PRINCIPLE OF THE NELSON SYSTEM

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 187, 10 May 1928, Page 15

PRINCIPLE OF THE NELSON SYSTEM

CONDEMNED BY EDUCATIONISTS.

A letter was sent recently to headmasters in England by the Citizens’ Bible-in- s Schools Propaganda Committee, Wellington, asking if the entry into the schools of an expert Bible teacher (similar to the “Nelson system”) would be a better plan than allowing Bible lessons to be given daily by the State teacher, as is done in England. Nearly all those who replied favour the State teacher giving the lesson. The following are answers from headmasters :—

The exact wording of the question asked was: “If an expert Bible teacher (not a clergyman) employed by the Education Department were to give Bible lessons only, in place of the State or board "teacher, would that plan be better than your present one, or workable?” Answer of Frederick J. Oldershaw, council schools, Monke Road, Lincoln, England: “I do not think so; he would be less likely to influence the children; he would be paid for that special job, and thus on a platform with any other trader, but the children ‘trust’ their own class or school teacher, and he feels the position as one where his honour is at stake.”

Answer of John Moncktou, Ashley Down Boys’ School, Bristol, England (also president of the Bristol Teachers’ Association, 1921) : ‘No, not better, nor workable. The ages of our scholars vary from 7 to 14, or more. My number on books is 450. Many such teachers would be required, or very elaborate and inconvenient arrangements required.” Answer of Alfred J. Colwell, Carlton Road Council School, mixed, boys and girls (500), Gloucester, England: “Teachers would not welcome proposal. Controversy does not, and has never, exised within the schools.”

Answer of E. J. Dewdney, St. Luke’s Terrace Council School, Brighton, England : “I think our present system much the better, though suggested plan might probably be workable.” Answer of G. Ernest, Russell, Battle Council School, Reading: “No, that Would bring the religious difficulty into the schools. At present it only exists outside.” Answer of W. M. Holmes, Poppleton Road Council School, , York, England: “It might be workable, but it would not be so valuable as lessons given by usual class teachers.” Answer of G. W. Foxton, Mount Pleasant School. Hastings, England: “Not better. It might bo workable.” Answer of J. Skeldon, Victoria Road Council School, boys’ department, Chester, England: “No. The proper person to give Bible instruction is the teacher. There should be no outside interference.”

Answer of A. E. Foster, Brassey Street Council School, Birkenhead: “I do not think it would be a better plan, nor would it be workable.” Answer of J. Whalley, Bank's Lane Council School, Stockport: “I scarcely think so. Should muc’h prefer to give Bible lessons myself.” Answer of Benj. H. Barber, Angel Road Council (Boys’) School, Norwich (32 years headmaster) : “I think it better, both for the teachers themselves and for the children, that the Bible lessons should be conducted by the ordinary staff of the school.” Answer of J. P. Ogden, Devonshire Road Council School, Blackpool: “I do not think such a plan would bo satisfactorily workable. I should not care to have to make such arrangements in my own school. Moreover, such lessons would, in my opinion, come better and with greater force and weight from the children’s own teachers.” Answer of E. H. Bence, Oldfield Boys’ School (Council), Bath.—“lt would not be better. Most teachers would prefer to give the lessons themselves. In England there is strong objection on part of teachers to what is called ‘Right of entry.’ ” Answer of Jno. T. Whitworth, Harold Street, Senior School, Grimsby.—“l prefer the present plan. I feel it is ’up to me’ to do this for my scholars.” Answer of JI. H. Walker, Whetley Lane Boys’ Council School, Bradford.— “I don’t think so. Every morning the whole school assembles, with teachers at the head of their classes, in the main hall. A hymn is sung, the Lord’s Prayer is said or sung, and the classes are then dismissed to their rooms for the Bible lesson, which stops nt 9.25 a.m. At the close of school in the afternoon, the whole school reassembles, an evening hymn is sung, the prayer said, and the boys dismissed. I should be sorry to have to cease this work, as I am sure it gives tone and atmosphere to the day’s work.” Answer of William Rhodes, Cross .Street Boys’ Council School, Stoke-on-Trent.—“lt would be rather difficult. It would undermine the moral influence of the teacher.”

Answer of Peter Thompson, Clifton Road Council School, Boys’ Department, Birmingham.—“ Doubtful whether workable, or better.” Another headmaster states: “Notpracticable. Bible lessons have to be given at the beginning or end of the session in accordance with the regulations of the Board of Education, London. Such an expert Bible teacher could therefore only take 10 lessons per week, and large schools like this would require three or four such teachers. The present system is better and more workable.” Answer of Alf. J. Jlansfiel, Abbey Council School, West Ham. —"A specialist in any subject always has advantages which the ordinary class teacher does not possess, but I consider Bible teaching needs a specialist less than other subjects because the Bible makes its own appeal.”

Answer of Wm. Barkier, Armitage Street Municipal School, Ardwick, Manchester.—“ Not nearly so convenient, and the teacher of the class would lose in influence very considerably.” Answer of Charles Edwards, Derby Road, Southampton.—“ Should be given by the regular teachers only.” “I certainly believe that the simple and impressive service, which dignifies and solemnises the morning assembly of our secondary schools could be extended with equal benefit to the primary schools of the Dominion,” is the opinion of Mr. F. Jlilner, M.A., Rector, Waitaki High School, New Zealand.