EDUCATION CHANGES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 219, 12 June 1933, Page 8

EDUCATION CHANGES

Institute’s Disapproval of Intermediate System REASONS FOR OBJECTION The establishment of Intermediate schools is opposed by the New Zealand Educational Institute, and a statement has been issued by the executive of the Institute giving reasons for the objection to the movement. The financial embarrassments of the Dominion are quoted as an obstacle to the intermediate school system. It is contended that under existing conditions the suggested change would be effected at the expense of the existing junior high schools, and the financially strained primary system. A further argument is that the primary school system is already in confusion owing to the exclusion of five-year-olds. Any reorganisation should be made on a secure foundation, and maintained under the most favourable conditions, the statement adds. A system sorely handicapped at the outset is likely to begin in disfavour, and to continue to be unpopular. Present finances would not allow a beginning on a secure basis. The statement remarks that the substitution of a two year for a threeyear course is not in the best interests of the children nor in accord with the accepted educational policy of England and other lead- X ing educational countries, and Is inconsistent with the policy formerly advanced by the Education Department and approved by the New Zealand Educational Institute. Teaching power will be reduced, it is contended, and the regulations are considered inequitable and unjustifiable as regards the proposed staffing and salaries scale. • On the score of economy the statement says: “It is obvious that to have a single controlling authority in each area instead of two or three would lead to' a saving in administrative expenditure. But this is only a minor part of the real economy that would b< effected by. unification. A single controlling authority would have at its command all the educational facilities in Its area. It would be able to turn all its schools and equipment to the best advantage, having in view the single object of the best results to be obtained for all the pupils. By largescale dealing It could procure supplies at far cheaper rates than can be done by each section separately.”