Llawryglyn Board School 5
The struggle for attendance
In 1875 the new Master, James Evans, came to Llawryglyn and set about building on the work of his predecessor with enthusiasm and diligence. Very early in his stewardship of the school he met with those factors which affected attendance at every other rural school, as shown by the School Log Book.
Log Book
Besides the need to exploit any possibilities for bringing
in another income (potato picking, hay-making etc.) local families
clung hard to any community activity going on the valley. This
entry reads:-
"This week cannot be reckoned as one of satisfactory
progress. Had to give a Half Holiday yesterday owing to a Festival
(Club) in the village in consequence of which the attendance
has been very irregular throughout the week. P.T [Pupil Teacher]
attentive to duties."
Mr Evans personally visited the homes of his pupils in his
attempts to establish a more regular attendance. Despite his
commitment to the education of his charges, absences for agricultural
purposes were to be a problem for many years to come.
Sickness and disease
Also a problem in rural areas at this time were regular
bouts of illness. Measles, influenza, scarlet fever and whooping
cough were a serious threat in poorer households where the diet
was limited and there were no antibiotics and village schools
were regularly closed to combat the spread of disease during
these outbreaks.
"Closed school until week next Monday as many of the scholars are in the Measles and others planting potatoes."
A more dangerous outbreak is recorded in 1882 in the entry below when the school was closed down.
Powys County
Archives
M/E/PS/40/L/1
The entry reads:-
"Was ordered today (by Dr Hone) to close the School for
a fortnight on account of typhoid and scarlet fever being prevalent
in the neighbourhood. He promised me a certificate tomorrow certifying
the same. The Pupil Teacher [John Rees] has been attacked
with both fevers, and is dangerously ill."
The Pupil Teacher, John Rees, eventually recovered and returned
to duties after two months. Illness was to be a continuing problem
for years to come, an outbreak of measles closing the school
for six weeks in 1903.
There are 9 pages on the Llawryglyn School. Use the box links below to view the other pages.
