Statistical Report 1935-1936 - Department of Education and Skills

130REFORMATORYSCHOOLS.Literary Instruction.-Of the 39 young persons committed to Reformatoriesduring the year the reading and writing of 19 were statedto be imperfect and the remainder had only a moderate proficiencyin these subjects : all but one had reached the age of 14 years oncommittal. Considering the ages of the pupils and the low standard'of their education on admission, the progress made by the teachersmust be considered creditable.Industrial Training.--There is no material change from year toyear in the occupational work of these schools. The Managers' objectis to help the pupils to attain as much proficiency in the varioustrades and occupations as their periods in the schools will permit sothat they may have a reasonable prospect of being self-supporting ondischarge. This is no easy task, having regard to the previous historyand surroundings of the inmates and the state of their education.Health.-The health of the inmates during the year Was very satisfactory;there Was no infectious disease in the schools and no death, ..Conduct.-The conduct of the inmates Was good; three cases ofabsconding Were reported, two of which were re-admitted, one havingreturned of his own accord.INDUSTRIALSCHOOLS.Literary Instruction.-The general education of the children hasbeen, on the whole, satisfactory, as indicated in reports received fromthe Primary Branch Inspectors. Although training more advancedthan the National School programme is not obligatory, nevertheless;some schools affor.d facilities to promising pupils in the form ofSecondary and Vocational Education and special preparation forcompetitive examinations such as County Council Scholarships, PreparatoryColleges and the Civil Service. In addition, Music, Singing,Drawing and commercial subjects are taught in a number of schools.Industrial Training and Disposal.-The occupations in the schoolsdo not vary to any extent. A sound working knowledge of the differenttrades taught is acquired and in some instances a very high degree ofproficiency is reached. Children are selected for training in occupations;for which they show an aptitude or preference and it often happens.that a child is tried at several trades before the most suitable oneis definitely ascertained. The facilities available depend to a certain'extent on the circumstances of each school, in some such work ascarpentry,tailoring, bootmaking and baking is limited to school requirements,while in others a portion of the output is sold to thepublic. In two schools boat-building is taught; farm work and gardeningare carried on in all, with poultry-keeping and dairywork in a few ofthe Boys' Schools.(\131Employment is easily secured for boys with a knowledge of farmwork, but in many instances, especially in the vicinity of cities andlarge towns, boys trained in skilled trades are difficult to place satisfactorily.This is a hardship as children naturally prefer to live withtheir parents or relatives and if work similar to that in which theyWere trained is not available they are liable to accept the first joboffered, thereby losing the benefit of the instruction they received inthe schools.There is no change in the course of training for girls-its practicalvalue is shown by the fact that all schools have many more applicationsfrom employers than girls to place in employment. Reportsof the capability and conduct of girls in employment testify to thevalue of training, and of the care given in school and afterwards.Health.-There were seventeen deaths during the year, nine of thesewere of tubercular origin and three Were from diphtheria. With theexception of mild outbreaks of influeIlza, measles and whooping coughin a few schools and ailments of a minor nature, the health of theinmates was very good. Careful attention is given to the physicalcondition of the children, who receive treatment in the infirmariesattached to the schools and when necessary are removed to hospitalProvision is also made for dental treatment, and glasses are suppliedto children who need them.Conduct.-Reports received from the School Managers commentfavourably on the conduct of the children. Perhaps one of the best'indications of their attitude towards the Schools is that of thosewho go on home leave, very few overstay the period granted, andwhen they do there is generally a good reason such as illness or missedtravelling connections. One girl was transferred to the Reformatoryduring the year as being uncontrollable.Building and Equipment.-The premises are kept in a very satisfactorycondition; work done during the year included new baths,lavatories, extensions of central heating, renovation of classrooms,dormitories, play halls and the usual repairs necessary in such institutions;the proper maiRtenance and equipment of the schoolsare matters that engage the constant attention of the Managers, whoincur considerable expenditure from time to time on general improvements.CHAPTER X.ENDOWED SCHOOLS.General.The administration of the trusts of the various schemes, subjectto the control of the Minister for Education under the EducationalEndowments (Ireland) Act, 1885, proceeded in a normal mannerduring the year under review, no matter of unusual character havingarisen for decision.