NRS-16777 | Observation Books [Fern Bay 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 these volumes are entered on a specifically designed form, which is then pasted into the observation book. The form details the school and the inspection date, which was normally only once a year. The form 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.

The series from Fern Bay Public School is represented by a single volume, the first in the series, which covers the years from the school’s establishment in 1955 until 1964. In addition to the usual Inspectors’ reports, this volume incorporates a diary of events at the school from the week of its opening, including photographs and newspaper cuttings. This would appear to have been commenced by the school’s first Teacher-in-Charge, Mrs E.F. Dalby (1955-1959), and was kept up by her successors. Reports have been entered into the volume for the years 1956, 1958 and 1962; visits by the Inspector are also recorded in 1960, 1963 and 1964.