Changes at Campbell Park School

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33444, 28 January 1974, Page 18

Changes at Campbell Park School

'.Neu- Zeeland Press Association' OAMARU, January 27. Changing trends in farming, which have called for a more skilful approach in management, have led to a decision being made by the Education Department to put a different emphasis on its curriculum in the training of boys at Campbell Park School,

It has decided to relinquish much of the 371-acre farm at the school. Formerly the Otekaieke Special School, the institution | was established in 1908 as a rehabilitation place and train-; ing ground for boys who; were backward. It has. over the years.; drawn boys from all parts of. New Zealand. There they learnt to carry out such -kills as fencing and looking after stock, the piggery, sheep and cattle, to fit them out to take work on farms. But. according to Mr P. J. I McKinney, senior inspector of

schools, the situation has altered. Farming had become more scientific and there was not now the same number of openings on farms for workers of this type, he said. The need at Campbell Park was for a different sort of course not so dependant on the farm. This could point (towards a pre-education course towards trades apprenticeships. Mr McKinney said, however, that it was felt there was still room for some of ‘the farm to be retained for I the teaching of certain farm i skills.