WAY AND METHOD

OF THE SCHOOL OF THE ILLUSTRIOUS LORDS OF RHAETIA,

described by Raphael Eglin of Zurich.

A circular emblem depicts a hand reaching down from a cloud, holding a plumb line over a geometric shape, signifying divine order and measurement.

Since a school is a workshop for polishing souls, it is fitting that not only the most learned youth should emerge from it, but also the best: the former is brought about by the correct method of teaching, the latter by discipline, the guardian of duty and the mistress of all honesty. But for us, it is proposed now, first, that the boy in the genuus beginning/initial stages learns to read and write fluently both in the vernacular and Latin languages. In the second place, that he acquires knowledge of the Latin language from Grammatical precepts and the interpretation of good authors, and exercises the same by speaking and writing in both verse and prose. Finally, that he begins the foundations of the Greek language from the principles of Grammar and the interpretation of an author: all of which are owed to the humanities. In the matter of Religion, however, since all are not of the same, individuals are ordered to be instructed privately. Indeed, we adopt this method of teaching. We divide the whole School at the beginning into three classes, whose common duties we wish to consist of lecturing, reviewing, and examining, such that for three continuous hours in the morning and as many in the afternoon (according to the custom of Italian schools), the duties of each class are exercised daily, and individual days begin and end with prayers. The whole labor of the school should return in a circle at the end of the week, and be distinguished so that the other days are called days of Lectures: but the days of Wednesday and Saturday are for Repetitions, on which before noon the Grammatical lectures will be repeated by memory, and stylistic exercises will be treated. In the afternoon, however, breaks will be given, yet in such a way that for an hour and a half, exercises in Arithmetic and rudiments of Music are taught to the more advanced. But let the Lord's Day be sacred to the Lord.