Extracts from old Log Books
Middlezoy Board School (Mixed)
Opened on Tuesday February 2nd 1875
The following gentlemen are the members of the above board:-
John Oliver, Esq. Chairman
Albert Tilley Vice-chairman
John Barnstable
William Biddlecombe
Thomas Meade
Clerk to Board. Paul O. H. Reed
Kings Square
Bridgwater
Treasurer Salmon
York Buildings
B'water
1875
Feb 2nd I, Charles William Hunt, having completed my course of training in the Exeter Diocesan Training College, opened the above new schools today (Feb 2nd) The whole members of the Board were present together with the vicar of the parish at the opening. Very appropriate addresses were given by the vicar and two of the members. The following children were admitted:- William Willcox, Henry Palmer, William Palmer, Walter Palmer, Harry Reed, George Pursey, Ernest Reed, Samuel Reed, Charles Eddington, Francis Atyeo, John Eddington, Walter Lovibond, Alfred Bown, Arthur Keirle, John Perrot, James Perrot, Fred Atyeo, Fred Clapp, Clifford Sharman, Henry Atyeo, James Eddington, Frank Atyeo, Ellen Reed, Mary A. Rossiter, Ann Gillett, V.A. Richards, Ellen Barnett, Emily Martin, Emma Bown, Ann Martin, Emma Atyeo, Lydia Richards, Harriet Martin, Mary Lovibond, Kate Bown, Rosina Bown, Anna Bown, L. Gullidge, Ellen Sharman, Ann Gillard, Eliza J. Gillard, Evelina Jeanes, Ann Atyeo, James Perrot.
Feb 3rd Admitted two Charles Pursey, Mary J. Hucker.
Opened on Tuesday February 2nd 1875
The following gentlemen are the members of the above board:-
John Oliver, Esq. Chairman
Albert Tilley Vice-chairman
John Barnstable
William Biddlecombe
Thomas Meade
Clerk to Board. Paul O. H. Reed
Kings Square
Bridgwater
Treasurer Salmon
York Buildings
B'water
1875
Feb 2nd I, Charles William Hunt, having completed my course of training in the Exeter Diocesan Training College, opened the above new schools today (Feb 2nd) The whole members of the Board were present together with the vicar of the parish at the opening. Very appropriate addresses were given by the vicar and two of the members. The following children were admitted:- William Willcox, Henry Palmer, William Palmer, Walter Palmer, Harry Reed, George Pursey, Ernest Reed, Samuel Reed, Charles Eddington, Francis Atyeo, John Eddington, Walter Lovibond, Alfred Bown, Arthur Keirle, John Perrot, James Perrot, Fred Atyeo, Fred Clapp, Clifford Sharman, Henry Atyeo, James Eddington, Frank Atyeo, Ellen Reed, Mary A. Rossiter, Ann Gillett, V.A. Richards, Ellen Barnett, Emily Martin, Emma Bown, Ann Martin, Emma Atyeo, Lydia Richards, Harriet Martin, Mary Lovibond, Kate Bown, Rosina Bown, Anna Bown, L. Gullidge, Ellen Sharman, Ann Gillard, Eliza J. Gillard, Evelina Jeanes, Ann Atyeo, James Perrot.
Feb 3rd Admitted two Charles Pursey, Mary J. Hucker.
Feb 4th Children are very backward and ignorant of all circumstances relating to discipline and order.
Feb 8th The following children were admitted this morning:- Jesse Thyer, Oliver Meade, Walter Winslade, Albert Bastaple, Ernest Coate, Frederick Keirle, Henry Meade, Oliver Keirle, Charles Sharman, William Sharman, Jesse Rossiter, George Eddington, Sydney Meaker, Oliver Palmer, John Rossiter, Fred Davis, Fred Atyeo, Edward Tucker, Margaret Lockyer, Ann Atyeo, Emily Tucker, Mary A. Keirle, Louisa Browning, Mary Atyeo, Sarah Tucker, Elizabeth Lockyer, Oliver Atyeo, Elizabeth Ames, OliverHeale, Walter Heale, Edward Heale, Emily Meaker, Walter Coate, Eliza Hucker, Emma Hucker. The school was visited today by the Chairman of the Board.
Feb 9th Made a new Time Table today.
Feb10th The schools were visited by Mrs Mead and family, with a few other friends.
Feb 11th The children are becoming a little more orderly. A great nuisance has been created for several afternoons by several lads in the village persisting in playing just outside of the school. Two boys came in this afternoon after the registers were closed.
Feb 12th The afternoon school commenced at 1.30 instead of 2.0 p.m. on account of the Board meeting in the classroom at 4p.m. Average attendance during week, 75.6
Feb 15th Two boys were punished today for fighting in the play-ground during the dinner hours. First time corporeal punishment has been administered since the schools were opened. The following children were today admitted:- Adolphus Barnstaple, Charlotte Perrot, Herbert Barnstaple, Fred Davis, Alfred Keirle, Joseph Heale, James Clapp, Charles Rainey, James Sharman, Charles Knuckle, Edwin Rowsell, Sarah Atyeo, Ann Heale, Eliza Atyeo and Albert Tucker.
Feb 16th The children are remarkably backward in Arithmetic and Scripture.
Feb 17th The first class boys are very irregular in attendance but the first class girls are otherwise.
Feb 18th The sewing commenced yesterday afternoon. A little girl was not permitted to sew on account of having such as dirty pinafore.
Feb 19th The children are improving a little; reading and writing are their best subjects, but there are several children over 12 years of age who cannot tell a letter. Several children have to come a distance of 2 miles to school. George Eddington after one week in these schools has left the same to go to a private school. No on Registers 95.
Feb 22nd Five children were enrolled today viz:- Emma Barnstaple, Walter Calder, Herbert Sharman, Rhoda Lovibond and Jesse Meaker.
Feb 23rd Several boys in the 1st Class were kept in this afternoon, on account of misbehaviour.
Feb 24th A number of children were late this morning, owing to the severe weather.
Feb 25th John Eddington is a very troublesome boy.
Feb 26th The children are showing a slight improvement in Arithmetic, but as yet they are very backward in that subject. The school is now quite full.
Mar 1st The children commenced Home Lessons today for the first time.
Mar 2nd Two children were admitted today:- Anna J. Kift and Bessie Kift. The first class boys are very irregular in attendance.
Mar 3rd Children are very backward in Arithmetic & Spelling; writing and reading passable. They have not the slightest idea of putting down numbers. Only one boy in the school who can work sums above simple rules.
Mar 4th Henry Palmer has left this school. Kept in several first class children for neglect of Home Lessons.
Mar 5th Several children came in late this afternoon; the first class boys have been rather disobedient, punished one boy, and expelled another from the school (age 15 years). Several children were kept from school on account of illness.
Mar 8th Ann Perrot was enrolled today. A quantity of mud is brought in the school, owing to the muddy condition of the play-ground.
Mar 9th The children are showing a slight improvement in letter-writing, and show more interest in learning Home Lessons.
Mar 11th Nothing of importance occurred today.
Mar 12th Arithmetic is still a very backward subject throughout the school.
Mar 16th 97 children present this afternoon. Several boys were punished for playing at marbles in the street after the ringing of the bell.
Mar 17th Children are showing slight improvement in Numeration but as yet they are very deficient in this point. Second Class children are backward in everything.
Mar 18th A great nuisance is caused by not having separate yards & entrances for boys and girls.
Mar 24th Kept in a girl for misbehaviour this morning.
Mar 26th Today being Good Friday the schools are closed.
Mar 29th Today being Easter Monday and Bank Holiday the schools are closed.
Mar 31st Elizabeth Palmer commenced duties today as a monitor. A very bad attendance with children in the First Division. A great many are employed in planting potatoes. Children are still backward in Arithmetic.
Apr 5th Elizabeth Palmer is doing her work as monitor very satisfactorily.
Apr 6th Several children were punished today for disobedience. The girls are remarkably unruly. Children are very ignorant of their tables.
