbehaviour and Punishment.
Unlike many of the other local schools, there is no record of administering corporal punishment in the log of the National School.
'Punishments consist chiefly of impositions after school hours' to quote the log.
The main problem was truancy. On 24th October 1869, two boys, Henry Newman and John Garrod, were in trouble for skipping school, then writing their own 'excuse me' notes to avoid punishment.
Isaac Wood was described as untidy in person and irregular in conduct and attendance 'probably as a result of his home and outdoor associates.'
James Rice was sent home for being late and coming without his pencils. Clearly it did not make much impression on him because he did not come at all next day and on the following day was late again.
The Head wrote on 15th July 1872 'Had the boys photographed by the Scholastic Photograph Company.'
Another event that was considered worth a mention was the fact that 24 boys had collected £1.12s.3d for The British and Foreign Sailors' Society. Ten of the boys were given medals and a copy of the Society's annual publication 'Chart and Compass' was sent to the school library.
Misbehaviour and Punishment.
Unlike many of the other local schools, there is no record of administering corporal punishment in the log of the National School.
'Punishments consist chiefly of impositions after school hours' to quote the log.
The main problem was truancy. On 24th October 1869, two boys, Henry Newman and John Garrod, were in trouble for skipping school, then writing their own 'excuse me' notes to avoid punishment.
Isaac Wood was described as untidy in person and irregular in conduct and attendance 'probably as a result of his home and outdoor associates.'
James Rice was sent home for being late and coming without his pencils. Clearly it did not make much impression on him because he did not come at all next day and on the following day was late again.
The Head Master recognised that working parents could not always keep an eye on recalcitrant boys. He wrote in 1870 that regular truants were usually boys who, ' are neglected by their parents who are engaged in work at the factory.'
One young truant was locked in the school at dinner- time for four days running because when he went home for dinner, he would not return to school. On the fifth day, he used a poker to lever open a window and escape. His mother frog-marched him back and asked the Vicar to threaten him with the workhouse if he continued to miss lessons.
Other children were admonished for obscene language and cheating in exams. During an exam on Bible lessons, one boy was found to have torn the relevant page out of his own Bible and secreted it in his desk to help him answer the questions.
Teachers also had to deal with difficult parents. William Flintoff's mother objected most strongly to being asked to produce a reason for his absence from school. Keenly aware of her position, she declared that 'he was not a labourer's child and that he would no longer attend a school where people were so particular.' She failed to mention that he had been absent 188 times between May 1871 and March 1872.
One young truant was locked in the school at dinner- time for four days running because when he went home for dinner, he would not return to school. On the fifth day, he used a poker to lever open a window and escape. His mother frog-marched him back and asked the Vicar to threaten him with the workhouse if he continued to miss lessons.
Other children were admonished for obscene language and cheating in exams. During an exam on Bible lessons, one boy was found to have torn the relevant page out of his own Bible and secreted it in his desk to help him answer the questions.
Teachers also had to deal with difficult parents. William Flintoff's mother objected most strongly to being asked to produce a reason for his absence from school. Keenly aware of her position, she declared that 'he was not a labourer's child and that he would no longer attend a school where people were so particular.' She failed to mention that he had been absent 188 times between May 1871 and March 1872.
Just to prove that boys will always be boys, when the closet drain was cleaned out in October 1905, a number of exercise books and caps were found in the exit from the troughs. The Head Master wrote, 'I spoke to the boys about only using the offices for proper purposes'
The toilets were always referred to euphemistically as ' the offices.'
Later History.
On September 1st 1891 the log records that as a result of the new Education Act, 'all fees and school charges were abolished and the education of the boys made free.'
The school was still struggling with lack of staff, poor HMI reports and inadequate facilities in the building.
In 1891 the first female teacher for the boys' school was engaged, Miss Brooks, who seemed to have an initial impact- 'The 1st Standard is getting on every way better under Miss Brooks' care.'
The beleaguered staff was encouraged in December by an extra grant from the Education Board of £87.12s.10d to enable the recruitment of an extra teacher. The post was advertised in 'The Bath Herald' at the cost of 4s and in 'The School Master' for 4s.6d, but it was not until July1892 that Mr. P Boswell was engaged as an assistant master on a wage of £80 per annum.
