View report page

47
In order that a school may be properly organised it
should be arranged that the number of children habitually
present at any one time under the instruction of any
teacher or teachers should not exceed by more than 15 per
cent. the number for which such teacher or teachers is or
are considered sufficient.
In this Article there are two phrases which require explanation:
"average attendance " and "habitually present."
The average attendance is obtained by totalling up the numbers of
pupils scoring attendances in accordance with the Regulations of the
Education Department, and dividing the total attendances thus arrived
at. by the number of times that the School Register has been opened.
Thus it is easy to see that by fluctuation of numbers the excess of
scholars at any given attendance, or class meeting, may be considerably
in excess of the 15 per cent. laid down in this Article.
The phrase "habitually present," will be best explained by quoting
the explanation given by Mr. Acland in the House of Commons in 1894
and 1895, and also an excerpt from the Instructions to School Inspectors
issued by the Education Department:—
"The intention of the words 'habitually present' was
to enable Her Majesty's Inspectors to take cognisance of
periods of congested attendance,though the average attendance
for the year may be within the limit allowed. The
expression was, therefore, stronger than that of 'average
attendance.' The general object of the Article was to
discourage the continuance of overcrowded rooms and
congested classes." (Mr. Acland, House of Commons, 24th
May, 1894.)
"Habitually Present"—In the House of Commons,
on the 8th March, 1895, Mr. Acland stated that the
meaning of the words 'habitually present' was, that if the
the Inspector should find that during a given number
of weeks there was an additional increase beyond what
was ordinarily reasonable taking the year all round,
he would call attention to it.
Extract from Instructions to H.M. Inspectors.
SCHOOL PREMISES AND FITTINGS.
Experience has shown that increased attention is
needed to the structure and material equipment of School.
rooms, and to those conditions which effect the health,
comfort, and cheerfulness of the children under
instruction.