In the early years, conscientious lecturers would take careful notes at the staff meetings and write up the minutes in neat handwriting for a book which has survived 120 years and been properly archived in Goldsmiths Special Collections.

What did the first staff talk about? Well their students of course. How well they were getting on, or not.

The first staff meeting on 6th November 1905 reported first impressions that were not very encouraging- ‘very unintelligent’, feeling ‘overworked’, ‘very low second class’, ‘express themselves very badly and are very inaccurate’, ‘unable to take proper notes, very ignorant of present conditions.’

Discipline and timekeeping were problems, though there was sympathy for students finding themselves in a history lecture instead of geography and not knowing the difference. It was a large and complicated building with a layout of rooms and floors which defied logic.

And the clocks were often wrong, largely because there were so many of them and in the Edwardian Age, unlike the present when accurate and coherent time control is possible through radio signals from atomic clocks which automatically synchronise.

In 1905, the College Porter had to do all the clock winding and setting; not an easy job when there were scores of them; often only accessible by ladder.

Were the staff concerns that much different from today? The talk then was about standards and student feedback and representation and the best way of setting assessments- in those days through exams; though coursework and exhibition was like today a key methodology.

The country’s Board of Education insisted in the early years that one of the qualifying exam requirements for certificated teachers was the ability to remember and recite accurately 200 lines of poetry.

It was regarded as one of the impressive and necessary performative standards by visiting Board inspectors of a teacher’s knowledge and confidence to teach in front of a live classroom.

In one of the first inspections of the new Goldsmiths’ College students, Caroline Graveson recalled that one of her students had memorised the whole of Edward Fitzgerald’s English translation of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam which at the time was attributed to Omar Khayyam (1048–1131), regarded as ‘the Astronomer-Poet of Persia’- long before such texts would be criticised under the theory of Orientalism.

The young trainee teacher launched into the performance of the longest and second edition of 110 quatrains, a total of 440 lines and the only version available in the College library. She started as though she was diving into the English Channel, was going to swim all the way to France with nothing going to get in her way.

Long after she had passed the 200th line mark, the men inspectors were fidgeting, thinking about lunch and trying to find a successful and polite way of asking her to stop.

Caroline proudly remembered her student admonishing them with the exhortation ‘But I haven’t finished!’

The experience was said to have led to a change in Board of Education policy that the recitation requirement was ‘no more than 200 lines’ rather than a previous interpretation of ‘at least 200 lines.’

‘The Walking The Plank’ ordeal of this test had a tendency to test the nerves of some young trainee teachers and there had perhaps been something of a sadistic streak in the inspection process anticipating exam candidates fainting or breaking down in tears on occasion.

The new Goldsmiths’ College educators thought this test had, like corporal punishment and shouting at pupils. no intrinsic value and significance in measuring somebody’s ability to teach.

Eventually the special discretion that Goldsmiths’ College had to set their own exams and assessments compared to other teacher training colleges,  meant the Inspectors would very happily agree to and relent on the need for students to remember long form poetry when visiting New Cross.

What you should find in the reading of these minutes for the first two years is that the staff cared for their students and were wholly committed and dedicated to providing the best education they could for them.

They worried about the quality of their social life in College as well as their experience of academic life and the exigencies of learning in what for them was a new higher educational environment.

The Goldsmiths’ College staff common room

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Notes of Staff Meetings, Goldsmiths’ College Training Department

Staff Meeting Nov 6th 1905

Agenda

1. Teachers’ reports on the various subjects of study

2. Punctuality at (a) Classes (b) Assembly

3. Home Work

4. Advisability of making representative students responsible for order in the College

5. Singing at Assembly

6. Individual Students (reports on where necessary)

7. Social-life of the College

8. Scope and date of Examinations

1 Reports on the various subjects covering: Teacher; Views as to attainments of students, and as to grouping.

Modern Languages.

Miss Birley: All students overworked. B and C groups very unequal; others less so.

Mr Savory: All students overworked. Grouping unsatisfactory, but no remedy without great inequality in size of groups.

Mathematics.

Mr Kay: Only Nos 1 and 2 [student groups] can possibly reach standard of intermediate. Grouping is fairly satisfactory.

Mr Fitzgerald: Arithmetic fairly good.

Miss Greene: Slower groups will not even reach standard of matriculation. Grouping satisfactory.

English.

Mr John, Miss Catty and Miss Laidler: General opinion that attainments are very low second class throughout except top groups.

