PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 87, 12 April 1940, Page 5

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

IS SYSTEM DOOMED?,

EX-HARROW HEAD'S VIEW.

BOLD EDUCATIONAL PLAHS.

(Special.— Br Air Mali.) LOXDOX, March 9. The end of the English public school system was foretold this week by Sir Cyril Norwood, ex-headmaster of Harrow. Addressing K.A.F. officers and men in France, where he is the guest of Air Vice-Marshal Blout, also an old Harrovian, Sir Cyril had two warning* for Britain: —

(1) That profound changes must take place in the social and educational systems after the war. <2) That there must be compulsory military service for boys between 18 and 20 until conditions settle down. "The public schools have flourished for nearly a century," he said. "They hav» done their job, and they have produced their leaders, but after the war it will be found that their day is done. Simply for the reason that parents who can afford to pay £200 a year for tne education of a single boy will be fo few that it will not be possible to continue the present system for lack of numbers.

"I suggest that the situation should be met by lengthening, widening and deepening the educational systems. Our children .should be given elementary education up to 12 and secondary education up to the age of 16. There should also be a new type of technical high, school. At 1G children showing ability and promise should continue fuH-iim'e education in university courses or tec-h----nical and scientific work.

"What about the public schools It would J, P f,,Hy to abolish them. The Stale mii>t Take them ami ma them in the samp >jiirit of fwdiini.

"All boy* Iwtwpen I s and 20 should <lo some kind of roniT>iil*ory military service." Sir Cyril. -For a generation after this iur it will be highly desirable and that universal military service should be retained in onr- eoßntrjE."