VOICE IN FAVOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 295, 14 December 1938, Page 13

VOICE IN FAVOUR.

MATRICULATION EXAM.

DIOCESAN* PRINCIPAL SPEAKS

"We have been told that no one vrants the matriculation examination. In a •mall and timorous voice let me dare to epeak: I do."

These words in favour of "matric." were spoken at a parents' afternoon at the Diocesan High School for Girls today by the headmistress, Miss E. R. Edward«s.

"It admits of much improvement in grouping. in choice of subjects and curricula and in examination technique." she added, "but even if the top pupils in a matriculation class are passed by recommendation. the doubtful ones should be examined at least for the school certificate as a spur to all. as a check on the standard of work of the school, and very importantly as a relief from responsibility for the head of the school, who naturally wishes to help his pupils but must owe his first loyalty to true scholarship." Miss Edwards said the year had been a very busy one, largely because of expansion. The roll had averaged 295 as compared with 260 last year, while the average number of boarders had been 55, as against ol last year. The increase had been chiefly in the junior school, for -which a fourth mistress had had to be appointed.