The toilets were always referred to euphemistically as ' the offices.'
Later History.
On September 1st 1891 the log records that as a result of the new Education Act, 'all fees and school charges were abolished and the education of the boys made free.'
The school was still struggling with lack of staff, poor HMI reports and inadequate facilities in the building.
In 1891 the first female teacher for the boys' school was engaged, Miss Brooks, who seemed to have an initial impact- 'The 1st Standard is getting on every way better under Miss Brooks' care.'
The beleaguered staff was encouraged in December by an extra grant from the Education Board of £87.12s.10d to enable the recruitment of an extra teacher. The post was advertised in 'The Bath Herald' at the cost of 4s and in 'The School Master' for 4s.6d, but it was not until July1892 that Mr. P Boswell was engaged as an assistant master on a wage of £80 per annum.
A report sent to the Education Board in June 1984 gives an insight into the jobs that the boys took on leaving school. Milk cart boy 1; coopering 1; shoemaking 1; ironmonger's apprentice 1; farm work 6; factory hands 2; errand boys 13, newspaper boy 1; gone to other schools 4; removed 7.
The HMI reports continued to be critical. The Inspectors declared in 1894 that, ' the boys are orderly, but they are very dull and the instruction they receive does not appear to develop their intelligences.'
The classes were thought to be too large for young and inexperienced teachers to handle. The boys in Standards 1, 3 and 4 had no knowledge of geography at all and the grant money for that subject was withheld.
The only real compliment was for singing, but according to the next year's report, even that had deteriorated. 'The singing by note is not good enough to warrant the recommendation of a grant.'
A despairing log entry of September 1896 lamented that, 'the singing is miserably poor and the assistant's discipline still weak.'
More desks and benches were needed and more windows should be made to open to improve ventilation.
The HMI reports continued to be critical. The Inspectors declared in 1894 that, ' the boys are orderly, but they are very dull and the instruction they receive does not appear to develop their intelligences.'
The classes were thought to be too large for young and inexperienced teachers to handle. The boys in Standards 1, 3 and 4 had no knowledge of geography at all and the grant money for that subject was withheld.
The only real compliment was for singing, but according to the next year's report, even that had deteriorated. 'The singing by note is not good enough to warrant the recommendation of a grant.'
A despairing log entry of September 1896 lamented that, 'the singing is miserably poor and the assistant's discipline still weak.'
More desks and benches were needed and more windows should be made to open to improve ventilation.
New toilets had been installed in 1895, but other parts of the building needed improvement. The drawing inspector's report of 1896 pointed out that the lighting was so bad as to make really good work impossible. He recommended replacing the opaque window glass with clear glass and pollarding the trees that grew beside the school.
Lowden Mixed School had opened in 1896 and initially affected the National School's numbers. 'It has at present reduced our numbers by 27'
However, in July the Head is refusing to take children dismissed from the British School because 'we have no room for any more.'
Groups of children shifted between schools. 27 new infants 'very indifferent both intellectually and socially' were received in 1897,but ' 16 boys, most of them backward, have gone to the British School, where new classrooms were opened this morning.'
Poor Fred Comley, who had struggled for years to pass his exams as a pupil-teacher, gave up in 1899, 'having failed to pass the scholarship exam, he has left today and is trying for a different employment.'
Although the numbers on the register were maintained, attendance was low. The HMI Inspectors commented on the poor attendance figures in 1901 and 1903.
Lowden Mixed School had opened in 1896 and initially affected the National School's numbers. 'It has at present reduced our numbers by 27'
However, in July the Head is refusing to take children dismissed from the British School because 'we have no room for any more.'
Groups of children shifted between schools. 27 new infants 'very indifferent both intellectually and socially' were received in 1897,but ' 16 boys, most of them backward, have gone to the British School, where new classrooms were opened this morning.'
Poor Fred Comley, who had struggled for years to pass his exams as a pupil-teacher, gave up in 1899, 'having failed to pass the scholarship exam, he has left today and is trying for a different employment.'
