DEAF PUPILS FOR HILLMORTON H.S.

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31028, 6 April 1966, Page 8

DEAF PUPILS FOR HILLMORTON H.S.

Tentative plans of the Education Department to transfer about six advanced pupils of the School for the Deaf at Sumner to the third form in the Hitlmorton High School next year were welcomed by Hillmorton’s board of governors.

The headmaster (Mr P. W. Murdoch) said that all interested believed such children had much tn gain educationally and socially from entering a secondary environment. The pupils would probably enter a practical rather than an academic class, taking such subjects as woodwork, cookery, art, and physical education. They would still receive specialist tuition from a trained teacher of the deaf.

Mr Murdoch said Hillmorton could receive guidance from the School for the Deaf at Sumner and also from the Kelston Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools in Auckland, both of Which had had a similar scheme for some time.

"I feel that anything that can be done to help these children to adjust to the social

environment of other teenagers would, be of great benefit to them, as their handicap is severe and their transition from a junior school into the adult world is difficult,” said Mr Murdoch.

“This is a very good project,” said Dr. E. M. A. Glennie. She said the deaf pupils had much to gain and the school would also benefit through helping.

“‘AM these things add to the stature of a school. We will be glad to help,” said the chairman (Miss R. F. C. Tyndall).