NRS-20649 | Observation book [Black Mountain 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.)Prior to 1939, these volumes were written up by hand, and are printed in an appropriate format. Four pages are allowed for each report, which is headed by the name of the school and the date of inspection. The report is then divided into four main areas: attendance, organisation, discipline and instruction. From 1939, the majority of entries made in these volumes are entered on a specifically designed form, which is then pasted into the observation book. The form details the school and the inspection date, which was normally once a year until the later 1940s, and biennially thereafter. The form is divided into three main areas: organisation, government and instruction.'Attendance' is a brief section in which the number present on the day of inspection, the total enrolment at the school and the name of the teacher are recorded.The 'organisation' section pertains to the school's equipment, beautification programs, staff direction, records, educational agencies, smoothness and effectiveness of general management, and the standing of the school in relation to the general community.'Discipline' covers observations on the pupils' behaviour, manners, and standards of neatness in both their work and their persons. Remarks on physical training may also be included here.'Government' comments on relations between staff and students, effectiveness of discipline in fostering ideals of conduct and stimulating independent thought and activity, and the socialising influence of the school on its pupils. 'Instruction', or general survey evaluates the co-ordination of lesson courses, preparation, general speech-training, teaching methods and their effectiveness in promoting intellectual growth and development, and an appreciation of the higher cultural values.From 1939 until 1940 the form also includes a section headed Physical Training.

本督学观察簿的设立目的，在于供督学记录有关学校管理、校内人际与纪律状况，以及教学范畴与实施成效的总体评价。根据1866年《公立学校法案（Public Schools Act, 1866）》制定的规程明确规定：“督学对其所视察学校状况的评价，须记入该校的‘观察簿’；该簿作为学校档案，应妥善保管，其中的记录不得涂改或篡改。”（该规程由教育委员会（Council of Education）于1867年2月27日通过，第83条。）

1939年以前，此类卷宗均以手写完成，现以适配格式印刷留存。每份报告预留四页版面，首页以学校名称与视察日期作为标题。报告分为四大核心板块：出勤情况、组织管理、纪律状况与教学活动。

1939年起，该卷宗内的多数记录均填写于专用表单，再将表单粘贴至观察簿中。表单需载明学校名称与视察日期——在1940年代末之前，视察通常每年开展一次，此后改为每两年一次。表单分为三大核心板块：组织管理、校务治理与教学活动。

“出勤情况”为简短板块，用于记录视察当日到校人数、学校总注册人数及负责教师姓名。
“组织管理”板块涵盖学校设备配置、校园美化工程、教职工管理、档案留存、教育机构合作、整体管理的顺畅性与有效性，以及学校在所在社区中的整体定位。
“纪律状况”板块涉及对学生行为举止、仪容仪表与作业整洁度的观察评价，亦可在此处加入有关体育训练的评述内容。
“校务治理”板块则评论师生关系、纪律体系在培育行为理念、激发独立思考与实践活动方面的成效，以及学校对学生的社会化影响。
“教学活动”（或总体评估）板块评估课程设置的协调性、备课质量、整体言语训练、教学方法及其在促进智力成长与发展，以及提升高等文化价值认知方面的成效。

1939年至1940年间，该专用表单还增设了以“体育训练”为标题的独立板块。