Science

Dr Lapworth and Mr Fitgerald: All quite ignorant. No change needed in grouping.

Miss Strudwick: d- standard; express themselves badly, and are very inaccurate.

History

Miss Spalding: Very unintelligent; unable to take proper notes, very ignorant of present conditions.

Drawing

Miss Hildersley: Every group very unequal.

Music

Miss Carter: Every group very unequal.

Miss Graveson suggests that a circular be sent to Pupil Teacher Centres to proper methods of teaching.

II Punctuality 

It was admitted that this was rendered specially difficult by the discrepancy between clocks.

Suggestions were made as to electric bells. Miss Graveson had found it useful, elsewhere, to close doors occasionally and reckon all excluded as late. It was pointed out that all students ad a great incentive to avoid a reputation for unpunctuality in the testimonials when they would doubtless ask for at the end of their course.

As to Assembly, (a) a bell or gong, (b) door-closing, were suggested.  Some teachers, when calling-over at first lecture or class request on affirmative answer only if the student has been present at Assembly.

III Home-Work

Most teachers think there is overwork; the Vice-Principals think there is overwork in the case of the most stupid students.

Mr John advocates a lightning of the time-table in the case of all students, Mr Raymont in the case of the stupid ones.

The omission of French in the class of those who have done little or none on entering the College is suggested. Mr Savory strongly advocates this, contending that such students will not learn enough to be of any real use and ought certainly  never to be allowed to become teachers of French. Miss Birley hesitates as she thinks the Training very valuable, and suggests – quite tentatively – that the backward women might drop Mathematics (other than Arithmetic) – a proposal which, however, finds little favour.

IV Representative Students

Miss Birley had seen points in the behaviour of both men and women which she felt sure all members of the staff would hold to be foolish and undesirable – (their behaviour in the dining hall during the tea interval was especially mentioned) and suggested the appointment of selected students to a position analogous to that of  “prefects” in schools whom the staff might hold responsible for order, good manners, etc.

It was pointed out that each group had its representative already chosen by the students themselves, and that these would probably have more influence that any representatives appointed by us, and formed a natural channel of communication between students and staff; – that was in fact the object of their appointment.

It appeared in the course of the discussion that some of the women students so chosen were held by the teaching staff to be unsuitable for any greater responsibility than that of mouth-pieces of their groups. Further, that the women staff – or most of them – thought that prefects officially appointed would carry great weight. On the other hand the men staff as a rule held that official appointment would tend to diminish the influence which a steady-going student might otherwise have, and therefore deprecated any such appointment.

V Singing at Assembly [It is not widely known that all Goldsmiths’ College students and staff attended a morning assembly in the Great Hall to mark the beginning of the day’s work from 1905 until the early 1960s. It was discontinued largely because the number and size of the staff and student bodies expanded to the extent that they exceeded the capacity of the Hall to accommodate them all.  It was also beginning to be regarded as old-fashioned and too reminiscent of the secondary school day.]

Evidence was given that all, or many of the women students wished for a hymn at Assembly. Several members of The Staff would welcome it also, feeling the reading by itself to be somewhat “flat” – the termination of it abrupt and awkward.

No evidence of a desire for singing on the part the men students was produced, and it was not clear that the wish of the women was based on religious grounds. None had, apparently, suggested prayer.

Various views were expressed as to the possibility of making a selection of hymns free from denominational bias. Some members of The Staff would prefer Psalms, as being more of the nature of Literature and therefore “non-committal.” Others deprecated singing of any kind.

VI Individual Students

It was evident that there were a few, but only a few, students who were known to the Staff (Men and Women) as disturbing factors, and in one case removal to a different group was thought desirable.

VII Social Life

Conversation turned mainly on the difficulty the students seemed to experience in making each other’s acquaintance – men and women – in a normal way, – some students apparently imagining that social intercourse was forbidden, while others were anxious to start mixed dancing, either in classes or parties, without more ado.

It was pointed out that the newly formed Musical Society, and The Debating Society which would no doubt soon be formed, would soon bring the two sides of the College more together, and it was suggested that small mixed parties (e.g. group and group) should be encouraged.

The desirability of allowing students’ “Socials” to include mixed dancing was discussed, some advocating it as a pastime, which, unless students took it up under favourable conditions, they would be likely to take up sooner later under unfavourable conditions, – others quoting instances to show that, when once introduced into a College, it came to be looked on as the only satisfactory form of entertainment, more rational pastimes falling flat.

