JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 136, 5 March 1929, Page 10

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

TEACHERS OPPOSE THEM A resolution, unanimously adopted by a branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute for circulation . to other branches, shows that even teachers are opposed to the junior high school system. The resolution reads: That as In the''opinion of this branch the junior high school system is fraught with uncertainties, inasmuch as the system has not been thoroughly, tested and educationists differ as to its . supposed benefits, we are of opinion that the articulation between primary and second education can better be secured by a niore generous staffing in the primary schools, thus tending to accelerate the progress of the primary pupil. . The reasons advanced for support are:— . . , . : 1. That no full and authoritative report has yet appeared regarding the success of the junior high school system. 2. That the .most urgent need in the education system to-day is for a reduction in the size of classes, beginning with the infant department. 3. That the proposed decapitation of schools will not tend to the reduction in the size of classes. 4. That.given classes of (say) 40 pupils the primary schools could by accelerating the progress of the brighter pupils hand them over to a post-primary school at the. age of 12 years with a complete primary training. i • ■ • '.- ■ 5. That the new syllabus* should be given a full and fair trial, with a view to ascertaining whether a better articulation cannot be ' secured between primary and secondary education than obtains at present. The following memo. 'is added:? — “This branch is firmly of opinion that the best interests of the child can be secured by retaining him in a smaller and more efliciently-taught class in the primary school, and will be glad of the support of other branches in the matter.” ■ <