Apr 7th It is very hard laborious work with the school children being so backward & also very impudent.
Apr 8th Received a new set of Bibles and Testaments today. Commenced reading the Scriptures of which the children are sadly ignorant.
Apr 9th The children have been learning tables all the week for home lessons. A number of the children have previously attended Dame Schools where they have not been taught much Arithmetic.
Apr 12th Punished one of the first class girls for bad behaviour this afternoon. Children are showing a little improvement in Arithmetic, they are very backward in Multiplication Tables.
Apr 14th Kept in several children for neglect of Home Lessons and misbehaviour.
Apr 16th Kept in several children for negligence in learning spelling.
Apr 20th Children do not show much zeal in learning Home Lessons.
Apr 21st The ventilation of the school is very bad. In consequence the heat of the school is unbearable. Several children are absent on account of illness.
Apr 22nd The school met this afternoon at 1.30pm on account of having some ventilators put up in the evening. Commenced to teach children a little drill.
Apr 23rd There is a slight falling off in attendance this week. The senior children being employed in agricultural pursuits. Ernest Reed, an intelligent lad, has left the village.
Apr 30th Commenced to give children Grammar and Geography for ome Lessons. A slight falling off in attendance towards the latter part of the week. The heat from the school is very oppressive.
May 4th A few of the children are making a little progress in Arithmetic, but the majority is very backward. Kept in all the first class girls this afternoon.
May 6th The pupil-teacher and monitor showing a little progress in learning and also in teaching and mangement of class. Commenced Euclid and Latin with senior teacher.
May 7th Kept in several children in Division 1 for bad spelling and neglect of Home Lessons.
May 13th A falling off in attendance continues throughout the week, caused through the club which walks next week.
May 14th On account of the anniversary of the club on Tuesday, and the members of the same having asked permission to dine in the school, it is closed for one week; being a general holiday throughout the village.
May 27th 88 children present this morning and 91 this afternoon. The falling off is chiefly with Senior children who are perpetually required at home.
May 28th No recreation today on account of rain.
Jun 2nd Several children absent on account of illness. First class attend very irregularly. There is generally a falling off in attendance towards the middle of the week especially on Wednesdays, caused most probably by the children being kept at home for the parents to attend Bridgwater Market.
Jun 3rd Class 1 showing a little progress in Geography. Some take the idea very quickly others are very dull.
Jun 4th Several children absent through sickness. The ague has been very prevalent. Kept in several children for neglect of Home Lessons.
Jun 7th A poor muster this morning on account of the rain. 15 children absent from Division 1.
Jun 9th Had to punish several children for copying today. I am obliged to be very severe in this respect as children have previously been allowed to do what they like having been for the most part to Dame Schools. Children were very late this morning on account of the rain.
Jun 10th The rain of this morning has again caused the children to be late.
Jun 11th Children are shewing a little more interest in learning. Taught the first class Long Division during the week. Average attendance 87.4
Jun 14th The attendance not so good, some of the children been employed to assist the farmers in agricultural pursuits.
Jun 15th Several children kept in this evening for negligence during school hours and for misbehaviour. A little improvement manifested today in Arithmetic in Standards II and III, but this subject is still weak.
Jun 16th Division 1 are exhibiting a little improvement in mental arithmetic but their powers of calculating are altogether weak.
Jun 17th The Arithmetic in Division 1 lasted from 10 to 11.30 am. Commenced to teach them Long Division. A great improvement in Numeration and Notation.
Jun 18th Examined the pupil-teacher this morning from 6.30 to 8.30 am.
Jun 22nd Evelina Richards, Annie Perrott, Walter Palmer, Elizabeth Palmer, Alice Palmer & Louis Palmer absent on account of sickness. Fever in the neighbourhood.
Jun 23rd Numbers very small this morning. The fever is spreading very fast:- Kate Millard, Clifford Sharman, Annie Coate with several others not from this school have been seized since last evening. The school will in all probability be closed for a time.
Since this morning the fever has appeared in several other families. The Doctor has ordered the school to be closed. Here follows his report:- "In consequence of the spread of Scarlet Fever in the village of Middlezoy I, the undersigned, am of the opinion that the schools should be closed until the disease is exterminated."
Signed E.F.H. Borroughs M.R.C.S. L.S.A.
Westonzoyland, June 23rd 1875
Jul 26th Schools resumed today after a vacation of 4 weeks. Fever is still in several families. Attendance poor. Eight children kept away on account of the fever.
Jul 27th Attendance not good. Several of the Senior children are kept away hay-making and other Agricultural pursuits.
Jul 28th Several children kept in today on account of neglect of Home Lessons and for disobedience in school.
July 29th Class IV (being a mixture of Infants and backward children over 7 years of age) is improving a little in Reading & writing.
Jul 30th Attendance altogether poor throughout the week. Many of the older children been employed in Agricultural Pursuits especially hay-making. A few girls in Class I and II are showing a great improvement in Arithmetic, but the majority is still backward. Average attendance during week 63.3
Aug 2nd The attendance is still poor today. There seems to be but little chance of improvement till after the ?Harvest?.
Aug 3rd Emma J. Bown, Rosina Bown and Kate Bown have been seized with Scarlet Fever on that account they are kept from school.
Aug 5th Kept in Standard I during the Recreation time for bad work in Arithmetic. With this week commenced to give them Transcription as a Home Lesson.
Aug 6th Some of the parents of the children show great objection to their children doing Home Lessons. Ellen Barnett (13years) said it was the intention of her parents to withdraw her from school.
Aug 17th Classes I and II were worked together this morning on account of the small numbers in those classes.
Aug 18th Mostly infants present. Attendance very poor in upper classes. Granted holiday to Elizabeth Palmer the junior teacher.
Aug 19th Classes I&II, III&IV worked together. No Home Lessons during the week. Gave half holiday this afternoon.
Aug 20th Very little of record took place today save that the attendance is no better than beginning of week. In consequence the school will be closed for one week until the 30th instant. Average attendance 59.7
Sep 3rd Attendance far from being good throughout week. Entertain hopes of an improvement next week.
Sep 6th A great improvement in attendance this morning.
Sep 7th Kate Bown aged 4 years 5 months died on the 3rd.
Present this morning 89. Afternoon 76.
Sep 8th Examined infants this morning, find them progressing favourably. Kept in two girls for bad spelling in Dictation from Division I.
Sep 9th Several children absent today on account of the fair in the adjoining village of Westonzoyland.
Sep 10th No sewing this afternoon on account of the sewing mistress being very ill.
Sep 13th No sewing this afternoon. Present today:- Boys 53, Girls 44. Total 97
Sep 14th The principal falling off in attendance being with elder children who are required at home for picking apples, potatoes etc.
Sep 15th A slight falling off in attendance today being the market day for the adjoining town. Examined Class III & find I have in it 13 children who ought to be presented in Standard I, but it will be a sheer impossibility to prepare them them for that standard as they are only just able to discriminate their letters readily.
Sep 20th Examined Standard I today, find them very backward in writing.
Sep 22nd Examined Infants class this morning. Some of them show very satisfactory symptoms of improvement.
Sep 23rd Mary Lovibond, Rhoda Lovibond, Lydia Richards, Sophia Coate, John and Ann Davis are absent on account of sickness. Fever is still lingering in the village.
Sep 27th Attendance poor. The Board met this morning in school-house when it was resolved that the clerk should write to parents of children not in attendance requesting them to be sent or in default to suffer the penalty of the Law.
Sep 28th A great improvement in attendance today. Examined Class III today which is composed of backward children of Standard I and Standard I for next year.
Sep 29th A very poor school today on account of the Fair in the market town of Bridgwater. Examined the whole of Infants today.
Sep 30th Took Music Lesson this afternoon instead of Friday.
Oct 4th An improvement in attendance this morning but there are 12 children kept away on account of fever and the measles.
Oct 7th Standard I shewing a little improvement in writing today, but this standard is generally backward. Arithmetic still continues the worse subject. Fever is apparently spreading in the village.
