Professor Nuthall on schools

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33442, 25 January 1974, Page 18

Professor Nuthall on schools

Sir,—Professor Nuthall’s attack on secondary schools is fashionably destructive when he says that they are “subject-centred empires,” “producers of workers,” places that: “ignore the life style of the non-professional person” and are responsible for “social problems among young people never before experienced.” But even a cursory investigation of what is going on in schools now shows that his attack is ill informed and generalised. Teachers are striving fot greater rapport with students than was evident five years ago; there is great interest in the non-profes-sional and slow-learning groups, and a lot of work is being done there; imaginative programmes integrating subjects and extending curricula beyond academic goals are in operation. Gf course, much remains to be done and many teachers remain to be convinced. But 1 suggest that Professor Nuthall spend a few days ir Christchurch secondary schools soon to prepare himI self for a fairer and more i accurate press state ment. —Yours, etc., M. EDWARDS. January 23, 1974.