The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1911. A FINE RECORD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15524, 26 January 1911, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1911. A FINE RECORD.

Ir was a happy inspiration which prompted the Education Board yesterday to lay aside for a few moments its customary cloak of judicial severity and do honour to one of the institutions that flourish under its protecting care. By its remarkable successes in the Board's senior scholarship examinations, as well as by its meritorious achievements in other public examinations, of which the. results have been announced during the past few weeks, the Ohristchurch West District High School has earned the warmest congratulations not merely of the educational authorities but iust as heartily of the whole community. In securing the first four places in the senior scholarship list the District High School has established a splendid record of which it well may bo proud. We do net by any means regard examinations as the end and aim of our 6ystem of education, but we lealise that they are in some degree a measure of the value of the methods that obtain in the schools. The achievements of the District High School, which has more than justified the confidence of thoae who established it in the face of strong opposition, inevitably invite comparison with the records of the schools against which it was pitted in the examination room. Since its foundation as a primary school West Christchurch has been conspicuously fortunate in the possession of highly qualified headmasters and capable and loyal assistants, but we cannot think that this is the sole cause of its success. Perhaps the methods of teaching are an even moro important factor than is the staff. It is the boast of the primary schools that they ground their pupils thoroughly, and the translation of pnpils from standard VI. to form I. in the same building and almost nnder the same teachers is accomplished without any of the little difficulties which naturally arise from a sudden change of environment and associations. The purely secondary school is not nearly so favourably placed, and it is conceivable that its now pupils may suffer to somo extent from the sudden disruption that attends their promotion from the primary school. Perhaps, too, the district high school makes the Education Board's scholarships one of its goals, while tho separate secondary school looks more intently upon the university examinations. A difference of this kind would be bound to affect the results of examinations. But whatever the explanation of its success may bo we are glad to be able to offer our own congratulations to the institution that has so signally distinguished itself in the recent tests.