THE SCHOOL SYLLABUS.

Grey River Argus, 10 December 1926, Page 6

THE SCHOOL SYLLABUS.

AN INQUIRY STARTS. HOMEWORK MAY GO. WELLINGTON, Dee. 9. The committee appointed by tho Minister of Education to inquire into and report ou the present primary school syllabus, will hold the inaugura l meeting to-day. It is probable ’ that the morning will be devoted to a discussion on the general principles of procedure, and appointment of a sub-com-mittee.

The order of reference on which the committee will work provides generally tor the preparation of a reporl on the whole of the primary school syllabus, with particular reference to its suitability to present-day needs, ai.d rei commendation of such alterations as may appear necessary to scenic better articulation with the. work of yeccndary and technical schools. In the second place the • ommittec will inquire into the present system of homework, as to (a) whether it be abolished, (b) whether it be curtailed, (c) whether it be retained as at present. Tho committee will also inquire l into any other matter affecting the primary State school system. AN IMPORTANT TASK. WELLINGTON, Dec. 9. Some of the problems of primary education which he considered to require careful attention were outlined by '■ Education Minister in addressing the inaugural meeting of the committee appointed to inquire into a report upon the "present syllabus. Tie stressed the importance and difficulty of the task that the committee was confronted with,, and assured the members that their findings would be awaited with interest, not only by the Government and the Department, but also by the parents. He thought it would be generally admitted that the time was ripe for a revision of the primary school syllabus. This need was recognised, not only by members of the teaching profession, but by those who gave any attention or thought to the education of young people. Anything that could be done to provide a syllabus laying a foundation suitable, not only for higher attainment, but also bearing in mind the most important fact that 40 per cent of the pupils did not go past the primary schools, would be very valuable. The Print Script OPPOSED BY EMPLOYERS. AUCKLAND, D-,?. 9. The Primary Schools Committees’ Association decided t<« ask the Director of Education to take steps to have cursive writing, taught in all schools, from standard one unwa-rds. The chairman said that no reference on the subject appear?! in th? regulations, which was a glaring weakness, and it was left to the teacher to gi < instruction or omit it altogether. Business men, especially banking firms, are not agreed thau the print script style of handwriting should be encouraged, as Education Departmental inquiries go to snow that sc.me institutions object so strongly, that they will not engage a boy who writes print script.