CLASSES IN PRISON

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29233, 17 June 1960, Page 16

CLASSES IN PRISON

Riccarton High

School’s Work “School classes” in prisons may now be extended beyond school terms if the teachers concerned are willing. The Education Department has authorised additional payments to them. Schools had been particularly co-operative in staffing prison classes, says an Education Department letter, but it had been found that strict adherence to the normal school terms led to a sharp falling away of interest. It must be remembered that prisoners were in an abnormal situation and that many had long since become unaccustomed to any form of schooling. Reduction of holiday breaks would help to maintain keenness. When this letter was read to the Riccarton High School Board, the principal (Mr A. J. Gainsford) said the school already provided eight prisoh classes and was planning four more. They had great rehabilitation interest and value. Some prisoners were given elementary English and arithmetic, a good number took studies at higher level and one last year was working on bachelor of commerce subjects. Recently drama, debating, and physical education had been increased. The school would be pleased to give further help.