A Century of Schooling in Rathmullan1

"Children brought money to school in September to cover the cost of books for the year. ' Waverly' nibs and pens and copybooks were purchased locally. The Infants class used chalk and slates for their writing. The blackboards were supported on easels and their height could be adjusted by moving the two rounded pegs on either side of the easel. Senior classes had the pottery inkwells on their long desks filled from an earthenware bottle. Some pupils were sore on the blotting paper and a blotted copybook could meet with a very painful response from the teacher!

There was still a strong emphasis on the 3Rs and children received a thorough grounding in English reading, grammar, spelling and arithmetic. Senior classes in the schools were introduced to Shakespeare. Those staying on into 8^th Class were allowed a little more freedom of choice and devoted some time to reading the classics and writing. Children were expected to learn their spellings, tables and poetry off by heart and the chanting of table facts and verse were a daily feature of classrooms as teachers tested what was learnt. Geography was learnt in the same way - lists of cities and chief towns of Ireland and England , mountains and rivers were studied and facts memorized from the large maps on the wall to be rhymed off in class. They studied historical facts and dates and committed them to memory too. Music and singing were given a high profile in the Girls' school.

The physical drill lessons consisted mainly of exercises and marching - with the swinging of blue and red poles, known as barbells, helping the rhythm of the march. The use of fans added grace to the slow movement. Deportment and manners were also included and lessons in good conduct and morality were driven home in the Vere Foster copybook headlines like, 'When wine is in, wit is out'."

From "A Century of Schooling in Rathmullan" by Mary Bowden