HC Deb 20 March 1877 vol 233 cc194-5
MR. STOPFORD SACKVILLE

asked the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, with reference to the Third Schedule of the new Code, Whether any representations have been made to the Department as to its inapplicability to rural schools; and, whether it is intended either to modify or withdraw it?

VISCOUNT SANDON

A few representations have been made to the Education Department objecting to the new Schedule in the Code respecting needle' work; but, as was to be expected, they have principally come from towns, as the rural schools in many cases excel in needlework. My hon. Friend will remember that while needlework has always been necessary in State-aided schools, we inserted in the Code for the first time two years ago a special money grant for it, if it was taught systematically, with a view to secure greater attention being paid to this important subject, and a very general approval of this provision was expressed on both sides of the House. We have been strongly urged by many of our best Inspectors to lay down a Schedule for needlework, and the present one has been prepared by ladies of great practical experience in both town and country schools. We are quite prepared for some opposition to it on the part of a considerable number of teachers, as we are aware that the subject has, in many cases, been too much neglected. As it is the first time that a Schedule has been made on this subject, we are anxious to have the advantage of knowing the opinions of experienced critics regarding it, and we have therefore arranged' that the children should not be obliged to be taught in accordance with this Schedule before March, 1878, in order that we may consider suggestions on the matter during the coming year, and, if necessary, make modifications or alterations in the Schedule in the Code of 1878. I wish, however, to assure my hon. Friend that we intend to do all we can to secure that this subject shall be thoroughly well taught in all our schools, as we believe that a thorough knowledge of plain needlework is more conducive to the welfare of the girls who must attend them, than an acquaintance with some of the more ambitious subjects which are sometimes urged upon us.