More Teacher Trainees

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29749, 16 February 1962, Page 10

More Teacher Trainees

(N Z Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Feb. 15. Latest figures for teacher recruitment this year show an appreciable increase in the number of students entering various training courses, the Minister of Education (Mr Tennent) said today. In the primary service the 1961 recruitment figure was 1575. but for 1962 this was increased to 1885. a gain of 310. Of the 1885 recruited. 90 students were mature men and women doing their training in the special one-year training course at various teachers’ colleges, Mr Tennent said. The overall increase in recruits to post-primary training courses is 147. The greatest increase is in the number of graduates entering the teachers’ colleges in Christchurch and Auckland to do the one-year post graduate course.

In 1961 the number was 258 this year it was 353. Reaping Benefit

“We are now beginning to reap the benefit of the increased intake into the postprimary studentship scheme which took place several years ago. The number taking up a studentship for the first time in 1962 is 554, a somewhat lower figure than Hie 571 in 1961,” Mr Tennent said. “A substantial increase is. however, evident in the number of those granted portprimary teacher bursaries to study for diplomas in home science, in physical education. or in fine arts “The number of bursaries

granted for these courses in 1961 was 30 while for this year it is 55. Thus the total number commencing university studies this year under the two schemes is 609 against 601 last year. "The woodwork-metalwork courses show a gain of eight, from 48 to 57, while a good number continue to be enrolled in the various homecraft courses. “The total number entering these courses in 1961 was 206. Course Numbers "This number included 91 at the two-year courses in Auckland and Dunedin, 23 at the special one-year course in Christchurch, and 92 doing the special correspondence course with the technical correspondence school. “For 1962 the number is 164, the decrease in the main being brought about by the planned curtailment of enrolments for the special correspondence course. "This year enrolments have been limited to 50 The number entering the courses for commercial teachers. 35. is the same for both 1961 and 1962. “The special one - term training course for graduates

recruited from industry, trade, and commerce continues to attract high quality people to the teaching service. In 1961 17 trainees went through this course, and for the first term of this year 13 are taking the course in selected schools throughout the country. U.K. Scheme

"One of the most valuable sources of direct recruitment to the post-primary service is from the present recruitment scheme in the United Kingdom. During late 1960, 93 teachers recruited from this source took up positions in our schools. The number for 1961 was 113, giving a total entry of 206. “A further 112 will be taking up positions during 1962 and a number of these have already commenced duties or will do so during this month. “An important fact to bear in mind when considering the recruitment of teachers from the United Kingdom is that with a very few exceptions, al! of them are graduates “I am pleased to be able to say. too. how well these teachers have settled down in our schools and what excellent service they are giving.”