MATRICULATION

Gisborne Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9947, 26 February 1925, Page 6

MATRICULATION

ACCREDIT PROPOSAL INSTEAD OF EX AMI NAT, lON.

IMPORTANT DEBATE AT UNIVERSITY SENATE.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION) WELLINGTON.. Feb. 25. At a meeting of the University Senate, Mr Caughley, Director of Education, moved that a sub-commit-tee be appointed to meet various associations or authorities interested in the matriculation examinations, in order to arrive, if necessary, at an agreement concerning seme form of accrediting in lieu of matriculation examination for pnp'ls of approved schools. Mr Caughley said the bodies referred to were the Law Society, Medical Association, and Accountants’ Society. He was quite satisfied that probably all associations did not know wdiat was intended in connection with the adoption of the accrediting system. Members of these societies in many cases had apparently a most childlike faith in examinations, simply because up to'the present that had been'the only system which had,been adopted. Some people felt they would be on unsafe ground if they liacl a change. The proposed committee would he ab’e to show societies _ tha t the standard of work for matriculation would not be lowered. In fact lie was sure it would be raised. Professor Algie said there was a good body of professional opinion against tlie accrediting system. Ho was opposed to tlie whole thing. Sir Robert Stout opposed the proposal It was simply another attempt to give over control of the University into the hands of tlie Education Department There was no use beating about, the bush. That was what it meant. It meant that to carry cut what was suggested would mean altering the law. Air W. Pi Alorrell said that with proper safeguards the candidates recommended would be on a distinctly higher level. Professor Wall moved that the matter l:s referred to the entrance examination committee. That committee bad already suggested that a questionsure be sent to the heads of certain secondary schools, inviting them to state what the'r procedure would be in the event of the establishment of an accrediting system. Air Caughley said it was for tlie Senate to say what the accrediting system should be. ‘ Professor Wallis amendment was carried by 13 to 11.

Air Caughley moved that a prescrip than of general experimental science be substituted for the subjects of physical science end. natural science in the matriculation examination, and that the subjects of home science and agriculture be dealt with by accrediting instead of by ordinary examination. Several members opposed the_ -motion urging that the mean 01 ejectshould he to secure thoroughness on the part of students. _ ~ dn answer to Sir Robert Stout, Mr Can Mi ley said that a teacher and Government inspector, acting together, would accredit. _ . Sir Robert Stout said that- cou.cl not be done throughout the whole ot New Zealand. The motion was negatived by id to 10. ' .