On the whole the opinion appeared to be that – without prejudice to the general question  – dancing, before the students were better acquainted than at present, would be premature.

VIII Examinations

(1) Should paper-work be given in subjects in which the Board of Education are satisfied with “Practical Work.”

Miss Strudwick (Natural History) and Miss Hildersley (Drawing) say no. They think they can judge sufficiently from students’ written work during term.

Dr Lapworth (Elementary Science) and Mr Kay (Manual Instruction) say yes, in second year. but to be quite subsidiary to the Practical Work.

(ii) Should an examination be held at the end of the first year in subjects which run for two years?

The English Literature teachers would like to divide the examination in Literature proper, but have only one (final) in Composition.

The teachers of French would prefer to have none till the second year, but feel they may have to have one also in the first year in self-defence, – for the students will tend to concentrate attention on the examination subjects.

The Science Teachers. Dr. Lapworth and Miss Strudwick are inclined to think no examination at the end of the first year necessary, but would like to conclude the matter more fully.

Miss Carter says there should be no examination in Music until the second year.

(iii) Date of Examinations – Strong opinions are expressed in favour of concluding the session early in July, though this will necessitate recommencing comparatively early in September. The trying time, both for students and staff, is held to be the end of the Summer Term, if there is any hot weather.

September is held to be a better month for work than July. There were no dissentients on this point.

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Staff Meeting Dec 20th 1905

Agenda

I Punctuality of classes and lectures

II Suggestions relating to the Students’ General Committee

III Duration of a Mathematical Examination before Easter

IV Suggested visits of lecturers to each other’s lectures

V Use of Hektograph

VI Suggestion that a light lunch be obtainable at the High Table

VII Suggested party to be given by the Staff to the Students early next term.

I Punctuality of classes and lectures

Considerable inconvenience is experienced by most members of the staff owing to the unpunctuality of both men and women students. This is still felt to be partly owing to the discrepancy between clocks.

The possibility of fixing electric clocks and bells etc was discussed, but it was suggested that door closing (which had already been carried out with some success in the case of both men and women students) should be further tried before electric clocks etc were brought in.

II Suggestions relating to the Students’ General Committee

Discussion turned on the inadequacy of the General Committee as a working body. This was felt to be due – firstly to the fact that the members had been elected before the students were properly acquainted, so that they could not in all cases be said to be representative and secondly owing to the real lack of knowledge on the part of the students (men and women) who were often helpless because they did not know how to conduct meetings or how to act in a given case.

It was suggested that a new election be made in January as some of the students themselves had expressed dissatisfaction. This was felt to be practicable on the women’s side, since at the outset their members had been elected provisionally for one term only, but it seemed less desirable that a re-election should take place on the men’s side.

There seemed to be a general feeling that it would be a good thing to have a member of staff on the General Committee for a time although not as a permanency – more particularly as this was felt to be a special year, during which it was essential that the students should receive some education in matters of organisation.

Considerable evidence was also given to show that the Students themselves would welcome such an arrangement.

It was then suggested that for convenience two members of staff might be invited to serve on this committee for a time.

[William Loring wrote in pencil: ‘I should prefer that the students invite the members of the staff to assist in their deliberations from time to time for special purposes.]

III Question of a Mathematical Examination before Easter

Mr Kay suggests an examination for the men students at Easter or Christmas on the lines of the one to be taken at the end of the first year – namely a paper on Algebra and one in Geometry of three hours each if the time table will allow.

Mr Raymont and Miss Greene, however, think the students will not have found their feet sufficiently to take such an examination at Christmas.

Miss Spalding would like the same arrangement for History, but with shorter papers.

Mr Unstead agreed to it for Geography, but thinks the time should be the same as in the final examination.

Various suggestions were made as to the correction of the papers which was felt to be  a real difficulty – it being almost impossible to get the papers corrected and given back the same term.

IV Suggested visits of lecturers to each other’s lectures

Mr Raymont suggests that it might be a good plan if members of the staff could feel themselves free to visit occasionally, the various lectures in progress in the College.

Miss Graveson also thinks that it would be interesting for individual members of the Staff to see what is going on in other lectures and to know what progress students are making in the different subjects.

