SYLLABUS CRITICISED

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 16, 13 October 1933, Page 11

SYLLABUS CRITICISED

University Examination

MODERN EVENTS IGNORED

Dominion Special Service.

Feilding, October 12.

Criticism at the subjects in tho syllabus for the university entrance examinations was levelled by the principal of the Feilding Agricultural High School, Air. L. J. Wild, at last night’s mooting of the school board of managers. Mr. Wild said that an unusually large number of pupils were sitting for the examination this year. They were qualifying for entrance to a university course which few would be likely to take. Unfortunately, it was regarded as a sort of leaving certificate, but it was very inadequate for that purpose. “The natural curiosity of youth and its interest in every day'concerns is restricted and confined,” said Mr. Wild. "The conquest of Britain by Julius Caesar 2000 years ago, which is in the syllabus, is of greater interest than the conquest of Manchuria by Japan a year ago, which is not in the syllabus. So, also, what Cicero wrote and thought in Italy in a language long since dead is of more importance than what Mussolini is saying to-day in tire same country. Hypothetical questions about hypothetical stock and shares yielding entirely hypothetical rates of interest are regarded as of greater importance than the food production in New Zealand in relation to the markets of tire world, the fluctuation of prices and the quota system “I do not, of course, blame the pupils or their parents; both are the victims of a pernicious system that pennits our schools to be dominated, indirectly, by the professors of the University, whose vision is limited by a specialised and academic training and experience. To offset in some degree the blighting influence of the external examination, I am always glad to have lectures on subjects of interest by visitors who bring us into touch with the realities of the modern world.”