Oct 8th Attendance something disgraceful today only 46 present this afternoon; against 97 present on Monday.
Oct 11th A great deal of fever prevailing in the parish on which account a great many children are kept from school. Thomas Lockyer died on Friday of Scarlet Fever.
Oct 12th The Chairman came in this morning. Another child died of Fever during the night. Examined Standard II in Reading & Dictation, result favourable.
Oct 18th A meeting of the Board was held in the Class-room during the Dinner Vacation, present Messrs Oliver, Meade. Barnstable and Biddlecombe, together with Drs Parsons and Borroughs. Dr Parsons briefly explained the introduction and subsequent spread of Scarlet Fever in the village. At the same time recommending what steps to be observed with regard to children attending school.
Oct 22nd There are 29 children kept away from school on account of Fever. Average attendance during week = 69.5
Oct 25th Afternoon School commenced at 1.30 today and continues through the winter months. Charles Hucker died of Fever yesterday. Attendance not at all good.
Oct 26th Received notice of Examination of pupil-teachers on Saturday at the British School, Taunton.
Oct 28th Dr Borroughs called this morning; stating the Fever had broken out in two other families. In consequence 5 more children will be kept from school.
Oct 29th Examined Infants this morning very satisfactory results. 32 children are kept from school on account of Fever.
Nov 4th Only two children present in Standard III this afternoon. Punished several boys for mis-conduct this morning.
Nov 5th No fresh case of Fever reported this week it seems to be abating a little. It has however reduced the attendance considerably.
Nov 9th The Doctor reports the Fever to be abating and children ill of it are progressing satisfactorily.
Nov 10th Punished several children for copying. Forced to be very strict and severe on this point, as most of the children have been previously to Dame Schools where they were allowed to copy from one another.
Nov 15th Favourable reports given by the Doctor of the Fever. Hope to get several of the children back next week. Kept in several children for copying.
Nov 18th The Board held a meeting in the office of their clerk yesterday. It was determined that a letter should be addressed to the chairman of Board of Guardians directing their attention to the fees of pauper children attending this school.
Nov 22nd The school this week will be conducted according to a new Time Table in order that the working of it may be seen before presenting it to H.M. Inspector.
Nov 23rd The Fever continues only in one family which keeps away four children.
Nov 26th Punished several children for copying. Improvement in attendance during week. Average attendance for this week 69.4
Nov 30th Present today, Boys 42, Girls 39, Total 81.
Today ends the School Year.
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Dec 1st Received notice of the Inspection, this morning. Attendance not quite so good.
Dec 7th A great improvement in attendance from several previous weeks. Fever only continues in one family.
Dec 8th These schools have been today examined by R. Boyle Esq. Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools for this district.
Dec 10th Commenced Compound Rules in first class. Good attendance. Average attendance during week 92.5
Dec 13th A falling off with elder children this morning. Punished two boys for bad conduct. Several children absent on account of illness.
Dec 14th Commenced Compound Subtraction with Standard III. Taught Standard II Multiplication.
Dec 16th Commenced to teach Geography and Grammar with Standards II, III, IV amalgamated. There are some very backward children in Standard I consisting of boys and girls over ten.
Dec 17th Arithmetic is improving throughout the school. Reading likely to be a backward subject.
Dec 20th Very good attendance with Infants. Kept in Class II for negligence in learning Geography.
Dec 21st Punished several children for bad behaviour and copying.
Dec 23rd Children rather troublesome this morning. Several visitors came in the school today. Punished several children for copying.
Dec 24th The schools are closed today and will not be opened until the 3rd day of January 1876.
1876
Jan 3rd J. Oliver, Esq. came in this morning and produced the report of the school which runs as follows:-
This school has on the whole made a creditable beginning. The younger children are more promising than elder. They talk to one another too much. Great pains have evidently been taken with Arithmetic. Only so much of the rate as has actually been expended on the maintenance of the school during the year, should be entered on the Income side of the Balance Sheet.
G.R. Young (Composition and Geography) His attainments are not good enough to warrant his admission for a shortened period.
Signed Charles William Hunt (Certificated teacher 2nd Class)
George Richard Young (Pupil Teacher 1st Year)
Paul O.H. Reed Clerk
Jan 12th Children shewing greater progress in Grammar than Geography. Punished several children for copying.
Jan 13th Attendance not quite so good today. Children rather tiresome this afternoon. Kept in several children.
Jan 18th Punished several children for talking in school.
Jan 19th Children backward in Geography. Standard II rather backward in Arithmetic.
Jan 20th J. Oliver, Esq. with Mr Frith came in to see the working of the school this morning.
Jan 21st A few absent this afternoon most probably on account of the rain-fall. Average attendance during week 99.8
Jan 25th Children paying a little more attention to Home Lessons today. Shewing a little progress in Geography. Kept in several children for coming late.
Jan 26th A few children absent today. Kept in several children for negligence. Standards III & IV shewing improvement in Arithmetic.
Jan 28th Standard I seems to be rather backward. Infants improving.
Jan 31st Admitted Ada Heale and Adolphus Millard. Afternoon school begins at usual time and will so continue through spring and summer months.
Feb 1st Attendance tolerably good. A slight progress in Geography visible. Kept in several children for coming in late.
Feb 2nd This school has been open 1 year today. Two or three children absent on account of illness. Children backward in Arithmetic in Standard I. Punished several children for disobedience.
Feb 8th The following children were admitted this morning:- Jesse Thyer, Oliver Meade, Walter Winslade, Albert Bastaple, Ernest Coate, Frederick Keirle, Henry Meade, Oliver Keirle, Charles Sharman, William Sharman, Jesse Rossiter, George Eddington, Sydney Meaker, Oliver Palmer, John Rossiter, Fred Davis, Fred Atyeo, Edward Tucker, Margaret Lockyer, Ann Atyeo, Emily Tucker, Mary A. Keirle, Louisa Browning, Mary Atyeo, Sarah Tucker, Elizabeth Lockyer, Oliver Atyeo, Elizabeth Ames, OliverHeale, Walter Heale, Edward Heale, Emily Meaker, Walter Coate, Eliza Hucker, Emma Hucker. The school was visited today by the Chairman of the Board.
Feb 9th Made a new Time Table today.
Feb10th The schools were visited by Mrs Mead and family, with a few other friends.
Feb 11th The children are becoming a little more orderly. A great nuisance has been created for several afternoons by several lads in the village persisting in playing just outside of the school. Two boys came in this afternoon after the registers were closed.
Feb 12th The afternoon school commenced at 1.30 instead of 2.0 p.m. on account of the Board meeting in the classroom at 4p.m. Average attendance during week, 75.6
Feb 15th Two boys were punished today for fighting in the play-ground during the dinner hours. First time corporeal punishment has been administered since the schools were opened. The following children were today admitted:- Adolphus Barnstaple, Charlotte Perrot, Herbert Barnstaple, Fred Davis, Alfred Keirle, Joseph Heale, James Clapp, Charles Rainey, James Sharman, Charles Knuckle, Edwin Rowsell, Sarah Atyeo, Ann Heale, Eliza Atyeo and Albert Tucker.
Feb 16th The children are remarkably backward in Arithmetic and Scripture.
Feb 17th The first class boys are very irregular in attendance but the first class girls are otherwise.
Feb 18th The sewing commenced yesterday afternoon. A little girl was not permitted to sew on account of having such as dirty pinafore.
Feb 19th The children are improving a little; reading and writing are their best subjects, but there are several children over 12 years of age who cannot tell a letter. Several children have to come a distance of 2 miles to school. George Eddington after one week in these schools has left the same to go to a private school. No on Registers 95.
Feb 22nd Five children were enrolled today viz:- Emma Barnstaple, Walter Calder, Herbert Sharman, Rhoda Lovibond and Jesse Meaker.
Feb 23rd Several boys in the 1st Class were kept in this afternoon, on account of misbehaviour.
Feb 24th A number of children were late this morning, owing to the severe weather.
Feb 25th John Eddington is a very troublesome boy.
