NRS-16513 | Observation Book [Big Creek Public School]

Full description

The purpose of the observation book was for the Inspector to record general remarks about the management of the school, the relationships and discipline within it and the range and effectiveness of the teaching. The Regulations under the Public Schools Act, 1866 noted “The Inspector’s remarks upon the state of the school visited by him, will be entered in the “Observation Book” of the school, which, as a School Record, should be carefully preserved. Entries therein are not to be erased or altered.” (Regulations adopted by the Council of Education on 27 February 1867, s. 83)

The majority of entries made in this volume are entered on a specifically designed form, which is then pasted into the observation book. The form details the school and the inspection date. It is divided into three main areas: organisation, government and instruction; until 1941 a fourth area, physical training, was also included.

The ‘organisation’ section pertains to the school’s equipment, beautification programs, staff direction, records, educational agencies, smoothness and effectiveness of general management, and the standing of the school in relation to the general community.

‘Government’ comments on relations between staff and students, effectiveness of discipline in fostering ideals of conduct and stimulating independent thought and activity, and the socialising influence of the school on its pupils.

‘Instruction’, or general survey evaluates the co-ordination of lesson courses, preparation, general speech-training, teaching methods and their effectiveness in promoting intellectual growth and development, and an appreciation of the higher cultural values.

Until the 1950’s inspections are normally recorded at least every other year; thereafter the frequency of inspection falls away somewhat. In 1944, 1945 and 1946 manuscript records of supervisory visits, distinct from the normal visits of inspection, have also been entered directly into the book.