NRS-19255 | Observation Books [Croydon Park 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 first volume in this series, from 1886 to 1896, comprises a volume on which each page features the date and name of the inspector with column headings for Class, Attainments and Suggestions. Classes are divided along the side from first to fifth class. Subjects listed for observation include Reading, Writing, Grammar, Needlework, Geometry, Drill.  This volume is stored as loose pages in a conservation binder.

The subsequent volumes are typical of later Observation Books. The majority of entries made in these volume are entered 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.

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 which 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 Observation Books relating to the Junior Technical High and Junior High (1960 - 1965) differ from the above description: each book covers a single inspection, and the inspection by up to five inspectors looks at each of the main subject teaching areas, class and school organisation, and school catchment and community relations.