EDUCATION. 
Section 2. —Education. 
Among the various modes of classification, which have been adopted in works devoted to this 
important subject, none is more simple than that which, being founded on the threefold condi¬ 
tion of man, is divided into three distinct heads of instruction—-physical, intellectual, and moral. 
In these pursuing through their various modifications in the city and parish under consideration, such 
historical and other notices as are necessary will be given, but those details which are best ex¬ 
pressed by numbers will be found in the subjoined table. It is right, however, to observe, before 
entering more fully on the subject, that imperfect and incongruous systems, even in the instruction 
of the poor, must continue to prevail—-especially at a distance from the metropolis—until some 
efficient model establishment shall have been formed, in which teachers may themselves be 
trained and disciplined, and an example provided for their guidance in the training of others. 
Sub-section 1.— Physical. 
When it is considered that, notwithstanding the great intercourse between these countries 
and the continent, many important branches of physical instruction, extensively practised there, have 
been generally neglected at home, it is by no means surprising that in a provincial city, such as Derry, 
they as yet form no regular part of the system of instruction, though at Gwyn’s school the boys 
are exercised in military drilling, and it is intended to introduce gardening as soon as a sufficient 
extent of ground shall have been added to the establishment. 
In dancing—-which, properly considered, is a minor branch of physical education, and not 
a mere accomplishment, there are two resident masters, one of whom has adopted a very 
judicious system, combining calisthenics, the balancing of poles, &c., with dancing, from a con¬ 
viction that the true object of the art is to give flexibility to the body, and induce an easy, flowing 
gait, in place of the violent and unnatural efforts of the opera dancer. 
Sub-section 2. — Intellectual. 
In reference to intellectual instruction it will be found that the parish is provided with a 
variety of establishments, which, notwithstanding their various and important differences, may all 
be ranked under this head. 
Keeping solely in view the nature of the instruction imparted, these establishments may be 
divided into Classical and English schools. Of each description some are public, some private— 
the former term comprising such as derive from some public institution the whole or part of their 
support,—the latter, such as are altogether dependent on the number of pupils. 
Public Schools. 
Classical. —The Diocesan and Free Grammar School, or Foyle College, is the first in order 
of this class. On proceeding to notice this establishment, it may be advisable to glance at the 
old Free Grammar School which it has superseded. 
In the reign of James the 1st a piece of ground near the cathedral was granted by the go¬ 
vernor and assistants of the new plantation of Ulster, as a site for a free grammar school. The 
building was of stone, one story and a half high, and provided with four dormant windows. The 
first story consisted of a school-room and hall, over which were the lodging apartments. On a 
stone over the door was the following inscription :— 
“ MATHIAS SPRINGHAM AR... 
AD HONOREM DEI ET BONARUM 
LITTERARUM PROPAGATIONEM 
HANC SCHOLAM FUNDAVIT 
ANNO SALUTIS, 1617.” 
This school was endowed with funds by the Irish Society, and the corporation. The annual 
salary of the head master, who was bound to instruct fourteen poor scholars in the classics, was 
£40, and that of the usher 40 marks. A library, collected by Bishop Hopkins, was purchased by his 
successor, Bishop King, and bestowed upon the school. The succeeding bishops, and the inferior 
clergy, remunerated the master in his new capacity of librarian, and the school was hence termed 
diocesan. 
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