Although the numbers on the register were maintained, attendance was low. The HMI Inspectors commented on the poor attendance figures in 1901 and 1903.
William Marigold retired as Head Master on the 1st May 1903, although he still helped out with teaching for a couple of years. He was replaced by Albert Kerridge, who gives the log entries a different tone. He appears to have resented the close attention given to the school by the local clergy. He
records every single visit of the Vicar, even if it was only of a few minutes duration, almost as if he was trying to prove what an irritation it was.
The Shrove Tuesday half- holiday and the Ash Wednesday visit to church were abandoned during his headship, despite their being of long traditional standing. He reacted very indignantly to a diocesan report that passed no comment on the religious instruction, but suggested that the boys needed more discipline. He pointed out that the report had nothing to do with scripture whatever, indicating that the Vicar should not be telling him how to do his job.
The local clergy used the school for a preparatory meeting before the Patronal Festival on St Andrew's Day, prompting Mr. Kerridge to comment,
'The walls have been swept and much less dust about -the festival has been some use to the school!'
Besides baiting the clergy, he appears to have been a good handyman, for he frequently mended locks and repaired desks and shelves around the school.
The log records in October 1903, 'New Education Act and a new body of managers acting under the County Authority.'
records every single visit of the Vicar, even if it was only of a few minutes duration, almost as if he was trying to prove what an irritation it was.
The Shrove Tuesday half- holiday and the Ash Wednesday visit to church were abandoned during his headship, despite their being of long traditional standing. He reacted very indignantly to a diocesan report that passed no comment on the religious instruction, but suggested that the boys needed more discipline. He pointed out that the report had nothing to do with scripture whatever, indicating that the Vicar should not be telling him how to do his job.
The local clergy used the school for a preparatory meeting before the Patronal Festival on St Andrew's Day, prompting Mr. Kerridge to comment,
'The walls have been swept and much less dust about -the festival has been some use to the school!'
Besides baiting the clergy, he appears to have been a good handyman, for he frequently mended locks and repaired desks and shelves around the school.
The log records in October 1903, 'New Education Act and a new body of managers acting under the County Authority.'
The school was still beset by staff shortages in 1904. The assistant master, Mr. Attwooll, was suffering from nervous depression. Mr.Kerridge commented, 'In fact he ought to be out of harness for a time, but I have no-one to take his place.'
He was well aware that lack of staff was holding back progress. The HMI report of 1904 conceded the problem and emphasized again the inconvenience of the premises.
In September a meeting was called of the subscribers to The National School because the Board of Education had announced that no grants would be given to National Schools after 30th April 1905. There is no record of the results of this meeting, but clearly there was much concern about the future of the school. However, the life of the school appears to be carrying on as normal. A new cupboard was ordered in August 1905 from the County. It did not turn up, until it was discovered in November at Westmead Infants.
Arrangements were made in May 1906 for boys from all the elementary schools to have woodwork lessons at the Secondary School and a class ramble to the ruins of Stanley Abbey was described with great satisfaction.
There is no indication that the school is about to be closed, but the log finishes abruptly on October 23rd 1906.
The school was indeed closed down. Ivy Lane School was opened in new premises in January 1907 to replace it.
He was well aware that lack of staff was holding back progress. The HMI report of 1904 conceded the problem and emphasized again the inconvenience of the premises.
In September a meeting was called of the subscribers to The National School because the Board of Education had announced that no grants would be given to National Schools after 30th April 1905. There is no record of the results of this meeting, but clearly there was much concern about the future of the school. However, the life of the school appears to be carrying on as normal. A new cupboard was ordered in August 1905 from the County. It did not turn up, until it was discovered in November at Westmead Infants.
Arrangements were made in May 1906 for boys from all the elementary schools to have woodwork lessons at the Secondary School and a class ramble to the ruins of Stanley Abbey was described with great satisfaction.
There is no indication that the school is about to be closed, but the log finishes abruptly on October 23rd 1906.
The school was indeed closed down. Ivy Lane School was opened in new premises in January 1907 to replace it.