NRS-626 | National School annual reports

On 27 February 1856 Dr. J.W. Walker, an active member of the local board of the Camden National School, suggested that patrons should visit their schools in rotation, at the end of each year forwarding a report to the Commissioners outlining the school's progress in that year. This plan was adopted, and in March a circular from the Board to local boards (circular No.20, dated 20 March 1856) informed them of the subjects upon which information was required by the Board. These subjects were: the condition of the school house; whether the school land was fenced in and whether proper out-buildings erected; the supply of school books, furniture, and apparatus; the conduct of the teaching staff; the progress of the children - their regularity, cleanliness, and order; the attendance of clergymen for the purpose of providing religious instruction; and suggestions "considered beneficial to the conduct of the school". In some cases the Local Patrons supplied additional information (eg. number of children on the rolls, average daily attendance). Marginal annotations by the Secretary of the Board are also included in some cases. (1/367 part; microfilm copy SR Reel 1797). 1 vol (part). Note:This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.