SMALL EXPENDITURE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 195, 15 May 1936, Page 8

SMALL EXPENDITURE

Cost of Intermediate Schools TEACHERS’ DISCUSSION “There is apparently some impression among teachers that a. considerable sum has been spent on intcimeiliate schools to the detriment of the primary schools,” said Mr. J. W. Meltwraith, chief inspector of primary schools, at the annual conference of the New Zealand Educational Institute yesterday. “That in not so. Since 1930, only five intermediate schools have been established. They have catered for about 1750 pupils as against, over 20,000 primary pupils in our primary and district high schools. These intermediate schools, therefore, have been established for less than 1 per cent, of the pupils. They have been responsible for the employment of from 12 to 15 more teachers, but any additional buildings would have been required in any- ease. The building ot these new schools has not involved the emptying of any’ other schools. There was further discussion on the executive’s recommendation “That there be no further extension of the intermediate school movement until the pressing needs of the primary schools have been met ” The amendment moved by Mr. M. Riske, M.A.. “That there be established a multi-biased junior high school system embracing children between the ages of 11 plus and 15 plus” was lost by 65 votes to 17. Miss M. E. Magill moved as a further amendment—“ That further extension of the intermediate school movement shall not preclude the carrying out of urgent reforms overdue in the primary schools.” This was carried on the voices. , . Mr. A. E. Dews (Thames) then moved another amendment —“That there be no further exftmsion of the intermediate school movement.until.it has been evaluated in comparison with primary schools provided with cquhl facilities.” This was lost on the voices. Mr. T. Kane, M.A. (Wellington) moved —"That the Minister be urged to authorise the New Zealand Council for Educational Research to make a survey forthwith into the intermediate school system with it view to evaluating Ihe system as at present established in New Zealand.” Au amendment by Dr. W. J. Boraman (Otago) to add the words ‘and that the practicability of the universal Introduction of the intermediate school system in New Zealand be also investigated” was lost, on the voices.. Tlie motion was then carried, and also another —“That the Minister be asked to ascertain whether the primary school with smaller classes and with suitable equipment is not capable of catering fully’ for the needs of children at their respective ages of development” was carried unanimously. The following Auckland remit, introduced by Mr. F. A. Garry, was carried: “(a) That an educational system be established for New Zealand, recognising the needs of the child from four years onward; (b) that such a system recognise the following stages in the child’s development and make adequate provision for each stage—pre-adoles-cent period, 3-6 years (nursery), 6-8 years (infant). 8 to 11 plus (primary); adolescent period—ll years and onward. To include various, forms of intermediate education leading to (1) technical high schools, (2) academic high schools and district high schools, and (3) university; (c) that the organisation of such schools in relation one to another be made according to local conditions and needs.” .