LIBERAL STUDIES

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32539, 24 February 1971, Page 17

LIBERAL STUDIES

Broadsheets

printed

One of the biggest problems arising from the growing interest in liberal studies in New Zealand schools had been that of getting sufflcient and suitable material and speakers on subjects which were relevant, said the publishing manager of Whitcombe and Tombs (Mr E. M. Rogers). The company has published three liberal studies broadsheets since the beginning of the year and has circulated them to every secondary school in the country. The broadsheets, selling at 10c each to enable pupils as well as teachers to buy them, were published especially keeping in mind country schools which might not have the resources of material and speakers to draw from the community, said Mr Rogers. Our idea was to publish these inexpensive broadsheets to give pupils top material from good sources plus reliable lists of reading material, he said. The three broadsheets published so far are “A case against abortion,” “A note on philsophy,” and “The school system.” “Reports on how the broadsheets have been received in schools have so far been encouraging although it is early to evaluate reaction completely,” said Mr Rogers. “Lively but controlled discussions are needed on such topics that are not included in the formal school curricula and a good basis for discussion is given in the broadsheets where experts set out their views. Then pupils should be allowed to talk, as they wish, on the subject,” he said.

The company has more broadsheets planned and intends to keep them as informal as possible. “We are not. using any theme, we are just bouncing around all over the place because liberal studies defies formalising by the mere fact that it covers such a wide range of topics,” said Mr Rogers.