Feb 26th The children are showing a slight improvement in Arithmetic, but as yet they are very backward in that subject. The school is now quite full.
Mar 1st The children commenced Home Lessons today for the first time.
Mar 2nd Two children were admitted today:- Anna J. Kift and Bessie Kift. The first class boys are very irregular in attendance.
Mar 3rd Children are very backward in Arithmetic & Spelling; writing and reading passable. They have not the slightest idea of putting down numbers. Only one boy in the school who can work sums above simple rules.
Mar 4th Henry Palmer has left this school. Kept in several first class children for neglect of Home Lessons.
Mar 5th Several children came in late this afternoon; the first class boys have been rather disobedient, punished one boy, and expelled another from the school (age 15 years). Several children were kept from school on account of illness.
Mar 8th Ann Perrot was enrolled today. A quantity of mud is brought in the school, owing to the muddy condition of the play-ground.
Mar 9th The children are showing a slight improvement in letter-writing, and show more interest in learning Home Lessons.
Mar 11th Nothing of importance occurred today.
Mar 12th Arithmetic is still a very backward subject throughout the school.
Mar 16th 97 children present this afternoon. Several boys were punished for playing at marbles in the street after the ringing of the bell.
Mar 17th Children are showing slight improvement in Numeration but as yet they are very deficient in this point. Second Class children are backward in everything.
Mar 18th A great nuisance is caused by not having separate yards & entrances for boys and girls.
Mar 24th Kept in a girl for misbehaviour this morning.
Mar 26th Today being Good Friday the schools are closed.
Mar 29th Today being Easter Monday and Bank Holiday the schools are closed.
Mar 31st Elizabeth Palmer commenced duties today as a monitor. A very bad attendance with children in the First Division. A great many are employed in planting potatoes. Children are still backward in Arithmetic.
Apr 5th Elizabeth Palmer is doing her work as monitor very satisfactorily.
Apr 6th Several children were punished today for disobedience. The girls are remarkably unruly. Children are very ignorant of their tables.
Apr 7th It is very hard laborious work with the school children being so backward & also very impudent.
Apr 8th Received a new set of Bibles and Testaments today. Commenced reading the Scriptures of which the children are sadly ignorant.
Apr 9th The children have been learning tables all the week for home lessons. A number of the children have previously attended Dame Schools where they have not been taught much Arithmetic.
Apr 12th Punished one of the first class girls for bad behaviour this afternoon. Children are showing a little improvement in Arithmetic, they are very backward in Multiplication Tables.
Apr 14th Kept in several children for neglect of Home Lessons and misbehaviour.
Apr 16th Kept in several children for negligence in learning spelling.
Apr 20th Children do not show much zeal in learning Home Lessons.
Apr 21st The ventilation of the school is very bad. In consequence the heat of the school is unbearable. Several children are absent on account of illness.
Apr 22nd The school met this afternoon at 1.30pm on account of having some ventilators put up in the evening. Commenced to teach children a little drill.
Apr 23rd There is a slight falling off in attendance this week. The senior children being employed in agricultural pursuits. Ernest Reed, an intelligent lad, has left the village.
Apr 30th Commenced to give children Grammar and Geography for ome Lessons. A slight falling off in attendance towards the latter part of the week. The heat from the school is very oppressive.
May 4th A few of the children are making a little progress in Arithmetic, but the majority is very backward. Kept in all the first class girls this afternoon.
May 6th The pupil-teacher and monitor showing a little progress in learning and also in teaching and mangement of class. Commenced Euclid and Latin with senior teacher.
May 7th Kept in several children in Division 1 for bad spelling and neglect of Home Lessons.
May 13th A falling off in attendance continues throughout the week, caused through the club which walks next week.
May 14th On account of the anniversary of the club on Tuesday, and the members of the same having asked permission to dine in the school, it is closed for one week; being a general holiday throughout the village.
May 27th 88 children present this morning and 91 this afternoon. The falling off is chiefly with Senior children who are perpetually required at home.
May 28th No recreation today on account of rain.
Jun 2nd Several children absent on account of illness. First class attend very irregularly. There is generally a falling off in attendance towards the middle of the week especially on Wednesdays, caused most probably by the children being kept at home for the parents to attend Bridgwater Market.
Jun 3rd Class 1 showing a little progress in Geography. Some take the idea very quickly others are very dull.
Jun 4th Several children absent through sickness. The ague has been very prevalent. Kept in several children for neglect of Home Lessons.
Jun 7th A poor muster this morning on account of the rain. 15 children absent from Division 1.
Jun 9th Had to punish several children for copying today. I am obliged to be very severe in this respect as children have previously been allowed to do what they like having been for the most part to Dame Schools. Children were very late this morning on account of the rain.
Jun 10th The rain of this morning has again caused the children to be late.
Jun 11th Children are shewing a little more interest in learning. Taught the first class Long Division during the week. Average attendance 87.4
Jun 14th The attendance not so good, some of the children been employed to assist the farmers in agricultural pursuits.
Jun 15th Several children kept in this evening for negligence during school hours and for misbehaviour. A little improvement manifested today in Arithmetic in Standards II and III, but this subject is still weak.
Jun 16th Division 1 are exhibiting a little improvement in mental arithmetic but their powers of calculating are altogether weak.
Jun 17th The Arithmetic in Division 1 lasted from 10 to 11.30 am. Commenced to teach them Long Division. A great improvement in Numeration and Notation.
Jun 18th Examined the pupil-teacher this morning from 6.30 to 8.30 am.
Jun 22nd Evelina Richards, Annie Perrott, Walter Palmer, Elizabeth Palmer, Alice Palmer & Louis Palmer absent on account of sickness. Fever in the neighbourhood.
Jun 23rd Numbers very small this morning. The fever is spreading very fast:- Kate Millard, Clifford Sharman, Annie Coate with several others not from this school have been seized since last evening. The school will in all probability be closed for a time.
Since this morning the fever has appeared in several other families. The Doctor has ordered the school to be closed. Here follows his report:- "In consequence of the spread of Scarlet Fever in the village of Middlezoy I, the undersigned, am of the opinion that the schools should be closed until the disease is exterminated."
Signed E.F.H. Borroughs M.R.C.S. L.S.A.
Westonzoyland, June 23rd 1875
Jul 26th Schools resumed today after a vacation of 4 weeks. Fever is still in several families. Attendance poor. Eight children kept away on account of the fever.
Jul 27th Attendance not good. Several of the Senior children are kept away hay-making and other Agricultural pursuits.
Jul 28th Several children kept in today on account of neglect of Home Lessons and for disobedience in school.
July 29th Class IV (being a mixture of Infants and backward children over 7 years of age) is improving a little in Reading & writing.
Jul 30th Attendance altogether poor throughout the week. Many of the older children been employed in Agricultural Pursuits especially hay-making. A few girls in Class I and II are showing a great improvement in Arithmetic, but the majority is still backward. Average attendance during week 63.3
Aug 2nd The attendance is still poor today. There seems to be but little chance of improvement till after the ?Harvest?.
Aug 3rd Emma J. Bown, Rosina Bown and Kate Bown have been seized with Scarlet Fever on that account they are kept from school.
Aug 5th Kept in Standard I during the Recreation time for bad work in Arithmetic. With this week commenced to give them Transcription as a Home Lesson.
Aug 6th Some of the parents of the children show great objection to their children doing Home Lessons. Ellen Barnett (13years) said it was the intention of her parents to withdraw her from school.
Aug 17th Classes I and II were worked together this morning on account of the small numbers in those classes.
Aug 18th Mostly infants present. Attendance very poor in upper classes. Granted holiday to Elizabeth Palmer the junior teacher.
Aug 19th Classes I&II, III&IV worked together. No Home Lessons during the week. Gave half holiday this afternoon.
Aug 20th Very little of record took place today save that the attendance is no better than beginning of week. In consequence the school will be closed for one week until the 30th instant. Average attendance 59.7
Sep 3rd Attendance far from being good throughout week. Entertain hopes of an improvement next week.
