Back to the basics

Press, 4 July 1978, Page 16

Back to the basics

Sir, — I write to support your correspondent, Graham Rhind, when he emphasises the sound principle that secondary education is largely wasted on pupils who lack proficiency in literacy and numeracy. In my experience these basics were thoroughly taught in the primary

schools up to the midtwenties and it is obvious that a change must be made. I was shocked to read today that our local high school board has found it necessary to appoint two extra parttime eachers in remedial reading and remedial mathematics. No amount of protestations and excuses by departmental and teachers’ institute members can belie the fact that, for some reason, these basics are simply not adequately covered and mastered in the primary schools. The sooner all those responsible candidly acknowledge and remedy the matter, the better for our future. In this respect I warmly commend the article by John Leversedge (“The Press” June 29). He covers it all.— Yours, etc., T. A. WILSON. Waimate, June 29, 1978.