NEW SCHOOL SYLLABUS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 117, 19 May 1914, Page 8

NEW SCHOOL SYLLABUS

LECTURE BY MR.*T. R. FLEMING, M.I. (BY IELEGKAPH— SPECIAL TO THE POST.) MASTER/TON, This Day. In the Masterton District High School yesterday afternoon, Mr. T. R. Fleming, M.A., Chief Inspector of the Wellington Education Board, lectured to a gathering of some 200 teachers on "The New School Syllabus." The Icctmcr^taking the subjects of the syllabus seriatim, indicated suggestively a vital interpretation of them. His remarks were interspersed with quotations of the- views of leading educationists and writers on social subjects, aptly selected to throw light on th'e essential values of the subject under review. Mr. Fleming dwelt at some length on tho fundamental importance of the English subject of the syllabus. He stressed the necessity of preserving and fostering the live interest of the child, it being an indispensable concomitant of genuine, mental development. Moral teaching, he pointed out, could be supplemented to a very great extent by a judicious handling of literary themes. Dealing with the technical aspects of his subject, Mr. Fleming furnished useful hints to his audience as to the practical interpretation of the syllabus, which, seen from a right point of view, was not over-crowd-ed. Sir. Fleming made a strong appeal to the_ teachers present to remember that their most responsible task was the formation of character. To this end they required a working hypothesis of life, which would unify and give continuity to their efforts. At the conclusion of the lecture, Mr. F. L. Coonibes, 8.A., president of the Wairarapa Teachers' Institute, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Fleming for his able lecture, remarking that it had been appreciated as much for its educational qualities as for its practical guidance. Mr. Jackson seconded the motion. He remarked on the confidence and cordiality that existed to-day between teacher and inspector, and characterised it as a welcome change from tho old regime and its rigid relationships. Proceedings concluded with questions invited by Sir, Fleming bearing on practical aspects of the teacher's daily work.