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47
Miss Purcell, the Head Mistress, has contributed the following
notes on the work during 1930:—
"Average number of Scholars:—Boys, 45; Girls, 22; Total, 67.

"The School is divided into two parts (a) The Nursery Class
entirely separate from (6) The Educables, Upper and Lower Schools.
"The curriculum follows that of a 'free' school, i.e., the Timetable
is approximate and no academic results are aimed at. The
reward of a teacher's work is the conscious development of each
child's personality and mentality which is not measurable according
to examination standards. The tuition is entirely individual:
each child taking its own time to develop.
"Boys and Girls learn cookery and housewifery. Unfortunately,
owing to re-organisation, laundry work had to be discontinued.
Other general subjects such as leather stitching, loom, and rug
making, knitting, simple dances and games are taken by both
sexes.
"The girls are learning machine stocking making besides sewing
machine work and ordinary knitting.
"The boys take gardening, boot repairing, woodwork, brushmaking
and simple upholstery. While useful work has been done
by individuals, much time has been spent repairing and making
apparatus for the classes.
"Where necessary, children are bathed every week or oftener as
occasion demands. Older boys and girls can, and do, enjoy a hot
bath whenever they wish. An attendant supervises the bathroom
and is responsible for behaviour in the dining-room and on the home
journey by road and car.
"Last April, 14 boys and 10 girls in charge of the Head Teacher
and the Attendant, went to Ryde, where a delightful fortnight was
enjoyed by everyone. Nearly all the beauty spots and places of
historic interest were visited as well as a factory where aero and
hydro-planes were assembled. Many miles were walked daily, but
the greatest charm of all was found in the woods. Increase in weight
was accompanied by improved health and awakening mentality.
All were loth to come back from Nature's School to that of bricks
and mortar. Though few expressed their gratitude to the Committee
the parents really felt grateful for the outlay of £65 which had been
made.