Sep 6th A great improvement in attendance this morning.
Sep 7th Kate Bown aged 4 years 5 months died on the 3rd.
Present this morning 89. Afternoon 76.
Sep 8th Examined infants this morning, find them progressing favourably. Kept in two girls for bad spelling in Dictation from Division I.
Sep 9th Several children absent today on account of the fair in the adjoining village of Westonzoyland.
Sep 10th No sewing this afternoon on account of the sewing mistress being very ill.
Sep 13th No sewing this afternoon. Present today:- Boys 53, Girls 44. Total 97
Sep 14th The principal falling off in attendance being with elder children who are required at home for picking apples, potatoes etc.
Sep 15th A slight falling off in attendance today being the market day for the adjoining town. Examined Class III & find I have in it 13 children who ought to be presented in Standard I, but it will be a sheer impossibility to prepare them them for that standard as they are only just able to discriminate their letters readily.
Sep 20th Examined Standard I today, find them very backward in writing.
Sep 22nd Examined Infants class this morning. Some of them show very satisfactory symptoms of improvement.
Sep 23rd Mary Lovibond, Rhoda Lovibond, Lydia Richards, Sophia Coate, John and Ann Davis are absent on account of sickness. Fever is still lingering in the village.
Sep 27th Attendance poor. The Board met this morning in school-house when it was resolved that the clerk should write to parents of children not in attendance requesting them to be sent or in default to suffer the penalty of the Law.
Sep 28th A great improvement in attendance today. Examined Class III today which is composed of backward children of Standard I and Standard I for next year.
Sep 29th A very poor school today on account of the Fair in the market town of Bridgwater. Examined the whole of Infants today.
Sep 30th Took Music Lesson this afternoon instead of Friday.
Oct 4th An improvement in attendance this morning but there are 12 children kept away on account of fever and the measles.
Oct 7th Standard I shewing a little improvement in writing today, but this standard is generally backward. Arithmetic still continues the worse subject. Fever is apparently spreading in the village.
Oct 8th Attendance something disgraceful today only 46 present this afternoon; against 97 present on Monday.
Oct 11th A great deal of fever prevailing in the parish on which account a great many children are kept from school. Thomas Lockyer died on Friday of Scarlet Fever.
Oct 12th The Chairman came in this morning. Another child died of Fever during the night. Examined Standard II in Reading & Dictation, result favourable.
Oct 18th A meeting of the Board was held in the Class-room during the Dinner Vacation, present Messrs Oliver, Meade. Barnstable and Biddlecombe, together with Drs Parsons and Borroughs. Dr Parsons briefly explained the introduction and subsequent spread of Scarlet Fever in the village. At the same time recommending what steps to be observed with regard to children attending school.
Oct 22nd There are 29 children kept away from school on account of Fever. Average attendance during week = 69.5
Oct 25th Afternoon School commenced at 1.30 today and continues through the winter months. Charles Hucker died of Fever yesterday. Attendance not at all good.
Oct 26th Received notice of Examination of pupil-teachers on Saturday at the British School, Taunton.
Oct 28th Dr Borroughs called this morning; stating the Fever had broken out in two other families. In consequence 5 more children will be kept from school.
Oct 29th Examined Infants this morning very satisfactory results. 32 children are kept from school on account of Fever.
Nov 4th Only two children present in Standard III this afternoon. Punished several boys for mis-conduct this morning.
Nov 5th No fresh case of Fever reported this week it seems to be abating a little. It has however reduced the attendance considerably.
Nov 9th The Doctor reports the Fever to be abating and children ill of it are progressing satisfactorily.
Nov 10th Punished several children for copying. Forced to be very strict and severe on this point, as most of the children have been previously to Dame Schools where they were allowed to copy from one another.
Nov 15th Favourable reports given by the Doctor of the Fever. Hope to get several of the children back next week. Kept in several children for copying.
Nov 18th The Board held a meeting in the office of their clerk yesterday. It was determined that a letter should be addressed to the chairman of Board of Guardians directing their attention to the fees of pauper children attending this school.
Nov 22nd The school this week will be conducted according to a new Time Table in order that the working of it may be seen before presenting it to H.M. Inspector.
Nov 23rd The Fever continues only in one family which keeps away four children.
Nov 26th Punished several children for copying. Improvement in attendance during week. Average attendance for this week 69.4
Nov 30th Present today, Boys 42, Girls 39, Total 81.
Today ends the School Year.
-------------//-----------------
Dec 1st Received notice of the Inspection, this morning. Attendance not quite so good.
Dec 7th A great improvement in attendance from several previous weeks. Fever only continues in one family.
Dec 8th These schools have been today examined by R. Boyle Esq. Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools for this district.
Dec 10th Commenced Compound Rules in first class. Good attendance. Average attendance during week 92.5
Dec 13th A falling off with elder children this morning. Punished two boys for bad conduct. Several children absent on account of illness.
Dec 14th Commenced Compound Subtraction with Standard III. Taught Standard II Multiplication.
Dec 16th Commenced to teach Geography and Grammar with Standards II, III, IV amalgamated. There are some very backward children in Standard I consisting of boys and girls over ten.
Dec 17th Arithmetic is improving throughout the school. Reading likely to be a backward subject.
Dec 20th Very good attendance with Infants. Kept in Class II for negligence in learning Geography.
Dec 21st Punished several children for bad behaviour and copying.
Dec 23rd Children rather troublesome this morning. Several visitors came in the school today. Punished several children for copying.
Dec 24th The schools are closed today and will not be opened until the 3rd day of January 1876.
1876
Jan 3rd J. Oliver, Esq. came in this morning and produced the report of the school which runs as follows:-
This school has on the whole made a creditable beginning. The younger children are more promising than elder. They talk to one another too much. Great pains have evidently been taken with Arithmetic. Only so much of the rate as has actually been expended on the maintenance of the school during the year, should be entered on the Income side of the Balance Sheet.
G.R. Young (Composition and Geography) His attainments are not good enough to warrant his admission for a shortened period.
Signed Charles William Hunt (Certificated teacher 2nd Class)
George Richard Young (Pupil Teacher 1st Year)
Paul O.H. Reed Clerk
Jan 12th Children shewing greater progress in Grammar than Geography. Punished several children for copying.
Jan 13th Attendance not quite so good today. Children rather tiresome this afternoon. Kept in several children.
Jan 18th Punished several children for talking in school.
Jan 19th Children backward in Geography. Standard II rather backward in Arithmetic.
Jan 20th J. Oliver, Esq. with Mr Frith came in to see the working of the school this morning.
Jan 21st A few absent this afternoon most probably on account of the rain-fall. Average attendance during week 99.8
Jan 25th Children paying a little more attention to Home Lessons today. Shewing a little progress in Geography. Kept in several children for coming late.
Jan 26th A few children absent today. Kept in several children for negligence. Standards III & IV shewing improvement in Arithmetic.
Jan 28th Standard I seems to be rather backward. Infants improving.
Jan 31st Admitted Ada Heale and Adolphus Millard. Afternoon school begins at usual time and will so continue through spring and summer months.
Feb 1st Attendance tolerably good. A slight progress in Geography visible. Kept in several children for coming in late.
Feb 2nd This school has been open 1 year today. Two or three children absent on account of illness. Children backward in Arithmetic in Standard I. Punished several children for disobedience.
May 11th Secular instruction began at 9 o'clock this morning and continued until 1 o'clock thereby making one day or two attendances. School closed until 22nd instant, on account of being a general holiday in village being anniversary of "Middlezoy Friendly Society" Average attendance during week 67.8
August 31st Taught the children several new songs during week. They are making very good progress with singing. One or two children absent on account of the wet weather.
September 7th Holiday today on account of being the day fixed for the Sunday School Treat. The children spent the day at Burnham.
Sep 18th A few more elderly children present today. Class I and II, being or comprising of Standards 2, 3 & 4, are worked together. Three children present today who will be presented for examination in Standard IV. The children of this Standard are for the most part half-timers, consequently it will be very difficult to thoroughly teach them the Geography according to Code.