V Use of Hektograph [The hektograph was an early form of stencil style printing or ‘Roneo-copying’ or mimeograph.  It was a form of Edwardian photocopying using a process that made copies of writing or drawings. It depended on the gelatin surface or the spirit process to create a master copy. It was also called ‘jellygraph.’ It meant teachers could set a single sheet test or exam with basic printing of between 20 to 80 copies]

Mention was made of the fact that the mechanical part of the hektograph work – the taking off of copies – can be done downstairs by the attendant.

VI Light Lunch at the High Table

Miss Laidler asks if it would be possible for the staff to have a light lunch – not necessarily meat – at midday.

It was then proposed that Mr Cross be asked what he could supply for 6 pence. It was further suggested he might be asked to give the Staff the option of the meat course with coffee or the pudding course with cheese and coffee for 6 pence. This would still leave the staff free to have the whole dinner for 9 pence if desired.

VII Suggested Party to be given by the Staff to the Students early next term

Miss Hildersley suggests that the Staff should  in some way return the Students’ hospitality by getting up an entertainment for them. It was then agreed unanimously that the students should be invited to ‘a party’ to take place early next term – if possible about three weeks after term begins.

It was further proposed that a Committee of 5 be appointed for the decision of the details of the Entertainment – whereupon Miss Laidler – Miss Hildersley – Mr John – Mr Savory and Miss Carter were elected.

The possibility of giving the students a dance was then discussed, but this was dismissed and it was decided that the entertainment should be in some other form.

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The success of the Staff Party/Entertainment

The party put together by the staff was given the title ‘Staff at Home’ and proved to be an immense success with Goldsmiths’ first students. The first edition of the Goldsmithian published in June 1906 gave the following report and three photographs of members of staff in costume for their dramatic performances have remained in the College archives.

‘THE STAFF “AT HOME.”‘

Every student spent a most pleasant evening at the Staff’s “At Home,” which took place one evening during the second term. The students were received about 7.30 p.m. at the main entrance of the Great Hall by the Warden, the two Vice-Principals and others.

The appearance of the Hall was very pleasing: the floor was covered in carpets and rugs and cosy arm-chairs and occasional tables were scattered about in an inviting way, while palms and ferns decked the platform and improved odd corners. During the reception Miss Carter presided at the organ with good effect. About 8 o’clock the Warden announced that theatricals to be given in the Gymnasium, were about to begin.

The students accordingly took their seats in the Gymnasium, which had been specially adapted for the occasion. At the west end a stage, fitted with a curtain and electric lights, had been erected. When all was ready lights were extinguished, the stage bell rang, and the curtain rose first upon a French sketch, in which Miss Hildersley was a most skilful mamma to Miss Laidler, but also a somewhat trying mistress to Miss Strudwick, who acted as her faithful domestic.

Mr John took the hero’s part in the most correct style, and Mr Savory acted well the part of an enthusiastic, fussy old naturalist.

The other French scene presented during the evening was taken from “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme,” Mr Savory taking the leading part, and Mr John being “le maître de philosophie.” The costumes worn by the characters in this piece were very interesting and impressive, especially that of “le maître de philosophie.”

Two English pieces were then given. One was a breakfast scene from “The Mill on the Floss,” in which a quarrel between Mr. and Mrs. Glegg takes place. Here again the costumes and the good acting afforded much pleasure.

The last piece was a love scene from “Nicholas Nickleby,” the parts being taken by Miss Laidler, Miss Greene, Mr John, Mr Kay and Mr Unstead. All the characters were much applauded for the way in which they acted their parts.’

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Staff Meeting March 6th 1906

Agenda

I Terminal Examination (1) Length of papers

(2) Method of marking

II Study in the Library

III Use by students of Evening and Saturday time

IV Deviations from Time-table

V Ventilation of College

I Terminal Examination (1) Length of papers

The length of the papers was discussed and the following suggestions were made with regard to the various subjects

a. History – 2 hours – The paper to be of the same character as one of three hours.

b. Literature – 3 hours

c. French – 2 hrs. Set books – 1 hr grammar

d. Mathematics – two papers of two hours each – one  in Algebra – one in Geometry.

e. Arithmetic – 2 hrs

f. Elementary Science – Dr Lapworth considers no examination necessary this term.

g. Nature Study – 3 hrs – to be partly practical.

h. Cooking – Miss Kemp would like a practical examination in cooking.

i. Drawing – Miss Hildersley would like to examine her classes in her usual class time.

