“SCANDAL” SUGGESTED

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 194, 14 May 1936, Page 6

“SCANDAL” SUGGESTED

Pharmaceutical Examination Marks CRITICISM OF TEACHERS "It is rather a serious matter; what I might call au educational scandal,” said Dr. D. E. Hansen, principal of the Christchurch Technical College, when supporting remits ou the subject of Pharmacy Board examinations, introduced at the annual conference of the New Zealand Technical School Teachers’ Association,* which was continued at Wellington yesterday. The criticism of Dr. Hansen and other delegates related to the granting of extra marks to candidates who attended the Pharmacy Board College or took its correspondence course. Mr. B. M. Davis, of Auckland, who spoke first to the remits, said the board had been in the habit of granting an extra 10 per cent, iu marks to examination candidates who bad never been near the Pharmacy College; but who were able to pay for a correspondence course through the college. The purpose of the remit, was to disclose what amounted to a gross abuse of a privilege given the board really for the purpose of encouraging pupils to its college. He had been informed by the board that the 10 per cent, extra marks were given those who attended the official college or took its correspondence course, usually followed by three or four weeks’ intensive study at the college. “It seems an attitude by the board which we, as a responsible body, should do our best to counteract,” said Mr. Davis. It was ridiculous for the board to suggest that practical instruction in botany and chemistry could not be received outside its own college, Mr. Davis proceeded. At the Seddon Memorial Technical College last year there were 12 pharmacy pupils, of whom 11 passed, Mr. Davis continued. The oue failed in practical chemistry with 48 marks (pass 50). Had this pupil been able to afford the correspondence course he would have received 10 per cent, extra marks and passed. “It is a serious educational problem when such a board introduces an advantage of this sort for a correspondence pupil,” Mr. Davis concluded. He had had similar experience, not with the Pharmacy Board, but with a private teacher who was in business, said Mr. S. J. Bennett (Palmerston North). Apparently this man was recognised by the board. He would hire a room for a fortnight and give an intensive course.

Dr. Hansen said that up to last year there were considerable classes in pharmacy .at Christchurch. It was found that some good boys could not get through, but some weaker, ones could by joining the correspondence class. The result was that there were fewer pupils at Christchurch this year. “I feel it our duty to speak, even though it might be felt we are attacking either the board or its officers,” said Dr. Hansen. “We have to consider tjhe interests of the young people. It is rather a serious matter; what I might call au educational scandal.” Tiie following remits under the heading “Pharmacy Board Examinations”

were then approved without dissent by the delegates: “(a) That representations be made to the Pharmacy Board urging it to prohibit the practice of granting a bonus of marks to those candidates taking a correspondence course in botany and chemistry (including practical chemistry); (b) that the Pharmacy Board be requested to make compulsory the production, bv a candidate offering chemistry and botany, of a certificate testifying that he has completed satisfactorily a course of practical work in these subjects at au institution providing such laboratory work and approved by the Education Department; (c) that the attention of the Minister of Education and the Director of Education be drawn to these representations and their endorsement requested.”