Oct 18th Received the "Scheme of Needlework" today from Her Majesty's Inspector. The girls of this school have not been taught sewing as an extra subject.
Oct 25th Several boys very stupid and backward in Standard II. Most of the Infants are progressing very favourably.
Oct 27th Attendance today somewhat disgraceful. Only 34 children present this afternoon, 22 of these being Infants. This throws back the Standard work very much. Can't make any progress whatever in upper Standard with Geography and Grammar as the children are so very irregular. Average 62.3
Nov 29th Lydia Richards, Francis Atyeo and Caroline Richards have an impediment in their speech so much that they can hardly be understood. Virtue A Richards & Walter Coate are also similarly afflicted but not so bad as others.
Dec 20th A Meeting of Board held at office of clerk today to consider master's resignation. Present J Oliver Esq, Messers Tilley, Biddlecombe & Barnstable.
Dec 21st Distributed presents to Infants this afternoon, and school is closed for Xmas holiday till January 8th 1877.
1877
Jan 8th After a fortnight's vacation school duties resumed today. Since the last meeting of the school the Education Department has been pleased to issue their report as to the results of late examination which was as follows:-
"The work of this school has improved since last year, but the children are old for the work they are doing. The sums continue the best part and the order is better, though the children still try to copy one another. The new subjects are weak. G.R. Young has passed fairly under article 29.E. Mr Hunt will shortly receive his certificate."
Signed Charles Wm Hunt C.M. [Certificated Master]2nd Class
George Richard Young P.T. [Pupil Teacher] 2nd Year.
With respect to the new subjects it should be stated the children of the upper standards where the work was weakest had been irregular in attendance. Mnay of which were half timers.
It is a great injustice of the department to with-hold grant under Article 19C6 for the percentage was obtained. The only drawback was that one of the lads could not go through his work on account of illness. The Board thinks it a hard thing to lose grant on this account as it was not any fault of theirs and wiahes the clerk to write to Department respecting same.
Jan 15th Not as many children present this morning. Several are prevented from coming through the inundations; the moors and roads between the village and Moorland are covered with water to an extent of 7 or 8 feet. Several families have been obliged to leave their homes for houses not so low in situation. Great distress prevails amongst the poor of this neighbourhood, occasioned by the floods.
Jan 16th A meeting of the Board held in class room this evening. Present J Oliver Esq, Messers Tilley, Barnstable & Biddlecombe. Master received his Certificate this morning which states that "Mr Hunt has organised the school at Middlezoy and teaches it with sufficient credit to himself."
School not so full, children kept away through inundations. The water is higher than has been known for 100 years. 4 men drowned at Westonzoyland last evening which has spread gloom through neighbourhood.
Jan 31st At a meeting of the Board held in the offive of the clerk, Kings Square, Bridgwater it was decided that Mr Blackman of Shapwick should succeed me.
Feb 1st Several children away having gone boating with their parents.
Feb 2nd This school has been opened 2 years today.
Feb 5th The school is now left in charge of Mr A Long (ex pupil teacher) of North Curry and will continue so until March 2nd or 9th when Mr Blackman is expected to take on.
Mar 5th I, James Blackman, on this day take charge of this school as Head Master and successor to Mr C W Hunt late master. As per appointment by the Chairman and Members of the Board of this school. George R Young is a Pupil Teacher in his second year and my sister A E Blackman is to teach the Needlework and also to assist in the school. The average attendance this week is 62. The children appear to come very irregular. In consequence of the floods 6 children are prevented from coming to school.
May 21st This week the school was closed on account of the Club being held in the School room on Tuesday and the children's Annual Feast on the following Friday.
July 2nd This week the children of Westonzoyland left as their own school is now opened.
1878
Jan 9th Received from the Clerk of the Board a copy of the Report of the late Examination as follows:-
"Mr Blackman took charge of this school last March and as far as I can judge of his work appears to have made a very fair beginning. The arrangenment of lessons might I think be improved. Reading is only passable it would be as well to subdivide the classes so as to allow more time for individual reading. New blackboards are required, and a box of form and colour should be provided for the Infants. The results of the class examination under Article 19C are prety fair."
G.R. Young has passed fairly but should attend to composition.
The amount of Grant earned is £58.17.0
August 31st Taught the children several new songs during week. They are making very good progress with singing. One or two children absent on account of the wet weather.
September 7th Holiday today on account of being the day fixed for the Sunday School Treat. The children spent the day at Burnham.
Sep 18th A few more elderly children present today. Class I and II, being or comprising of Standards 2, 3 & 4, are worked together. Three children present today who will be presented for examination in Standard IV. The children of this Standard are for the most part half-timers, consequently it will be very difficult to thoroughly teach them the Geography according to Code.
Oct 18th Received the "Scheme of Needlework" today from Her Majesty's Inspector. The girls of this school have not been taught sewing as an extra subject.
Oct 25th Several boys very stupid and backward in Standard II. Most of the Infants are progressing very favourably.
Oct 27th Attendance today somewhat disgraceful. Only 34 children present this afternoon, 22 of these being Infants. This throws back the Standard work very much. Can't make any progress whatever in upper Standard with Geography and Grammar as the children are so very irregular. Average 62.3
Nov 29th Lydia Richards, Francis Atyeo and Caroline Richards have an impediment in their speech so much that they can hardly be understood. Virtue A Richards & Walter Coate are also similarly afflicted but not so bad as others.
Dec 20th A Meeting of Board held at office of clerk today to consider master's resignation. Present J Oliver Esq, Messers Tilley, Biddlecombe & Barnstable.
Dec 21st Distributed presents to Infants this afternoon, and school is closed for Xmas holiday till January 8th 1877.
1877
Jan 8th After a fortnight's vacation school duties resumed today. Since the last meeting of the school the Education Department has been pleased to issue their report as to the results of late examination which was as follows:-
"The work of this school has improved since last year, but the children are old for the work they are doing. The sums continue the best part and the order is better, though the children still try to copy one another. The new subjects are weak. G.R. Young has passed fairly under article 29.E. Mr Hunt will shortly receive his certificate."
Signed Charles Wm Hunt C.M. [Certificated Master]2nd Class
George Richard Young P.T. [Pupil Teacher] 2nd Year.
With respect to the new subjects it should be stated the children of the upper standards where the work was weakest had been irregular in attendance. Mnay of which were half timers.
It is a great injustice of the department to with-hold grant under Article 19C6 for the percentage was obtained. The only drawback was that one of the lads could not go through his work on account of illness. The Board thinks it a hard thing to lose grant on this account as it was not any fault of theirs and wiahes the clerk to write to Department respecting same.
Jan 15th Not as many children present this morning. Several are prevented from coming through the inundations; the moors and roads between the village and Moorland are covered with water to an extent of 7 or 8 feet. Several families have been obliged to leave their homes for houses not so low in situation. Great distress prevails amongst the poor of this neighbourhood, occasioned by the floods.
Jan 16th A meeting of the Board held in class room this evening. Present J Oliver Esq, Messers Tilley, Barnstable & Biddlecombe. Master received his Certificate this morning which states that "Mr Hunt has organised the school at Middlezoy and teaches it with sufficient credit to himself."
School not so full, children kept away through inundations. The water is higher than has been known for 100 years. 4 men drowned at Westonzoyland last evening which has spread gloom through neighbourhood.
Jan 31st At a meeting of the Board held in the offive of the clerk, Kings Square, Bridgwater it was decided that Mr Blackman of Shapwick should succeed me.
Feb 1st Several children away having gone boating with their parents.
Feb 2nd This school has been opened 2 years today.
Feb 5th The school is now left in charge of Mr A Long (ex pupil teacher) of North Curry and will continue so until March 2nd or 9th when Mr Blackman is expected to take on.