(2) Method of Marking

A discussion followed on the method of marking the papers.

II Study in the Library

This is found on the whole to be working satisfactorily, although there is a tendency for the students to regard the time spent in the library as of less importance than their ordinary wok.

There is still much unpunctuality and the work is often disturbed by those students who have dropped French and who frequently arrive late.

III Use by Students of Evening and Saturday time

It was thought that in some cases the evening and Saturday time of the students was not well spent, and the question was asked if we had any control over this time – it was shown that any control over such time would be too difficult to change.

IV Deviations from Time-Table

It was asked that if possible a week’s notice should be given before any serious deviation from the time-table takes place.

V Heating and Ventilation

Several members of the staff called attention to defects in the heating and ventilation of their classrooms and of the corridors.

The Warden stated that the Delegacy would shortly be considering the whole matter, with a view to permanent improvements being made before next Session and that detailed information would be invited before any step was taken. In the meanwhile certain instructions would be given to the attendants as to the early opening of windows etc.

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Staff Meeting Mon. April 9th 1906

Agenda

I Assembly and Registration

II Staff Common Room Tea and Students Tea

III General Discipline (a) Punctuality

(b) Behaviour in class

IV Staff Fund in Aid of Students’ Clubs

I Assembly and Registration

It was suggested that in future the attendance register should be taken in the Hall every morning immediately after Assembly – the roll of the men to be called by one of the men staff and the women to be registered in each group by a responsible student.

The question was then raised as to the advisability of the Staff sitting on the platform and Miss Graveson suggested that a voluntary should be played at the end of which the doors should be closed and the Staff should enter.

As there are only two students (Mr Slee and Mr Chapman) who can play the organ, it was felt that a Voluntary might present some difficulty but the matter was left to be arranged if possible.

II Staff Common Room Tea and Students’ Tea

The suggestion was made that the Staff should occasionally have tea in the Dining Hall with the Students – This :-

(1) Would tend to prevent any disorder at tea

(2) Would provide a useful opportunity for getting to know the students. This suggestion, however, was not made with any desire to abolish the Staff Common Room Tea.

III General Discipline

(a) Punctuality. There was still found to be a certain amount of unpunctuality – The women often being late for dinner and the men late for library work. It was proposed that every day, each member of the Staff should have a paper on which to record all those students who are late for any lesson.

(b) Behaviour in class. Various methods were suggested and discussed for the purpose of checking those students who were inclined to be unsteady.

The question was raised whether it would be possible to send an adverse report of such students to their County Councils even though at present the Councils require no such report – further whether it would be possible to withhold part of the Scholarships of such students.

It was also suggested that unsatisfactory students might be brought up before the staff.

IV Staff Fund in Aid of Students’ Clubs

It was felt that the staff would like to subscribe to the Students’ Clubs and that on the whole they would prefer to do so according to some recognised plan, rather than to subscribe at pleasure.

It was then suggested that a committee of the staff be chosen to arrange the matter.

The Committee elected consisted of :-

Mr John                                 Miss Spalding

Mr Savory                              Miss Laidler

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Staff Meeting  July 9th 1906

Agenda

I Use of Library as a Social Room

II Private Study Hours

III The number of subjects to be taken by individual students

I Use of Library as a Social Room

Evidence having been given that there is a tendency for the more serious students to be driven away from the Library in the evenings by others who seem to regard it more as a social room and who are inclined to talk, – Miss Spalding suggests that the use of the Library in consequence be granted to the students as a distinct privilege only.

This matter was discussed and various proposals made. Thus it was suggested –

A.  That admission to the Library be granted as a privilege to certain students only. Mr Savory, Miss Spalding and Miss Catty think that this would prevent students from regarding the Library as a common meeting ground.

Miss Graveson suggested that next term the library should be closed after 6.30 except for those students who have permission to work there.

B. That Miss Burgess use her authority and turn out, at her discretion, any students who talk.

II Private Study Hours

As the men students will have a considerable amount of private study next term owing to the Optional Subjects, Mr Savory suggests that these be put as much as possible from four to five in the afternoon so that the students doing private study can go home to work.

Most of the staff think this arrangement a good one so long s it be understood that no one doing private study is to remain in College during those hours.

III The Number of Subjects to be taken by Individual Students

Miss Spalding finds from the results of the present Examinations that many students appear to be taking more subjects than they are able to work at with profit and asks if something could not be done to prevent the incoming students from doing the same.

