NRS-19701 | Observation Books [Blacktown Public School]

The purpose of the observation book was for the Inspector to record general remarks about the management of the school, the relationships and discipline within it and the range and effectiveness of the teaching. The Regulations under the Public Schools Act, 1866 noted; “The Inspector's remarks upon the state of the school visited by him, will be entered in the “Observation Book” of the school, which, as a School Record should be carefully preserved. Entries therein are not to be erased or altered.” (Regulations adopted by the Council of Education on 27 February 1867 s.83.)The columns at the top of the page list the school, date, type of inspection (regular or otherwise), and inspector's name. The columns at the side of the page are divided by school term times and subjects such as Reading, Writing, Dictation, Needlework, Slate Work.  There is a separate section for Other Subjects, listing Geography, History, and Scripture Lesson amongst others.