Mar 5th I, James Blackman, on this day take charge of this school as Head Master and successor to Mr C W Hunt late master. As per appointment by the Chairman and Members of the Board of this school. George R Young is a Pupil Teacher in his second year and my sister A E Blackman is to teach the Needlework and also to assist in the school. The average attendance this week is 62. The children appear to come very irregular. In consequence of the floods 6 children are prevented from coming to school.
May 21st This week the school was closed on account of the Club being held in the School room on Tuesday and the children's Annual Feast on the following Friday.
July 2nd This week the children of Westonzoyland left as their own school is now opened.
1878
Jan 9th Received from the Clerk of the Board a copy of the Report of the late Examination as follows:-
"Mr Blackman took charge of this school last March and as far as I can judge of his work appears to have made a very fair beginning. The arrangenment of lessons might I think be improved. Reading is only passable it would be as well to subdivide the classes so as to allow more time for individual reading. New blackboards are required, and a box of form and colour should be provided for the Infants. The results of the class examination under Article 19C are prety fair."
G.R. Young has passed fairly but should attend to composition.
The amount of Grant earned is £58.17.0
Feb 4th Frederick Atyeo of Thorngrove left school this week for Service having passed the II Standard at last examination.
Feb 11th This week two new blackboards were added to the school apparatus as desired by H.M. Inspector.
Mar 4th Several girls away on Tuesday picking violets for sale at Bridgwater. Also some of the older boys are away at work.
Mar 18 Many of the boys are away this week planting potatoes. On Tuesday of this week I left the school in charge of the Pupil Teacher while I went to Wembdon to get a new Time Table signed by Mr W.B. Yarde, H.M.Inspector.
April 15 I punished John Perratt and John Rossiter with the cane this week for talking and idleness.
April 29 The attendance has been higher this week than at any time since the opening of this school; several children from Othery this week.
May 13 The school was closed this week on account of the Club being held in the schoolroom.
May 27 Examined I Standard in their general work. Theree appears an improvement in reading and spelling but some are backward in Arithmetic.
June 17 The inkstand on my desk was upset and blotted the Register.
June 24 The attendance this week is rather lower than usual owing to the elder children being away at hay-making. The children very restless owing to the hot weather.
July 8 Many of the children appear to have colds and are continually coughing especially the younger ones.
July 29 The school closes at the end of this week for three weeks during the Harvest.
Sept 9 I punished Walter Heale and Jesse Meaker with a cane on their hands for talking on Tuesday.
Sept 16 The school was closed this day on account of the Sunday scholars having an outing to Burnham
Sept 23 Several of the boys are still absent getting up potatoes, some of whom have not made up the required number of 250 attendances.
Nov 4 This week some new Reading Books were added to the school stock.
Dec 2 This week commences a New School Year with 110 children on the Register viz 50 boys and 36 girls above 7 years of age, and 24 Infants viz 14 boys and 10girls. Admitted Thos Kiddle of Othery.
Dec 16 Several of the children away this week through the severity of the weather. This week I admitted Emma Bastable.
Dec 23 School closed a fortnight during the Xmas Vacation.
Feb 11th This week two new blackboards were added to the school apparatus as desired by H.M. Inspector.
Mar 4th Several girls away on Tuesday picking violets for sale at Bridgwater. Also some of the older boys are away at work.
Mar 18 Many of the boys are away this week planting potatoes. On Tuesday of this week I left the school in charge of the Pupil Teacher while I went to Wembdon to get a new Time Table signed by Mr W.B. Yarde, H.M.Inspector.
April 15 I punished John Perratt and John Rossiter with the cane this week for talking and idleness.
April 29 The attendance has been higher this week than at any time since the opening of this school; several children from Othery this week.
May 13 The school was closed this week on account of the Club being held in the schoolroom.
May 27 Examined I Standard in their general work. Theree appears an improvement in reading and spelling but some are backward in Arithmetic.
June 17 The inkstand on my desk was upset and blotted the Register.
June 24 The attendance this week is rather lower than usual owing to the elder children being away at hay-making. The children very restless owing to the hot weather.
July 8 Many of the children appear to have colds and are continually coughing especially the younger ones.
July 29 The school closes at the end of this week for three weeks during the Harvest.
Sept 9 I punished Walter Heale and Jesse Meaker with a cane on their hands for talking on Tuesday.
Sept 16 The school was closed this day on account of the Sunday scholars having an outing to Burnham
Sept 23 Several of the boys are still absent getting up potatoes, some of whom have not made up the required number of 250 attendances.
Nov 4 This week some new Reading Books were added to the school stock.
Dec 2 This week commences a New School Year with 110 children on the Register viz 50 boys and 36 girls above 7 years of age, and 24 Infants viz 14 boys and 10girls. Admitted Thos Kiddle of Othery.
Dec 16 Several of the children away this week through the severity of the weather. This week I admitted Emma Bastable.
Dec 23 School closed a fortnight during the Xmas Vacation.
1879
Jan 13 This week (Tuesday) I received from the Clerk a copy of the Inspector's Report on our late Examination - As follows: "This school still requires a considerable amount of work before becoming all that could be desired. There are some good points, but the sums and spelling of the upper standards are weak; the reading is the best part of the work. The Grant for Grammar and Geography is fairly welll earned.
The amount of Grant earned is £63. 4. 0.
Jan 27 This week the children from Othery discontinue to come here as the new school will be opened on the ensuing week at Othery. Gave the first class Geography of Asia.
Mar 24 Most of the Westonzoyland boys have now left for work planting potatoes.
May 19 Some of the elder boys are away weeding of corn.
May 26 This week being the close of a Quarter i examined the whole school in the general work. A few of the children are ill with Ague.
June 30 On Wednesday I punished Henry Atyeo with a cane for playing truant.
July 7 On Thursday I attended the Magistrate's meeting in Bridgwater in consequence of Thos Bown being summoned for not sending his two children Anna & Ellen to school.
July 21 Many of the elder children away this week chiefly at Haymaking. I punished four boys with a cane in their hand for coming late
Aug 18 This morning I kept in six children children for coming late. School closed on Tuesday in consequence of the Sunday School Children having their annual outing to Burnham.
Sept 1 Three Weeks Vacation
1880
Jan 12th Many of the children were unable to come to school through the inclemency of the weather. Especially the Infants, quite a fourth are away through the above cause.
Jan 26th Some of the children of late have had their dinners stolen either at the time of Recreation or at noon, and for some time the thief has evaded detection, but on Thursday of this week Oliver Martin was proved to be the boy who had taken the dinners and was punished for the offence with the cane and kept in.
Feb 9th On Tuesday the children had a half day Holiday (Shrove Tuesday)
March 22 Several of the elder boys who were over 13 yrs of age and who only came for about two months in the winter have left. viz Jesse Thyer, Albt. Bastable and Arthur Keirle. On Good Friday school was closed.
29 March The attendance this week was low owing to many of the boys being away keeping birds and planting potatoes and the wet weather on Wednesday and Friday. On Friday the Prize books were distributed to the children by Mr Oliver and Mr Tilly. The Rev J Smith was also present.
April 5th On Tuesday the school was required for polling purposes.
May 17 The school was closed this week on account of the Middlezoy Benefit Club.
May 24 During this week there are still 23 absent through illness. My sister is yet too ill to attend to the sewing classes. The children began a new song "Autumn Leaves".
Aug2 The attendance is falling off in consequence of the Hay and Corn Harvests.
Aug 9 This week I closed School for three weeks during the Harvest as the attendance was getting very low.
Sept 20 This week I admitted Mary and Rhoda Lovibond aged 10 & 9. Both very backward in arithmetic for their age. They had previously attended the private school at Middlezoy.
Oct 11 The children began a new song. On Tuesday three scholars from this school viz Caroline, Arthur and William Eddington left Middlezoy with their mother for America. They had not been to school since the Harvest Vacation.
Oct 18 the attendance is very fluctuating. The elder boys are employed lifting potatoes.
Nov 1st I admitted Walter Bastable for the first time. He has previously been to a private school at Boroughbridge. His best point is reading. On the 3rd Mary Gullidge gave up her post of cleaning the school rooms and Mary A Perrat is appointed (pro tem) to succeed her.