Miss Spalding finds that those men who have dropped French have made a proportionally greater progress in History and asks if in certain cases some English subjects might be dropped – some students taking either History or Geography.

Mr Unstead does not agree with this proposal since the students will have later to teach both History and Geography and if one of these subjects be dropped it will mean that the weakest students will be sent out utterly unprepared to teach that subject. This difficulty will be partly met by the reduction of French next year since no beginners will be allowed in this Subject.

Miss Spalding suggests further that those who are weak in other subjects should not be allowed to take French and Miss Graveson advises that no third Class Kings Scholarship candidate be allowed to go on with this subject.

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Staff Meeting Nov 5 1906

Agenda

I Relation of the general studies of the Training Students to their professional work

II University Courses for Training College students

III Relation of School books to the Library

IV Record of marks in subject not included in the written examinations (paragraph 23(a) of the Board of Eduction Regulation)

V Students’ supply of text-books

I The relation of the general studies of the Training College Students to their Professional Work.

It was asked wether, in some subjects such as History and Literature, the teaching might not be carried out more on the lines of the professional work of the students without necessarily restricting or cramping the work. A discussion then followed :-

Miss Graveson had found that the students needed help in Syllabus making and in the selection of material for lessons, and she enquired whether this could not be included as part of their course.

Mr Raymont thought that although it was not desired to name the range of general subjects, yet it might be possible to teach some more from a pedagogic point of view than was at present being done.

Miss Spalding thought this plan would be difficult to carry out in the case of History – firstly from lack of time and secondly because the material needed for the Training of grown up minds is quite different from that needed for children. If the students were taught too much from the pedagogic point of view they would probably revert to the text-book stage when they started to teach in school.

Miss Spalding thought however it might be a good thing to give a pedagogic course in the second year or to give more time to History in the first year.

Mr Unstead said  he had no time to give lectures on teaching during his first year course but he would like to be able in the first term of the second year to deal with the making of a syllabus on the work done in the previous year.

As things are at present however, a difficulty would arise since only 80 students are taking Geography in the second year.

Mr John was of the opinion, with regard to Literature, that since this subject is not taught as Literature in schools, it is better for the students that the work should not be treated from a pedagogic point of view.

Mr Young thought the present course should be continued – namely an outlines course with some special books – but that this might be supplemented by lessons on teaching.

Miss Catty suggested that Modern Literature should be done in the first year and that some attention should also be given to children’s classics in this year and that during the second year an outlines course should be taken.

Miss Laidler thought the work (in Literature) should not be looked at too much from a pedagogic point of view since the students were apt to be unduly attracted to stories and too little inclined to regard the work as literature.

II University Courses for Training College students

Mr Loring stated :

(1) that the Croydon Education Committee felt that their students would want to take University Courses;

(2) That the secretary from the Middlesex Educational Committee had announced that some Middlesex students would be debarred from entering the College if no degree courses were provided.

The possibility and advisability of starting these courses was then discussed.

The general opinion, (except in the case of Dr Lapworth)*, seemed to be in favour of starting such courses should the possibility arise.

It was felt that they would be good for individual students and for the College at large.

*[Pencilled note by William Loring- ‘Whose apparent objection was due to a misunderstanding, afterwards explained.’]

III Relation of School Books to the Library

The possibility was discussed of keeping a supply of sample text books etc needed by the students in their school practice in some accessible position in the College.

IV “Record of Marks” in subjects not included in the written examination (para: 23(a) of the Board of Education Regulation.)

Mention was made of the record of marks which the Board of Education requires in Music – General Elementary Science – Nature Study – Needlework and Drawing, and it was found that these records were being satisfactorily kept.

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Staff Meeting Feb 28th 1907

Agenda

I Time-table of terminal Examination

II Optional Subjects :- (1) number allowed

(2) time given

(3) question of dropping by certain students at Easter.

III Home-work :- regulation of time allotted to each subject.

IV School Practice:-    (1) distribution of time

(2) defective methods used in the schools

V Library                       (1) “Silence”

VI Cost of dinners at the High Table

VII Letter from the Board of Education re: grouping of Students.

