Minutes of the Committee of Council on Education

I am of opinion that great benefit might be derived by the pupils of all ages, if a regular and systematic plan of class teaching were carried out, upon some given subject, after previous thought and preparation. This might easily be effected by the various students, with the different classes of young persons in the institution, at fixed and stated times; the subject might be given by way of "notes of a lesson," and from those notes the pupil might instruct her class, and thus find expression for her thoughts in words, and be accustomed to hear her own voice in teaching. This plan might equally well be adapted to the advanced students in the practising school.

It is of the greatest moment that a teacher should be able to express herself in plain, simple, easy language; and that time will be well spent which gives her any additional help in so doing.

The plan proposed by those interested in this institution, to have under the same roof a model school for girls, will simplify this matter very much, and diminish the difficulties which might otherwise be raised.

There is a great desire expressed, by various members of this Board of Education, to blend with the intellectual pursuits of the young persons under training a certain amount of industrial labour, and to combine with the present system of needle and domestic work, baking, washing, and other household employment.

At this time, as far as needle-work is concerned, all the young persons are taught to cut out, and make their own dresses, &c., and two weeks in the year are set apart, the one in the spring, and the other in the autumn, in which they are exclusively engaged in providing for their own wardrobes. I consider that this proposed additional domestic employment with females would be of the greatest benefit, not only on account of its own intrinsic good, but also for the sake of relaxation from study, which to young girls, fresh from the country, might be most conducive to health.

The Salisbury Board themselves feel convinced, from their own limited observation in the present establishment, of the great benefit which might be derived from this change.

It appears to me that the health of the students is a subject requiring the greatest attention; and any employment which would be likely to promote their bodily strength and vigour is deserving of the most mature consideration.

My own fears were, I regret to say, raised as to the effects, with females especially, of the sudden change from unceasing air and exercise, to which many of the students previous to admission had been accustomed, to the necessary close application to study, which the shortness of their stay in the institution requires at their hands.

While upon this subject, I am anxious to record my opin that great want of kindness is evinced, both to the young pers themselves and to any training institution, by those who rec mend candidates whose state of health is not good, and whe general strength is not likely to be equal to the work in wh they are engaging, either in the institution or in the duties a school-teacher afterwards.

I fear it has frequently been the case that heavy expense ha been entailed on many young persons, and great disappoin ment incurred by them, solely because the simple truth has ne been spoken, when the certificates of health have been brough for signature previous to the admission of the candidate in the first instance.

With respect to the library which is attached to this institution, in which a great deficiency did exist, and which to certain extent continues to exist, the Board of Education appear most ready and anxious to supply the defect, and an prepared to do so as soon as possible.

Before concluding my Report, I am desirous to express my most conscientious opinion that the mistress of the institution Mrs. Duncan, is well fitted for the office which she now holds and in which she has apparently given such general satisfaction. As great a return as she can well receive, for the sympathy and kindness which she is ever showing to the young persons her charge, is daily afforded her in seeing them grow up in the fear and nurture of God, and in receiving from them deep respect and affection, mingled with cheerful obedience.

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Daily, I am assured, do many of these young persons draw themselves from their companions at mid-day, entirely of their own accord, for the purpose of closer intercourse with their God, for meditation, and for prayer; and, as far as my observation goes, the general conduct and character of those who have left the institution is such as to afford her much comfort and satisfaction.

I trust that I may be allowed to express my thanks to the Lord Bishop of the diocese for his kindness, during my visit Her Majesty's Inspector; and to the Rev. Precentor Hamilton, who rendered to me every assistance in his power during my visit, and sacrificed his own time and comfort to facilitate my movements, and to give me any additional insight into the working of the institution, and its effect upon the pupils under training.

I have the honor to be, &c.,
E. DOUGLAS TINLING,

To the Right Honorable

Her Majesty's Inspector of School

The Lords of the Committee of Council on Education.