Nov 15 Several of the elder boys who left last March to go to work were readmitted this week.
Dec 20 The school work proceeding as usual and not anything of note to enter. School closes on Thursday for the Christmas Holidays (one week).
1881
Jan 17 This week in consequence of the heavy fall of snow and the severity of the weather upwards of twenty children were unable to attend school. On Wednesday and Thursday the weather was so very inclement that only 13 children came so the school was closed for the above two days.
Feb 21 This week Marwood P. Helliar and Arthus Thos Keirle, commence their duties as Paid Monitors as per order of the Board; with a view of sitting for the office of Pupil Teachers at the next annual examination.
May 16th The school was closed this week because the room was required by Members of the Benefits Club. The room was white limed during the week.
June 13 This week I sent in a list of children who were irregular to the clerk and he has written to their parents on the subject.
June 27 This week Bessie Kift leaves school for Service.
Aug 12 Four weeks Vacation during Harvest.
Sept 5 Attendance low owing to many children being away gleaning corn.
Sept 26 The attendance is much lower than last week owing chiefly to the Fair at Bridgwater as some of the elder children are employed driving stock while otherws are away lifting potatoes.
Oct 3 Many children away lifting potatoes and picking apples.
NOTE: In this parish there are many acres of potatoes and other root crops, and the weather being very fine for several weeks the children have been in great request by the farmers, which has caused the attendance to be very irregular and a drawback to the progress of the children. Average attendance 72.
Dec 9 This school was examined by Mr Lacey (H.M.I.) in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Grammar. There were 8 girls presented in Domestic Economy and Literature and 5 boys in the latter subject.
Dec 12 This day in the afternoon Mr A Newton H.M.I. examined the school generally. Some of the children being now free to go to work have left the school.
Dec 19 On Thursday afternoon, Messers John Barnstable, Henry Barnstable and James Keirl, Members of the Board, visited the school and inspected the Needlework and expressed themselves pleased with the work done by the girls, they also decided that the work done by each child should be given to her.
1882
Jan 9 The children have on the whole passed a satisfactory Examination, but the Third Standard is weak in Spelling and Handwriting. The seats in the Infants' Room are too high for the use of such young children and have no backs, they should be reduced in height and furnished with backs, sloping with a proper angle. The ventilation of the main room is imperfect, a much larger part of the window should be made to open.
Jan 13 This week (Tuesday) I received from the Clerk a copy of the Inspector's Report on our late Examination - As follows: "This school still requires a considerable amount of work before becoming all that could be desired. There are some good points, but the sums and spelling of the upper standards are weak; the reading is the best part of the work. The Grant for Grammar and Geography is fairly welll earned.
The amount of Grant earned is £63. 4. 0.
Jan 27 This week the children from Othery discontinue to come here as the new school will be opened on the ensuing week at Othery. Gave the first class Geography of Asia.
Mar 24 Most of the Westonzoyland boys have now left for work planting potatoes.
May 19 Some of the elder boys are away weeding of corn.
May 26 This week being the close of a Quarter i examined the whole school in the general work. A few of the children are ill with Ague.
June 30 On Wednesday I punished Henry Atyeo with a cane for playing truant.
July 7 On Thursday I attended the Magistrate's meeting in Bridgwater in consequence of Thos Bown being summoned for not sending his two children Anna & Ellen to school.
July 21 Many of the elder children away this week chiefly at Haymaking. I punished four boys with a cane in their hand for coming late
Aug 18 This morning I kept in six children children for coming late. School closed on Tuesday in consequence of the Sunday School Children having their annual outing to Burnham.
Sept 1 Three Weeks Vacation
1880
Jan 12th Many of the children were unable to come to school through the inclemency of the weather. Especially the Infants, quite a fourth are away through the above cause.
Jan 26th Some of the children of late have had their dinners stolen either at the time of Recreation or at noon, and for some time the thief has evaded detection, but on Thursday of this week Oliver Martin was proved to be the boy who had taken the dinners and was punished for the offence with the cane and kept in.
Feb 9th On Tuesday the children had a half day Holiday (Shrove Tuesday)
March 22 Several of the elder boys who were over 13 yrs of age and who only came for about two months in the winter have left. viz Jesse Thyer, Albt. Bastable and Arthur Keirle. On Good Friday school was closed.
29 March The attendance this week was low owing to many of the boys being away keeping birds and planting potatoes and the wet weather on Wednesday and Friday. On Friday the Prize books were distributed to the children by Mr Oliver and Mr Tilly. The Rev J Smith was also present.
April 5th On Tuesday the school was required for polling purposes.
May 17 The school was closed this week on account of the Middlezoy Benefit Club.
May 24 During this week there are still 23 absent through illness. My sister is yet too ill to attend to the sewing classes. The children began a new song "Autumn Leaves".
Aug2 The attendance is falling off in consequence of the Hay and Corn Harvests.
Aug 9 This week I closed School for three weeks during the Harvest as the attendance was getting very low.
Sept 20 This week I admitted Mary and Rhoda Lovibond aged 10 & 9. Both very backward in arithmetic for their age. They had previously attended the private school at Middlezoy.
Oct 11 The children began a new song. On Tuesday three scholars from this school viz Caroline, Arthur and William Eddington left Middlezoy with their mother for America. They had not been to school since the Harvest Vacation.
Oct 18 the attendance is very fluctuating. The elder boys are employed lifting potatoes.
Nov 1st I admitted Walter Bastable for the first time. He has previously been to a private school at Boroughbridge. His best point is reading. On the 3rd Mary Gullidge gave up her post of cleaning the school rooms and Mary A Perrat is appointed (pro tem) to succeed her.
Nov 15 Several of the elder boys who left last March to go to work were readmitted this week.
Dec 20 The school work proceeding as usual and not anything of note to enter. School closes on Thursday for the Christmas Holidays (one week).
1881
Jan 17 This week in consequence of the heavy fall of snow and the severity of the weather upwards of twenty children were unable to attend school. On Wednesday and Thursday the weather was so very inclement that only 13 children came so the school was closed for the above two days.
Feb 21 This week Marwood P. Helliar and Arthus Thos Keirle, commence their duties as Paid Monitors as per order of the Board; with a view of sitting for the office of Pupil Teachers at the next annual examination.
May 16th The school was closed this week because the room was required by Members of the Benefits Club. The room was white limed during the week.
June 13 This week I sent in a list of children who were irregular to the clerk and he has written to their parents on the subject.
June 27 This week Bessie Kift leaves school for Service.
Aug 12 Four weeks Vacation during Harvest.
Sept 5 Attendance low owing to many children being away gleaning corn.
Sept 26 The attendance is much lower than last week owing chiefly to the Fair at Bridgwater as some of the elder children are employed driving stock while otherws are away lifting potatoes.
Oct 3 Many children away lifting potatoes and picking apples.
NOTE: In this parish there are many acres of potatoes and other root crops, and the weather being very fine for several weeks the children have been in great request by the farmers, which has caused the attendance to be very irregular and a drawback to the progress of the children. Average attendance 72.
Dec 9 This school was examined by Mr Lacey (H.M.I.) in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Grammar. There were 8 girls presented in Domestic Economy and Literature and 5 boys in the latter subject.
Dec 12 This day in the afternoon Mr A Newton H.M.I. examined the school generally. Some of the children being now free to go to work have left the school.
Dec 19 On Thursday afternoon, Messers John Barnstable, Henry Barnstable and James Keirl, Members of the Board, visited the school and inspected the Needlework and expressed themselves pleased with the work done by the girls, they also decided that the work done by each child should be given to her.
1882
Jan 9 The children have on the whole passed a satisfactory Examination, but the Third Standard is weak in Spelling and Handwriting. The seats in the Infants' Room are too high for the use of such young children and have no backs, they should be reduced in height and furnished with backs, sloping with a proper angle. The ventilation of the main room is imperfect, a much larger part of the window should be made to open.