Minutes of the Committee of Council on Education

tematic plan by Mr. Knighton. The papers of the students, which were revised by me last year, proved that many had derived much benefit from these lessons; some, however, had evidently given too little attention to a subject which ought to be regarded by them as the especial object of their training.

2. Practice and instruction in the schools.-These schools are much more fully attended than of late years. I inspected them late in the autumn, and found them in a satisfactory condition, especially the lower mixed school, and the infants. There has been much difficulty in organizing these schools, which are taught by a succession of students, under three good schoolmistresses, and generally superintended by Mr. Knighton. I feel bound again to record my opinion that the school buildings and arrangements are not sufficiently complete for so important a situation, nor can I but regret that one school at least on these premises is not so built, organized, and conducted, as to afford a model to the district, and to the country at large. It will probably be found necessary to build a new school, when it may be hoped that this most desir able object will be attained.

3. The students give lessons, as usual, in the presence of their companions and of the teacher of method. The result was quite satisfactory to me and my colleague, the Rev. J. G. Fussell, who assisted me in the examination.

The general proficiency of the students, as compared with other institutions, is noticed in the former part of this report. I feel, however, bound to state that the religious knowledge of the students, which has always been most satisfactory, and, so far as can be tested by written papers, is comprehensive and accurate, is, in my opinion, a very true indication of the influence of religious principles and religious habits upon their hearts and minds.

YORK AND RIPON DIOCESAN TRAINING SCHOOL.-I inspected this institution in company with my colleague, the Rev. F. Watkins, in the last week in September 1854. We found twenty-four students in residence, eight of whom are Queen's scholars. The resident officers at present are― Miss Cruse, the superintendent and head governess.

Sampson, assistant governess.

Mary Cruse, housekeeper.

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Ewer, mistress of the practising school.

Non-resident:

Mr. Birchall, a master in the male training school, teaches arithmetic, drawing, and penmanship.

Mr. Buncombe, vocal music.

Of these officers two have been appointed since last year. Miss Sampson, who obtained a first-class certificate last Christmas (1853), is charged with the instruction of the second class. The lessons which we have heard her give to the students indicate ability, and with practice and study she may be expected to become an efficient lecturer. We are also of opinion that she bestows great pains upon the preparation of the students individually, in correcting their exercises, and guiding their studies; points, in our opinion, not less important than skill in lecturing. Miss Mary Cruse, who formerly resided in the house, but without any recognized position, now relieves her sister from the cares of housekeeping.

We did not see Mr. Birchall. We have reason to believe that arithmetic is well taught. Last Christmas the results of the examination were more satisfactory than in any former year, one fourth of the candidates received the mark" moderate," and none were noted as imperfect or failures. The exercises in drawing appeared to us to be deficient in correctness of outline, as well as in simplicity and breadth. The penmanship, though neat an i fluent, is wanting in firmness and distinctness.

Vocal music has been well taught.

We examined into the progress of the students in other subjects, and have the satisfaction of recording an opinion that the course of instruction in most

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respects is well arranged and complete. We were especially struck by the intelligence shown by the students in the analysis of difficult sentences, and their general knowledge of the laws of language. So far as regards personal attainments, they are, generally speaking, equal to the students of most institutions.

We are, moreover, of opinion that their special training as schoolmistresses is more systematic and satisfactory than formerly, The lessons given by the students, and the criticisms upon those lessons, under the superintendence of Miss Cruse, showed that much attention has been bestowed upon this subject. The practising school has been improved in its arrangement, and the girls are instructed with care, and a fair measure of success, by an intelligent and very diligent teacher. But much remains to be done in order to give the students a clear and complete system of instruction in the details of method and of school organization in general. It may not be necessary to appoint a separate professor, but it would be advisable that one of the resident teachers should prepare a syllabus of school management, based upon simple principles, and illustrated by reference to the work done in the practising school.

The instruction in domestic economy is merely theoretical. The domestic offices are small and inconvenient; nor would it be possible to introduce any system of industrial or household training, without considerable alterations in the building.

We have also to observe, that one wing of the building, in which there are many dormitories, is much out of repair; and that several rooms require fresh papering and painting.

To the Right Honorable

I have the honor to be, &c.

The Lords of the Committee of Council on Education.

F. C. COOK.