In reference to the notes [Note II] of last Staff Meeting [Nov 5 1906] re: University Course –

Enquiries have been made:-

A. To find out officially if the County Boroughs would have need of such a course for their students .

B. To find out unofficially if certain members of the Staff could become “recognised” teachers of the University.

The Warden reports:-

1. In answer to A that all the County Boroughs with one exception [and this is not a serious one] are in favour of such a Course.
2. In answer to B that four sample forms of application for recognition have been sent up to the University, but since a substantial amount of research work appears to be necessary before this recognition can be obtained, it seems probable that one lecturer would be recognised and another. While as regards the remaining application forms no answer has as yet been obtained.

I The Time-Table of Terminal Examination

The Examination for the first year students is arranged to begin on Monday March 17th and end on Friday morning March 22nd – the times being from 10-12 in the morning and from 2-4 in the afternoon.

Miss Greene asks if there will be any examination for the second year students as she and Mr Curzon would like one in the Optional Mathematics.

Monday afternoon is then suggested for this paper.

II Optional Subjects (1) number allowed; (2) time given; (3) question of dropping by certain students at Easter.                 

Mr Savory suggests that as two hours a week is quite inadequate for teaching French it would be better as far as his subject is concerned if the students were only allowed to take one optional subject and concentrate on it, instead of having their energies spread over a larger area.

Mr Loring asks if French is not exceptional in the amount of time it demands.

Miss Greene says there are as many divisions of the subject in Mathematics and that therefore as much time is needed for this subject.

Dr. Lapworth says Chemistry, unlike French or Mathematics, could be taken with a second subject.

Mr Raymont thinks there is a distinct difference in the case of different subjects – some should be taken alone whilst others could be taken together.

Miss Spalding suggests that the standard is less likely to be good when two subjects are taken and that in other Colleges, a few students only are taking even one optional subject.

Miss Graveson thinks perhaps in future only a few students should be allowed to take two optional courses.

It was suggested that there should be one compulsory subject [History] and one other taken.

Everyone would then take the same History course, but those aiming at a mark of distinction would do extra reading.

It was further suggested that students who take a very low place in the examination in the optional subjects should discontinue the course after Easter.

III Home Work

Mr Bell complained that some lecturers give written home work which is always done by the students at the expense of those lecturers who only give reading.

It was mentioned that a scheme of times to be allotted to each subject had already been made for the guidance of the women students.

IV School Practice

A. Difficulties met with in School Practice.

Miss Birley and Mss Brown Smith do not feel that the school practice as at present arranged has been a success. Some of the difficulties being: –

1.That the methods used in the schools are not good;

2.There are so many different methods in use;

3.That often the students are compelled to follow a syllabus that is no good.

It is asked if it would be better to use fewer schools all the time and let the students stay longer in them and spread the School Practice more throughout the term.

Miss Graveson explains that what is really needed is a demonstration school where methods suggested could be worked out. How could such a school be started however?

V  B. Distribution of time in Teaching

It is felt (a) That the times of School Practice are too near together.

(b) That the students go out to teach in the schools before they have much grip of principles.

(c) The students teach in consequence much in the same way  as they did when they were pupil teachers.

It is asked whether the School Practice could be done by each student once or twice a week only and be spread over a longer time. Mr Raymont thinks this would not work as the schools do not like the students coming under the present arrangement, and this suggested change would be more upsetting still to the school work.

On the women’s side it has been found that comparatively few schools objected to the students.

Mr Kay thinks the present three weeks’ period a good arrangement. Miss Brown Smith suggests that some time be given to School Practice in the first year.

It is also suggested that a certain number of Demonstration lessons should be given in the first year.

V Silence in the Library

Miss Spalding complains that the silence rule in the Library is not kept by the students.

Mr Bell thinks the students are too close together.

Mr Loring says that the silence rule is one which must be enforced by each lecturer also that no books in the Library must be temporarily made reference ones as has been done lately.

VI Cost of Dinner at High Table

The students having been told by Mr Cross that they pay for the dinners of the Staff and Mr Cross having declared these dinners only just cover expenses – it is suggested  that the Staff now pay :-

7 pence for what they previously paid 6 pence

10 pence for what they previously paid 9 pence.

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Staff Meeting June 19th 1907

Agenda

I Prospects for next Session

II Method of dealing with minor cases of misconduct

III Position of Group Representatives

IV Question of establishing a tutorial system

V Proposed lecture on Irish University Legislation

I Prospects for next Session

The Warden referred to new developments since last Staff meeting.

Thus-

(a) The University Course has been approved in principle by the Senate. Such a course however could not be started this year on account of the small number (3) of eligible students; neither would it be possible to make such a great change without due notice being given by the College. The postponement would allow time, during the next year, to get some of the lecturers recognised as Teachers of the University.

