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Hokitika Guardian, 17 December 1940, Page 4

At this season ot the year, with the* schools breaking up for the end ot the term, much that is useful is said about valino: of education, winch is ot course admitted. But there are many divergent views about fhe systems, for they vary greatly. The man in the

street who pays more than passing attention to the subject, very often has strong views about secondary courses, believing that the old primary system with its strong foundation built on the three It’s sufficed for the average man, and that the secondary courses were a drain on the parents, and but a small percentage got anywhere. This question cannot be settled by isolated instances, and after all sc much depends oil the pupil. The apt scholar will take in all the instruction he can get, and to such a one the secondary term must be of great value in the future. A wider knowledge of affairs is required than to read and write, and do a little arithmetic. In these modern days with the world moving so fast, general knowledge as far as obtainable must needs be required to understand what one reads, and to appreciate what is happening in the world. School life should be made as attractive as possible to enlist the good will, and not the fear of the pupils. 1 he latter happens at times, and harddriving will not mend matters. 1 here should he cordial relations between pupil and teacher, and condition of trust, and in that atmosphere there will be a greater readiness to apply attention to the tasks of the day. The syllabus is tinkered with frequently, but sonic license should be given the teacher, who, having studied the bent of his classes, shapes the studies accordingly. Lt is not possible for a set system to' fit into all sections _ and classes. ’1 here are varieties of living and aptness for understanding. The teacher requires to study these aspects to give the best and got the best out of bis classes. The nation spares nothing in the education to do its best for the rising generation, and to secure ,a, high percentage of good results, a pliant system as between the teacher and the scholar should subsist irom t-lio outset.