EXAMINATION RULES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29662, 4 November 1961, Page 12

EXAMINATION RULES

“Time Basis Of School Cert.” (Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Nov. 3. An objection to some of the requirements of the School Certificate examination was made by Mr M A. Connelly (Opposition, Riccartcn) during discussion on the Education Department estimates in Parliament today. Mr Connelly said that students with the ability to gain a high-level pass in the School Certificate examination were not always able to receive the School Certificate, but were given instead a certificate of attainment, which many people consider inferior.

A boy in his constituency had averaged 87 per cent, over five subject in the School Certificate examination, but because he had not spent four years in approved post-primary schools he had been given a certificate of attainment The passing requirement for a School Certificate was 50 per cent, in four subjects. This lad had been educated in England before coming io New Zealand, and in forms I and II had taken subjects equivalent to those he would have been expected to take in form 111 in New Zealand. “Apparently the regulations covering the awani of the School Certificate are based not on ability, but on time spent in Nev- Zealand post-primary schools or approved schools overseas,” said Mr Connelly. The true test tn the long run is rot time but ability. If a child has the ability to pass, he should be granted the certificate."

Mr Connelly said that this boy, who recorded his pass at the age of 14, bad topped his cla» and was now going for University Entrance. If he passed that ex mination. he could not in the normal course of events, be awarded University Entrance, but steps had been taken to ensure that he would be given the award after a certain time.