Human development in curriculum

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33958, 26 September 1975, Page 5

Human development in curriculum

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 25. Studies in human development and relationships should be part 6f the school curriculum beginning at kindergarten level, the secretary for the Wellington branch of the

Family Planning Association (Mrs Margaret Dagg) told the National Council of Women’s executive meeting. Mrs Dagg was speaking to a remit that N.C.W. ask the Government to encourage a full programme of human development and relationships into the curriculum of schools and teachers colleges, both private and state. The remit was passed. “If such a programme was implemented from the kindergarten stage upwards, then the subject would just become part of normal living,” she said. “The association believes that the family is, and should remain the main influence in determining social and personal attitudes and values, and sees the teacher’s role as supplementary and complementing that of parents.” “All children have the right to understand about their own growth and development, and programmes of this nature are seen as positive contributions in learning to relate and act responsibly towards others,” she said. “One of the most valid criticisms of the programme being taught in schools is: “who is qualified to teach?” Mrs Dagg said.

“We consider that all teachers should be given adequate instruction at training college so that programmes can be integrated throughout the curriculum.

“The view that teaching of this subject in the schools will only lead to more experimentation, promiscuity, unwanted pregnancies and veneral disease is firmly rejected,” she said. “Being realistic, this situation exists now.”