I previously shared notes made by a student at Mason’s teacher training college in Ambleside. These were in the form of ‘narrated reports’ completed after a lecture on the ‘History of Education.’
Today I have another set of notes transcribed from Eve Anderson’s (1931-2004) notebooks, this time on the topic of Examinations.
Many of you might be quickly approaching the end of a term and year; may these notes provide perhaps some fresh ideas and encourage you to finish well.
Exams—P.U.S.
Each term a fresh programme is provided so that a standard is set and exams follow the programme, which afford fair chance for all children.
The exams should be carried out without strain, no feeling of worry, rivalry or excitement, and there should be a quiet, serene atmosphere. The children realize that it is an important week. A full week is taken so that there is plenty of time, the exams must be the child’s unaided work. In the home school room they follow the ordinary time-table, but they do exams instead of lessons.
They have exams in every subject. In schools the headmistress draw up a time-table, but not long periods in one subject. The questions are written on the board, the child copies the question onto paper and answers it.
[Forms] 2A upwards should write all work themselves in ink.2B should write one answer in each subject themselves.
[Upper] 1A should write 2 or 3 answers themselves..
Lower 1A write one answer themselves.
1B Dictate all.
The child should take pride in his exams. Drawing paper should be cut to size, papers should be in the right order. There are 2 mark sheets – one by the examiner which is invaluable to parents, because it gives them an idea whether they are below or above average, and there is the oral sheet, which is the report from the school, all subjects are marked or remarked such as crafts, singing etc. so there is a complete picture of the child, also any exams which have been set privately.
Home school rooms send their exams up always, and schools send one from each form,—a different pupil each time. There are exams every time. The spring ones are corrected at home and the report sent to Ambleside.
Objects of P.U.S. Exams
- To focus a terms work for the pupil.
- To guide and encourage parents and teachers.
- To help and guide those who plan the work.
No revision is necessary.
Standard is reached by children’s work. Exams show up [a] bad teacher and a bad book.
Constant readjustment is necessary.
Sources:
“Notebooks from Eve Anderson” https://goo.gl/YRvHkp, Box 162, Charlotte Mason Digital Collection, Redeemer University College.
Sixteen years ago, Karen Canon made the acquaintance of Charlotte Mason and an immediate and profound relationship sprang up as a love for learning and fullness of life were transmitted from the 19th-century British educator to this modern-day homeschooling mom of five, ages 9 to 21. She has never looked back and is eternally grateful to Miss Mason and her colleagues for paving the way for an educational lifestyle that so resounds with the Divinely sanctioned nature and purpose of humans.
With two graduates under her belt, Karen spends her time delightedly sharing in the education and pursuits of her other three children. She enjoys reading, digging deep into the writings of Charlotte Mason, and coming alongside others to confidently live a Charlotte Mason educational life.
She speaks at Kansas City conferences and CMER and leads a local CM study group. You can visit her study group’s online home at cme-kc.com.