INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3289, 8 March 1926, Page 15

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS

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The subject of the establishment of Junior high schools was discussed briefly at the annual meeting of the Manawatu branch of the N.Z.E.I. on Saturday morning. Mr. G. H. Espiner explained the three proposals—to establish them as separate institutions, as part of the primary division, or to attach them to the secondary School. Miss G. Haggitt, the presi/dent, said that since they had been asked to discuss the subject, matters had gone further. Many had hopes the new department would be part of rhe primary schools. If the scholars were to be drawn from all the primary schools, it would make the primary department less important It would bo a mistake to draw off the older pupils flrst when their intellectual and ethical training was beginning to show results. The children of the upper standards were also a big factor in the training of the young ones, and in the moral'tone of the school. If the new section was given classrooms, a curriculum and proper material, It could be taught without the children having to leave the primary school. Mr. L. F. de Berry said he would move the same resolution that he moved years ago. He thought people tended to lose sight of the fact, in allowing themselves to discuss secondary and junior high schols, that education was one continuous process, and any division was illogical. The best system was that which followed the child right through. The motion read: "That as education is a continuous process, the Institution believes the best type of education is afforded by providing for continuity of instruction, in ono school system, of pupils from 5 to 15 years, and to this end urges the systematic revision of the syllabus.” This, said the mover, was a more logical method than that which appeared to be taking the fancy of some people. After some further discussion, the motion was carried, Mr. do Berry remarking in conclusion that there was

thing that could not be done in the present schools, provided thay had more adequate staffing and better equipment.