NRS-623 | Applications for and reports on candidates for positions as teachers and pupil-teachers

Printed forms completed by applicants for positions as teachers in National Schools constitute the majority of applications received. The first page of the form sets out the formal application, signed by the applicant, while the verso of each shows: name of applicant, marital status, age, place of birth, religion, whether previously trained as a teacher, period of residence in the Colony, where employed as a teacher, and names of persons supplying character references. From August 1856 teachers' application forms include an undertaking to sit for the necessary examinations, to attend the Model Training School, and to observe the Board's regulations. Also included are directions to candidates concerning applications and examinations. After 1860 forms show the rate of allowance due to the candidate if appointed and classified. Applicants were referred to the Training Master or a District Inspector for a preliminary examination in reading, arithmetic, grammar, and geography; on the basis of this examination the Training Master reported on the eligibility of candidates for admission to the Training Department. At the same time candidates were required to give details of their educational background, present occupation, and previous teaching experience. If the candidate was successful in his preliminary examinations he was admitted to the Training Department or a District Model School for a period of at least a month to acquaint himself "with the details of the system". At the end of this period candidates were examined "with a view to classification as National School Teachers", and these "estimates of examination results" supplied by the Board's Examiners (noting the classification assigned to each examinee) are included. Upon classification teachers could either be appointed to schools or, if they gave "promise of future usefulness", retained in training for a period of one or two months. Throughout the training period the Training Master reported to the Secretary upon each candidate's conduct, intelligence and demeanour, and assessed his ability to manage a school, maintain discipline, "value as a teacher", and teaching method. The Training Master also recommended that promising candidates should be retained for further instruction. In some cases District Inspectors reported on the practical skill shown by candidates. Reports on the practical skill and attainments of pupil-teachers are also included. Prior to 1864 only applications and character references are included. (1/367 part, microfilm copy SR Reel 1797; 1/371-376 part, microfilm copy SR Reels 2380-2385). 7 vols (part). Note: This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.