EDUCATION SYLLABUS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 79, 2 March 1929, Page 5

EDUCATION SYLLABUS.

TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE. The interpretation of the new education syllabus was discussed at a conference of local and district head teachers held yesterday at the Technical School. Mr AV. A. Sw in bo urn presided over an attendance of 25. Mr J. Murray, rector of the Boys’ High School, and Mr G. G. Hancox, director of the Technical School, were present by invitation. Several points raised by the conference was explained by Inspectors N. T. Lambourne and A. C. Crawford. Special mention was made of the teaching of post primary subjects in the schools, and Mr Lambourne pointed out that instruction should be given in both French and elementary mathematics, but, according to the inspector’s interpretation, one of these two subjects would be sufficient. In consequence of this announcement, it is probable that the Palmerston North headmasters will modify their plans and teach one subject to those children who are selected for post primary work. In a general reference to the question, Mr Lambourne expressed the opinion that, the Palmerston . North headmasters had been very wise in deciding to commence the post primary work, although a number of the AVellington headmasters had decided to avail themselves of the option and to take no action in the matter. The opinion was expressed that handwork should take a more prominent part than it had done in the past. Handwork was correlated with other subjects and should have a definite place in the time-table. A general and full discussion of the syllabus followed, Messrs Labourne and Crawford giving a number of rulings on various points, and advancing several suggestions likely to be of assistance to the teachers in their interpretation.

At the conclusion of. the conference, members of the Technical School staff entertained the visiting teachers at morning tea.