Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-06-29
Our Schools.

The examination Of the Washington County
Grammar School deserves more thnn the ollusion
we gave last week Under the direction Of Mr.
Gorham and Miss Burnhahi, the school shows
each year higher proficiency. The examination
in the classics revealed the thoroughness Of the
drill to which the pupils had been subjected, and
increased our confidence in the instruction Of the
accomplished teachers Of this department We
have never heard Cicero translated with more ele-
gance and propricty, nor listened to better read
ings Of Virgil and lIomor. In the English De
partmcnts, the examination was most satisac-
torialy sustained. Miss Burnham has evidently
carried her scholars beyond the book, out Of
mere mechanical study, and taught them 10 rea-
son and think for themselves The idea that edu-
cation is not 80 much the accumulation Of knowi-
edge as the development and expression Of the
human powers, seems to lie Mt the basis in the
instructions of this school The examination
was closed by very fine exhibition on Friday
last and gave pleasing evidence that the scholars
were equal 10 a higher style Of writing and
speaking than usually prevails in our academic
schools
The annual examination of the Union School
commenced on the 18th inst. with Department
NO T. taught by Mis- Sweet The children ia
this department showed a readiness and proGcien-
cy in their studies rarely witnessed in pupils 50
young. Miss Sweet is perfectly at ease with her
classes and possesses rare gifts for instructng
children. IL should be said that Miss Sweets
qualifications are not limited to the department
Of children
Department no. . has been taught during
thc year by Miss Abbot. She also is well adapt
ed ~ her position in the school Her pupils were
ready and accurate in answering questions and
showed marked advancement over previous
years
No. 3. taught the two first terms by Mis-. Max
ham and tine last one by Miss Golden. also acquit-
ted itself satisfactorily to teacher and committee
The pupils in this department give more than or
binary promise. Miss Golden has her scholars
well in hand and exhibits rare qualifications as a
teacher
NO. 4, taught during the last term by Miss
Davis, has suffered during the year from IL change
Of teachers. The pupils in this department how
ever appeared better than was expected. Miss
structions 10 her pupil. and it is 10 be hoped that
the pupils under her guidance will show mark
ed progress at the next annual examination.
Miss Davis may well rank among our best
teachers
Department 80. has also suffered during the
year by reason Of change Of teachers. Not less
than four different teachers have had this depart
ment in charge during the year just closed, conse-
quently 50 satisfactory results were not expected
as were witnessed in many of the other depart
ments. Miss Markham, who was removed from
no. 3 to no. 3, has had this department in
charge during the last term. She has few superb
ors as a teacher
No. g, taught By Miss Bedwoy, passed very
critical examination in all the studies taught in
the department. The examination was especial
~ excellent in Analysis and Arithmetic In
Arithmetic, the principles upon which rule, are
based were clearly developed The class in
Analysis was most rigidly examined aud clearly
showed that familiarity with Science Of language
which is rare in pupils 50 young. Miss Red
way has few equals as a teacher and it is to be
hoped that she may long be numbered among the
teachers of the schools
Mr. Phillips has given instruction to the pupil.
Of the several departments in Vocal Music during
the last two terms of the school. with marked
success The Rhetorical exercises at the close OF
school were intersper.ed with music furnished by
the class.
Mr.. Pbillius needs no praise for his thorougb
ness as an Instructor. Those who listened t,
/ heInusical entertainment furnished BIZ his class
during Rhetorical exercises of the school an Fri
day afternoon and nj the Levee held in the Aco
/ DENY Hail in the evening. will accord IN him
merited nraise
Much might be said of the ADVANTAGES which
the punils Of the Union and Cr,mmor scbool hay,
over those who were educated rnder tbe ola Dis.
trict scbools sv.tem There il no system o,
method adopted in the scbools and the conse.
quence is. less thoroughness in teaching and q
limited advancement by the scholar. Now pupils
pass through carefully arranged course of stu
dies commencing with the Alphabet and termn
atng with the Higher English or Cassca
Course. Pupils, having passed through the com
mon English Course of studies adopted for the
lower departments, are far better prepared to en-
ter upon the Higher Course OF studies, than thos'
who have only been instructed under the old or
deal of common schools.
/ Much feeling Is manifested and scintillations Of
pride manifested at times by this people at the
bare mention of our Capitol Is it as important