THE NEW EDUCATION CODE

Clutha Leader, Volume XX, Issue 1039, 22 June 1894, Page 5

THE NEW EDUCATION CODE

The new Standard regulations for the State schools come into force on July 1, having just received the approval of the Cabinet. Most of the changes which have been made are on the lines recommended by the recent Conference of inspectors. Pass examinations for Standards 1. and 11. are in future to be conducted by the teachers of the several schools, examination in the rest of the standards beinjj left in the hands of the inspectors as before. The use of percentages to indicate the results of examinations is to be abandoned, the new regulations in this respect agreeing with the regulat'ons in force' from 1878 to 1887. In Stj davd IV. grammar, which was a pass subject, is made class subject, and geography which was a class subject, is made a pass subject, the most difficult part of geography being transferred to Standard V. Composition for Standard IV. is more precisely defined. Part of Standard IV., geometrical drawing, is transferred to Standard V. Solid geometry remains in Standard VI., but as an alternative and not as a compulsory subject. The knowledge of simple geometrical terms, formerly prescribed for Standard 111., has been reinstated. The teaching of geometrical drawing to girls is not in future to be compulsory. The pass for arithmetic has been lightened by removing mental arithmetic to the position- of a class subject. Stress is laid upon the comprehension of language and reading lessons, and the requirments of an elementary knowledge of social economy in Standard VI. is emphasised. The decision of inspectors with regard to the tests to be applied to arithmetic and spelling has been for the most part accepted,