School Roll Books

Roman Numerals

The Roman Numeral system was used in Ireland approximately up until the 20th Century. Nowadays we use the basic 1,2,3's. Here is a conversion chart to show you what the roman numeral system was like. See of you can write your age in roman numerals.

Roll Book from 1913 with roman numerals.

In 1913 and before this time, they used to view school years in quarters. Whereas, nowadays we call them school terms.

Courtesy of Plunkett School of Irish Education.

Roll Book from 1913 with roman numerals.
Courtesy of Plunkett School of Irish Education.

Roll Book from 1913 with roman numerals.

In 1913 and before this time, they used to view school years in quarters. Whereas, nowadays we call them school terms.

Courtesy of Plunkett School of Irish Education.

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Roll books are used to keep a record of school attendence. Each class teacher keeps a roll book. If there are several classes in the one classroom, they are entered in the same roll book. Look at this page from a roll book in 1913. What classes were taught by this teacher? (Clue: It is in roman numerals!)

Look at the entries for fifth class on the image below. Look at the fourth column. What ages were these children? Why do you think Amy was 13 years old in fifth class?

.....................................................................Roll Book in the past

Roll Book for Sixth Class Boys

This is a roll book from sixth class boys' attendence in April 1913. Who had the worst attendence? Who was the oldest boy in sixth? Why was his name struck out?

Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Roll Book for Sixth Class Boys
Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Roll Book for Sixth Class Boys

This is a roll book from sixth class boys' attendence in April 1913. Who had the worst attendence? Who was the oldest boy in sixth? Why was his name struck out?

Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

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Now look at the sixth class boys in the same classroom. Examine their attendence in April 1913.

Roll Book of Seventh Class Boys 1913

Discuss with your friends why you think there was a seventh class.

Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Roll Book of Seventh Class Boys 1913
Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Roll Book of Seventh Class Boys 1913

Discuss with your friends why you think there was a seventh class.

Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

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Look at the next roll book. Why do you think some pupils were in seventh class?

Roll Book of Pupils over 15 years of age.

Some pupils were in this national school even though they were over fifteen. Why do you think that was?

Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Roll Book of Pupils over 15 years of age.
Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

Roll Book of Pupils over 15 years of age.

Some pupils were in this national school even though they were over fifteen. Why do you think that was?

Courtesy of Geraldine O' Connor 2006.

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Some pupils were still in this national school even though they were over fifteen. This is because there was no free secondary schooling then so most children only recieved primary education. They stayed longer at school and did more difficult work than a pupil in 6th class would do.