(b) Certain regulations in connection with the College curriculum had been approved by the Delegacy and adopted by the Senate. For example – some professional work is now to be done in the first year – History is to be made compulsory in the second year course as well as in the first year – the time given to manual instruction with the men, and domestic subjects with the women is to be reduced etc.

German and Hebrew are to be added as Optional Subjects in the second year.

The Warden mentioned certain details in connection with the classification of students and the form of the certificate awarded to them.

Further mention was made of I-

(a) The proportion of men to women students next year (almost one to two)

(b) The appointment of two new members of the staff on the women’s side.

(c) The provision of special assistance in School Practice time.

(d) The new building. The rooms on the ground floor are to be for the use of the Training College and are to be ready for use in September.

II Method of dealing with minor cases of misconduct

Dr White stated that the individual report of offending students to the Vice Principals did not seem to be sufficient check upon them and so he suggested that the offender should the second time be called before a meeting of the Staff – the men before the men staff and the women before the women staff.

Dr White felt that some intermediate proceeding was necessary between report to the Vice Principals and Rustication.

Miss Spalding agreed with Dr White.

Mr Raymont thought the plan somewhat brutal.

Mr John believed the matter could be so arranged that the bad students only were brought up.

Miss Graveson thought that even when the men are taught by women and vice versa they should only be brought up before the men. She thought that on the womens’ side especially Miss Burgess would be able to give valuable advice.

Mr Loring said that only London County Council had at present asked for a report of students and that after the last report the unsatisfactory students had had a bad time.

Miss Graveson supposed that an offender would first be reported to the Vice Principal and then on the second offence be brought before a Staff meeting especially called for the purpose.

Mr Raymont pointed out that if the offender were called before an ordinary staff meeting he might not be brought to book before the end of the term.

Closely connected with this question is the 4th item in the agenda.

II The Question of Establishing a Tutorial System

Miss Graveson suggests that the students be divided up amongst the members of the Staff – each member taking the position of tutor to a certain group of students and being responsible for their work and general behaviour etc.

Mr Loring asks whether the students would then be reported to the Vice-Principal or the tutor – as the arrangements would seem either to oust the Vice Principal or put in another person?

The opinion of the Staff seemed to be much divided as to the advisability of such an arrangement.

Dr White and Mr Curzon had worked under the systems and had not found it to answer with men students. The subject was left for discussion on the womens’ side at a special Staff meeting.

Offenders however should be reported to the Vice Principals as before until some future method is devised.

III Position of Group Representatives

It was suggested that in choosing the Group Representatives two names from each group should be submitted and the Staff should then from each two choose one student to be Group Representative.

It was further suggested that the Group Representative be given certain privileges – amongst others a separate room, on each side, and that they should be responsible for:-

a.Attendance

b.Conduct at Assembly

c. in the lecture rooms while waiting for the lecturers

d. in the corridors

e. at dinner

Mr Loring thought the Representatives would be acting somewhat the part of police.

Mr Kay had had experience of the working of such a system in a resident College where these men were as much respected as the staff.

Dr. Lapworth thought the Group Representatives would be respected if there was power behind them. The privilege would give them a different position.

Mr Curzon said the same system was in vogue at York but the Group Representative were there chosen by the Staff from the 2nd year men and these looked after the first year students.

Miss Spalding mentioned that they had a similar arrangement at Stockwell but there the students elected and the Staff chose the Representatives.

Mr John suggested that the general discipline of the College (out of the individual groups) should be handed over to the second year students but that in the individual groups (1st and 2nd year) the Representative should always be responsible for his own group.

Mr John further suggested that the election of the 1st year Group Representatives should take place at the end of the first term.

He thinks that the position of the first year Group Representatives should be different from that of the second year.

Reference was here made to the Library arrangement next term.

V Proposed lecture on Irish University Legislation

It was agreed that the lecture should be given.

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[This posting is under construction and further development.Thank you for your patience.]

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Many thanks to the staff of Special Collections and Archives at Goldsmiths, University of London including Dr Alexander Du Toit, and staff alumni Pat Loughrey, Ian Pleace and Lesley Ruthven.

The Goldsmiths History Project contributes to the research and writing of the forthcoming That’s So Goldsmiths: A History of Goldsmiths, University of London by Professor Tim Crook.