NRS-23463 | Observation books [Hamilton Public School (1858-1892) Superior Public School (1892-1912) Public School and Commercial School (1913-1920) Public School and Home Science School (1913-1961) Public School and Boy Intermediate High School (1920-1933) Public School 1962- ) ]

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.).

Prior to 1939, these volumes were written up by hand and are printed in an appropriate format. Four pages are allowed for each report, which is headed by the name of the school and the date of inspection. The report is then divided into four main areas: attendance, organisation, discipline and instruction. From 1939, the majority of entries made in these volumes are entered on a specifically designed form.