Te Pirita again: promising pupil poses problem

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32679, 7 August 1971, Page 12

Te Pirita again: promising pupil poses problem

(By

G. A. POLLOCK)

A tense atmosphere surrounded the special meeting of Te Pirita High School staff; even those unaware of its purpose seemed to sense that momentous issues were at stake. The Head, more than usually serious, opened the proceedings.

"Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “I make no apology for calling you here. An unheard-of crisis has arisen

—one that threatens our very role in the socialising factors of our society. Science, as you brought this up, will you please set out the facts?” “It’s Jones minor, in Form Illb,” explained Science. "He’s miles too bright for his years, and I can’t stop him putting the others in the shade. It’s not so bad with written work—he gets a pass mark, the same as all the rest—but with oral stuff, I just can’t keep him under. He makes the form look like half-wits, and they’re beginning to resent it.” "Same with me”—this was Maths. “The boy’s a human computer. He’s away ahead of all the others—me too at times— and when I set a paper, he’s finished before some of them have even read it through; then he sits back looking smug. It’s a one-boy stratification, if you ask me.” Others munnered in agreement; it was obvious that all had felt, in greater or less degree, the impact of Jones minor’s intellect. "I blame his parents,” saidEnglish. “They should have sent him to a private school, like St Albert’s for instance. They actually encourage the competitive spirit there; the seventh form even swots for bursaries—and ‘A’ bursaries at that.” "Perhaps they couldn't afford it,” meekly suggested Art. "I don’t care; they should not have sent him here to upset us. I tell you, he’s got to. be cut down to size.” “But,” Science protested, “are we being quite fair to the lad? Surely he deserves his chance—we might even turn out another Rutherford, with luck.” “Careful, Science,” warned the Head. “That’s pretty close to treason; I could report you to the institute. Never, on any account, must we create an elite of brains.” “Sorry, sir; I just thought ‘Then don’t. You’re not paid to think onlyto teach.” "But we must do something,” said Maths. "How about putting him in ma?” "No use at all,” the Head

replied. “As you ought to know, we’ve tried to make all the third forms equal, to give every kid an even start He’d wreck it just the same.” “Why not promote him to the fourth?” suggested Science. “He could do the work on his ear.” “Heresy again,” frowned the Head. “I’m surprised at you. Science. Surely you realise that advancement now goes by age, not achievement. Social promotion, they call it It started long ago in the primaries; in a year or two it will have reached the university level. No, I’m afraid English is right—this calls for drastic action. Any suggestions?” The staff sat for a minute glumly racking their brains; but then the telephone rang: it was the office. “Yes?” said the Head. “Oh, I see . . . good . . yes, thank you very much.” As he spoke, his worried look faded as if by magic, till as he replaced the receiver he was positively radiant. "Saved by the bell,” he beamed, “and we needn’t worry any more about Jones. He’s just won a scholarship to St Albert's.” Rabbits for food A Norfolk rabbit farmer claims he is producing the most profitable rabbit commercially 'available to meet the demand for rabbit meat. It is a demand, indeed, , which is growing in many - countries where other meat or poultry :to in short supply, or people just want a change. The Norfolk 2000 is bred by Norfolk Rabbits, Ltd, and according to the account in the 8.8. C. World Service : programme The Farming World, 'it* reproduces twice as: fast as its best' commercial rival. A Norfolk 2009 female can produce an average of 75 young each yeafe; optimum