Bursary Scheme For Bright Country Children

Press, Volume C, Issue 29643, 13 October 1961, Page 7

Bursary Scheme For Bright Country Children

(Hew Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. Pupils of proved ability living in rural areas who wished to take a predominantly academic course a* post-primary schools and who were obliged to Lve away from home to do so, would be eligible for a special bursary scheme approved by the Government said the Minister of Education (Mr Tennent) today, "The purpose of the new bursary," he said, “is to assist bright pupils in country areas who have shown promise of ability in academic studies such as mathematics, the sciences, and ’ foreign languages, and who cannot obtain tuition in those studies without living away from home. “Under present arrangements, country pupils of proved ability who are unable to obtain full instruction in mathematics and science up to School Certificate level do not qualify for any special bursary assistance. The new bursary

will make provision for these pupils, as well as for those who wish to study languages. “For some time I have been concerned about the need to provide further assistance for country children.” said Mr Tennent. “The new bursary scheme is a step in this direction and will considerably help many bright pupils, who might otherwise not, be able to take the subjects bestsuited to their abilities. “The details of the scheme are that the bursary holders will be required to include in their courses at least three of the following examination subjects up to School Certificate level—a foreign language, mathematics, a science, a second foreign language. “The bursaries will be of the value of £3O a year, or £4O a year for each pupil where more than one child from the same family qualifies for an award. They will be available at State or reg-

istered private post-primary schools for a maximum period of three years commencing from Form 111. “The number of awards of tlie new bursary will be limited to 400 a year. Awards will normally be made to pupils at the end of the Form 111 year, but, in special circumstances, pupils already attending post-pri-mary schools may qualify. “The new bursary system will replace the present boarding allowance for pupils taking courses, including two foreign languages, but present holders wiH be permitted to receive the allowance up to Form V level under existing conditions..” All schools were being advised by circular of the full details of the scheme and of the arrangements for the selection of pupils for the new bursary for 1962, said Mr Tennent.