ARCHBISHOP ABBOT’S MIDDLE CLASS SCHOOL.
The pupils attending this excellent institution underwent a rigorous and searching examination, both orally and in writing, on the 19 th ult., in the presence of several of the Trustees. The Rev. R. E. Coles, M.A., Pembroke College, Oxford, curate of Petersfield, was the examiner, assisted by the Head Master, Mr. J. Macfarland, and the Second Master, Mr. J. Rowse. The following is the rev. gentleman’s report to the trustees. The document requires no comment.
‟There were present about 80 boys, in two divisions. The first division commenced with arithmetic. The questions set were by no means easy, as I desired fully to test their knowledge in this important branch of instruction, and I think I may say with confidence that few boys of their age could be found who could have done better papers. I would wish particularly to mention Buck, Hyde, Tuft, and Tunmer who worked every one of the ten sums I gave them correctly. The questions embraced vulgar and decimal fractions square root, &c. From arithmetic I proceeded to English History, and was much struck with the correctness of the answers and general intelligence of the whole division which said much for the care bestowed on their instruction by Mr. Macfarland, and the skill with which they had been taught to understand the facts imparted to the memory. Mr. Macfarland, at request, next took them in the geography of Europe. The replies elicited his questions showed that the boys had a good knowledge of the subject. Scripture history and Church catechism took the next place, and it was clear that this important part of education had received that attention it deserves. I questioned the boys most closely on the Wanderings in the Wilderness, and the early part of the Acts of the Apostles, and met with decidedly satisfactory answers. I am glad to see that the sense of the catechism, and the meaning of its doctrines, find place in the religious instruction of the school. The oral examination of this division closed with a piece of dictation, in which the boys bore out the good opinion I had already formed of them. Both spelling and writing were considerably above the average.
‟The second division I examined first in Scripture history and their knowledge of the subject was very creditable indeed. Mr. Rowse kindly took them in catechism, whilst I occasionally put questions on the meaning, &c., and obtained fair answers. The arithmetic paper was taken next, and, although many of the boys were young, the majority did their work successfully.
‟This division was also tested in grammar, geography, dictation, and reading. The dictation was wonderfully free from mistakes, and the reading showed an absence of any peculiarity of pronunciation or drawl.
‟I may mention that I was invited to hear the boys sing the conclusion of the morning examination, and I think that Mr Rowse, who has bestowed much pains on their instruction in this pleasing subject, must find his reward in the happy result of his endeavours to cultivate what appeared to me to be naturally good voices.
In conclusion, I must repeat that the whole examination gave me a very high idea of the efficiency of the school and the manner in which it is taught. And I think I may be allowed to congratulate the trustees on having secured the services of such able masters, and in having such proofs of their ability in the progress of the boys.”
The following is the list of prizes:—1st Class, Euclid and mensuration, E. Tuft; arithmetic, T. Hyde; history, W. Currington; grammar and composition, E. Buck; geography and mapping, W. Faggetter; drawing, W. Tanner.
2nd Class. Reading, W. Palmer; writing, L. Lamkin; arithmetic, R, Chenery ; history, S. Holland; general progress. G. Haggett
Prizes were also awarded to the following boys in the lower division:—G. Enticknapp, H. Hicks, A. Hart, W. Smart, F. Pincott.
The medals presented by Mr. J. Nealds were awarded to T. Hyde for good conduct, and to H. Symonds for arithmetic.
The prizes were presented by J. Weale, Esq., J.P., on Wednesday last, in behalf of the trustees, after the usual quarterly meeting of that body.
Mr Weale congratulated the boys on the very successful examination they had passed, and expressed the very great pleasure he felt in distributing prizes which had been so well deserved. He urged the boys to make use of the very great advantages they possessed, and try and lay the foundation of that knowledge here which would fit them to do their duty whatever position in life they might be placed, so that they might become good and useful citizens.
Mr. Macfarland thanked Mr Weale and the other trustees on behalf of Mr Rowse, the boys, and himself; after which the boys gave hearty cheers for Mr Weale, Mr Neale, Mr. Upperton, and the other trustees, when they broke for their holidays.