NRS-2629 | Inspectors' reports (Sydney district)

Full description

These are reports of primary and infant school inspections for all public and denominational schools in the Sydney district.

Primary school inspection reports normally consist of a manuscript memorandum, a "general inspection" report and/or a "regular inspection" report.

Inspectors' manuscript memoranda contain general observations on the state of schools inspected - particularly relating to accommodation difficulties, the condition of school buildings, and the conduct and proficiency of pupils. The date and type of inspection and the names, classifications, salaries and fees received by teachers are often included. Inspectors' recommendations are sometimes attached.

"General inspection" reports include the following information: ownership of school buildings, school dimensions and general condition, number of school classes, student regularity and punctuality, the general behaviour of pupils, subjects taught and teaching methods, concluding with attendance returns for each age level.

"Regular inspection" reports note student proficiency (for each class) in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Object Lessons, Singing and any extra subjects taught. Remarks on the "attention, mental effort, mental culture, and general proficiency" of each class are also given.

Reports of inspections of infants' schools in the Sydney District take the form of memoranda, and cover: the type and location of each school, the date and type of inspection, pupil attendance, general remarks on teachers and teaching methods employed, pupil proficiency, and the condition of school buildings, concluding with general remarks and observations.

Examiner's memoranda, submitted for consideration by the Council, summarize Inspectors' reports and comment on recommendations made.

1872 (1/474), 1875 (1/475), 1877 (1/476). 3 vols.
Note:
This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.