ON THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. 167 



at their Training College in the Borough Eoad, which is attended by all 

 the senior students, in which instruction is given both in the theory and 

 practice of carpentry. 



The London School Board on May 19 adopted, by a very large 

 majority, the motion of the Rev. C. D. Lawrence — ' That, in the opinion 

 of this Board, it is necessary to introduce into elementary schools some 

 regular system of manual training,' and the matter was referred to a 

 special committee on the subjects and modes of instruction in the Board's 

 schools, which is now sitting. 



The first examination by the Science and Art Department in the 

 alternative first stage of chemistry has taken place, and may be considered 

 to mark a great advance in the teaching of that subject. That the 

 teachers were eager for such instruction is evident from the fact that as 

 many applied for permission to attend Professor Armstrong's course of 

 lectures established by the City and Guilds of London Institute as that 

 institution could be made to accommodate. 



There has recently been formed a ' National Association for the Pro- 

 motion of Technical Education,' which includes the leading politicians 

 who have given special attention to the subject of education. The 

 following are the objects proposed : — 



(a) The promotion in our primary schools of the better training of 

 the hand and eye by improved instruction in drawing, in the elements of 

 science, and the elementary use of tools. 



(b) The introduction of such changes in the present system of pri- 

 mary instruction as may be necessary to enable children to take advan- 

 tage of technical teaching. 



(c) The more extended provision of higher elementary schools, where 

 technical education may be provided for those who are fit to take advan- 

 tage of it. 



(d) The reform of the present system of evening schools, with special 

 provisions for the encouragement of technical (including commercial and 

 agricultural) instruction. 



(e) The development, organisation, and maintenance of a system of 

 secondary education throughout the country, with a view to placing 

 the higher technical education in our schools and colleges on a better 

 footing. 



(/) The improvement of the training of teachers, so that they may 

 take an effective part in the work which the Association desires to for- 

 ward. 



The Association was inaugurated at a meeting at the Society of Arts 

 on July 1, when the Marquis of Hartington, who occupied the chair, was 

 appointed President of the Association. 



From this review of the present situation it would appear that the 

 action of the Education Department tends positively to frustrate the 

 efforts of those who desire to increase the teaching of natural science in 

 elementary schools ; but your Committee do not believe that that is the 

 intention of those in authority, and feel sure that the great advance in 

 public opinion wUl ultimately lead to a knowledge of the elements of 

 science being made an essential part of all State-aided education. 



