NRS-17519 | Observation book [Combaning Siding Public School]

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 (30 Vic. No.22) noted 'The Inspectors' 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 Observation book was originally purpose-printed for Inspectors' reports to be entered by hand, and this continued until approximately 1938. Reports thereafter were made on a specifically designed form, which was 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.

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 section 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 1943 the forms included a fourth area: physical education.