Sacrifice Effort For Interest In Study

Northern Advocate, 14 December 1943, Page 4

Sacrifice Effort For Interest In Study

“There is today, too much of a tendency in some education circles to sacrifice effort for interest in study, arid we shall be failing in our duty as wardens of our children’s future were we not to contest vigorously any lowering in the standard of work in cur schools,” said the Whangarei High School Principal /Mr A. R. Ryder) at the Whangarei prize-giving ceremony last night. He said the final pronouncement of the education department on the new scheme to be introduced into secondary schools was anxiously awaited. Unofficial information indicated, and he hoped it wa3 incorrect, a desire to introduce new subjects which, in his opinion, would not prove nearly as valuable in the instruction of pupils in methods of concentration and methodical training of the mind. Explaining the accrediting system for university, entrance, he said it would operate in 1944, when only those pupils, who had had four years’ secondary education would be eligible. Of these, the pupils who had passed the complete School Certificate Examination this year, would be able to proceed to Form VI and qualify by accrediting or examination in the Higher University Entrance Examination under the ne wregulations, while those who had not obtained the School Certificate Examination may sit for the University Entrance Examination under the old regulations. No third-year pupils would be eligible for that examination, but would sit for school certificates, and then, if successful, would proceed in 1945 to Form VI in preparation for the University Entrance. In Form VI a group of three selected subjects may be presented for university entrance by candidates, and it should be emphasised that a higher standard of attainment than was usually required for the old university entrance and higher leaving certificate would be expected.