CORRESPONDENCE

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 25 January 1933, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE

THE MATRICULATION, EXAMINATIONS. (To the Editor.) Sir, —I was much interested in the local results of the matriculation examinations (now called the university entrance) as reported in to-night’s “Star.” 1 believe the local school sent up 24 candidates. They passed seven, liiere were more names than this reported as passing, hut little Manaia had the balance. How is it that Hawera always has fewer successes than any other secondary school, certainly in Taranaki, anti .probably in New Zealand? I believe it is due to the poor teaching of 'languages, notably Latin'. It is the exception to_ find _a candidate in the school passing In Latin. The school is well to the fore in mathematics and in science (particularly agricultural science). Don’t the teachers know Latin? This is a subject essential to any real understanding of English or modem languages. The new headmaster will have a hefty task. I hope he proves equal to it. For several years past 1 believe the majority of the pupils .in Form Y (the matriculation class) who have secured the first, second or third places in their form for the year have come a “thud” when the university exam, took place. To secure a place in the class usually meant failing for matriculation. Why should this he? It is, I understand, the practice at the school to allow pupils to mark their own work in certain subjects This makes for a .premium on dishonesty. Is it any wonder that so many of- our parents send their children to outside schools ? Hawera should have one of the best secondary schools in the Dominion. There is a move in New Zealand to secure a system of accrediting in matriculation —that is, of allowing teaohers to pass or fail their own pupils. I am convinced it would not work. New Plymouth High ’School passes, we will say, 79 out of 80; can. anyone imagine Hawera passing less than 19 out of 20? It would be against human nature. Only recently, I was talking to Professor T. A. Hunter, who had just returned from a trip to the Ohl Country, undertaken mainly. I understand, with a view to looking into the university systems of England. He is vice-chancellor of the New Zealand University and used to be the strong protagonist of the accrediting system in the Senate, but his experience at Home has altered his views. He told me that most schools there which had adopted the accrediting system were returning to the old system. With all its faults—and they are many —the examination system is still far and awav the best.—l am. etc., PARENT.