PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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After a lapse of eight years, the pupil teacher system was re-introduced into Plymouth in June 1896. The principal method of instructing teachers at that time was after school hours at their respective schools, by their principal or certified assistant teachers. Further instruction was carried out at the Plymouth Technical School each morning between 8.45 and 9.45am and on Saturday mornings. Thus their studies were done more often than not at the end of a tiring school day and left them very little time for private study. In June 1898 this unhealthy state of affairs was rectified by opening a Pupil Teachers' Centre, where dedicated instructors could devout their energies to the pupil teachers for a couple of days a week, during school hours, and the teachers themselves could feel fresh to learn the practical art of school management at their own schools for the remainder of the week. A half-day holiday was given on Wednesdays, which they were encouraged to use for physical recreation. The Plymouth School Board opened its Pupil Teachers' Centre at the Regent Street School on Monday September 19th 1898. At the time, the Board was employing 52 pupil teachers, 13 in the first year, 17 in the second, 20 in the third and 2 in the fourth year. There was felt to be a growing need for such teachers and the Board had decided to recommence a facility it had provided once before, but on a better scale. Situated in the Regent Street Higher Grade School building, the principal was Mr W L Cocks, MA, who was to receive a salary of £260 per annum rising by £10 each succeeding year up to a maximum of £300. He was to be assisted by Miss S Lowman, on a salary of £100 rising by £5 instalments up to the maximum of £120, and Mr C Joslin, an under-graduate from London University, whose salary was £120 rising by £5 each year up to the maximum of £150. In addition to running the Centre, Mr Cocks was also responsible for the Organised Science Section of the High Grade School, although he was relieved of his duties towards the Elementary Section. Miss Lowman came from the North Road Girls' School. The Centre's Board of Management consisted of Professor Anthony, Chairman, Mr J P Brown, Vice-Chairman, the Reverend Doctor D Kennedy, Major J Rendle, Mr F E Sach, Mr H O Serpell, and Miss E S Spooner. However, the Board of Education in London were dissatisfied with this arrangement because it meant that the Regent Street pupils could not use what were their own science rooms at the time. Plans were therefore approved for the erection of a purpose-built Pupil Teachers' Centre to be erected on the site adjoining Salisbury Road Board School. It would contain a large lecture hall, with a science demonstration table, plus two class-rooms taking thirty teachers each. It was due to be ready by December 31st 1901.
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