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One great characteristic of the scheme is that every pupil shall understand the
principles involved in his work before he endeavours to carry them into effect.
This is achieved by leading him on gradually to understand the drawing of his
subject, the theoretical side, and the right and skilful use of the tools and materials
necessary for the carrying out of his ideas.
We have never trained a student at this school to gain any monetary value from
the article he has manufactured, yet in the production of it all the points of construction
and technique have been most faithfully adhered to.
This method of teaching has been adversely criticised, but we have an
overwhelming abundance of testimony from the leading designers and master cabinet
makers, to show that it is the one thing necessary in a school of this kind.
In order to show the effectiveness of our system, and how it is appreciated in the
trade and elsewhere, the following extracts will abundantly demonstrate:—
HAROLD F. LOCKE, Esq., says:—"The system adopted is an excellent one, and I
feel that the work which has been accomplished is very satisfactory, and points to excellent
direction and teaching on the part of the masters.
Prof. J. STUART, says:—"The work done in this school is thorough in every respect,
and there were few more promising undertakings in connection with the London County
Council Technical Education Board than that in Shoreditch."
The Report of the EDUCATION BOARD, in 1897, says:—" The principal centre of
Technical Instruction for Woodwork, and the Furniture Trades, is the Shoreditch Municipal
School."
The LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL INSPECTOR says :—" We do bring our work to
bear directly on the artisan."
Sir PHILIP MAGNUS commented on the very valuable work which was being carried
out in the Shoreditch Municipal School.
Leading Technical Educationalists such as Dr. Garnett, Professor Stuart, Sir P.
Magnus, Mr. Sidney Webb, and others, have stated on public platforms " That they
have watched every development of the school with the greatest interest, and they
could not help feeling that there was a great and beneficial future in store for the
Shoreditch Municipal School."
In conclusion, gentlemen, I feel it very strongly my duty, to urge that you insist
that in the new school this same system—which has been adopted with such great
success, and which has met with such overwhelming praise—shall be the one to be
adopted. Our new school must not be a Secondary School, a Science School, or a
Polytechnic—but a School where the Artisan of Shoreditch may acquire that knowledge
which will the better equip him to fight labour's battle, enhance his position in
life, and secure for him that knowledge of his craft which will enable him to obtain the
topmost rung of the Industrial ladder.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
WALTER E. DEGEEDON,
Superintendent.