DISPLAY OF WORK

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 305, 23 November 1945, Page 6

DISPLAY OF WORK

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. The great contrast in the modern school currioulum against the routine system of 10 or 20 years ago, was evident to all who visited the Palmerston North Intermediate School on Parents’ Day yesterday. Children today find on their timetables not only basic subjects, such as English, history and mathematics, 1 but a widely diversified field of cultural, artistic and handcraft, subjects. The value of this modern education system was obvious in the excellent exhibition of pupils’ work which was open for inspection. A certain period each week is set aside for club activities, the boys and girls being free to choose which one they will join. Actual demonstrations of '■ these pursuits were given by the boys apd girls, who were engaged in games of chess and draughts, painting posters, and sewing. Other clubs illustrated their work by cleverly constructed models, a miniature stage complete with actors and a boxing ring being two examples. Exhibits of stamp collections, fancy needlework and fencing swords represented other clubs. The interest shown by tho children as well as adults in this section was evidence of the popularity of the clubs. One feature of the afternoon was a mannequin parade of dresses which the girls had made in their sowing classes. Tho dresses were on display in the sewing room, together with a variety of plain and fancy sewn articles. The style, neatness of finish and fit of the garments were, a credit to the girls. A display of physical education by the boys and girls was given in the quadrangle, when the latest methods of physical instruction were demonstrated. Record entries (660) were received in the children’s flower show. Exhibits were grouped according to age, awards of merit being made by Mrs Graham, of Campbell Street, who acted as judge. Decorative floral work in the form of miniature floral carpets, floating bowls, boxes and saucers of flowers showed the entrants had spent much time and skill in arranging their exhibits, which were of a high standard. A variety of art subjects taught under the guidance of an art specialist, and the display, which included pnstel and water-colour work, lino-cuts, and posters, was very pleasing to the eye. Projects made by pupils in their sodial science studies covered a wide range of subjects from “History of Transport” to “The Life of Sponges.” The books were neatly arranged and well illustrated with pictures and diagrams. The science laboratory was staffed with hoys eager to demonstrate to parents and friends the conduct of experiments. Well-kept science notebooks were also seen. An outstanding exhibit in the crafts room was an array of dolls—from baby dolls to large “black mammas.” All had been made by pupils out of papier maclie, at an average cost <sf 2s 6d each, and the dolls would compare favourably in appearance aiid durability with commercial products. The dolls’ clothing was also made by the girls. Other crafts represented included pottery, painted woodwork, weaving and fancy needlework. The woodwork and metalwork section drew favourable comment, especially from male visitors. Radio cabinets, book-cases, tea wagons, trays and even a writing-' desk, all bearing the finish of good craftsmanship, had been made by the boys. Dust-pans, hinges, 3 and othermetalwork exhibits showed attention to detail. An array of painted wooden toys caught the younger children’s attention.

Five rooms were set aside for afternoon tea, each house being allotted one room, which was decorated with flowers the colour of the school house. The staff and pupils were responsible for serving tea, which had been prepared by the girls. Good business was done by all stalls, a large part of the goods for sale having been made by pupils. The ladies’ committee of the Home and School Association, under the' leadership of Mrs Young, took charge of the stalls, and the stallholders were: Competitions. Mrs Bigham; produce, Mrs Cribb; work, Mrs Wilton; sheets, Mrs Leighton; ice-cream, Mrs Maitland; pies; Mrs Jensen; white elephant, Mrs Furneaux; calces, Mrs Gardner. Very good results for the intermediate school in the writing competitions at the Wairarapa and Wanganui Shows were reported by the principal (Mr J. C. Wliibley) at a meeting of the Intermediate School Committee last night. Mr Wliibley detailed the prize-winners- as follow: —At Wairarapa: Form 1, John Greer 1, Judith Robertson 2, Gillian Beere v.h.c. At Wanganui: Form 1, Gillian Beere 2, June Skoglund 3. Form 2, Julia Tingey 1, Lois Aitcheson 2, Audrey' Barrow 3.