NRS-16686 | Observation Books [Cessnock East 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)

Inspections of Cessnock East Public School were normally held once a year until 1951, and every other year thereafter. No inspection, however, is recorded for the year 1943, in common with most other series of this type, which all tend to shew such an interruption to the routine in 1942 or 1943.

Until 1938, the entries made in these volumes are either written directly into the book by hand, or typed, the pages in the latter case having possibly been removed from the volume for typing and then replaced. From 1939 onward, the reports are entered on a specifically designed form, which is then pasted into the observation book. The form details the school and the inspection date, and is divided into three main areas: organisation, government and instruction.

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.

From 1939 until 1942 the forms also include a short section for ‘Physical Training.’ This is then discontinued, but in some later years separate reports have been included on Physical Education and Needlework.