New Fundamentals Of Education Discussed

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1949, Page 6

New Fundamentals Of Education Discussed

NEW fundamentals of education to fit a pupil for changing conditions were outlined by Mr G. Aitken, a secondary schools inspector, in an address to the Whangarei Girls High School Parent-Teacher Association last night.

The old standards of arithmetic and spelling have-given way to training in the ability to think effectively, communicate thoughts in written and spoken word, to make sound judgments discriminating between right and wrong.

Mr Aitken conceded the necessity for teaching the three R's, but he considered it more important that pupils should leave school able and willing to continue to learn, than be equipped with sets of facts which later could not be applied to modern conditions. While the school was usually blamed for shortcomings in modern youth, it was only one of many influences, several of which were actively onposed to the ideals of education. Unfortunately the home was not playing as full a part in the moulding of "haracter as it did in the past owing to the distracting influence of 'he cinema and the street. The church also was exerting less influence than it did on the lives of the youth of the community.

apparently insuperable obstacles had to be surmounted.

“The board faces the future with a new enthusiasm, confident that many of the difficulties will be overcome,” said Mrs Sands.

She thanked the association for its expression of confidence in herself as its nominee on the board for a second term.

"I have a dual interest in the schools, as I have a son at the boys’ school and will have a daughter attending the girls school' next year.’ said Mr McKinnon.

He was also an old pupil, When the decision to divide the two schools was made three years ago, he saw a danger of a board comprised of one thinking in terms of boys and Rugby to the detriment of girls and basketball. To obviate that possibility. Mrs Sands had been asked to take a place on the board. opi; rate sm o otiil y The separate schools had carried on smoothly, with the girls' section, now independent carrying on the work of

TEACHER MAIN CONSIDERATION. Educational standards parallel to those of the so-called new education had been tried in England, Scotland and America with considerable succuess.

Emphasising the importance ol the human element, Mr Aitken said that far better results couiu ol- obtained by a sympathetic teacher working m inadequate surroundings than ■ y another less capable in the most modern school with the best equipment.

eha actor moulding commenced 68 years ago. in May. 1881. “I canno: claim a- be an old boy. as I was educated in the Northern Wairoa. but I have had a professional interest in the school.” said Mr R. A. Rogers. As an employee in the architectural division of the Ministry of Works in Whnngarci. Mr Rogers was closely associated with the construction and maintenance of the schools., to such an exient that lie might be placed in the position of playing Jekyl and Hyde in his new position. He considered it a duty devolving on all citizens to play as active a part as possible in the affairs of the community, and as he had a boy and a girl attending high school, his avenue of endeavour was obvious.’ SHAKESPEAREAN PLAY The Principal (Miss C. S. Bell) spoke of plans for the presentation by the school in September of “Twelfth Night,” and sought the cooperation of parents in this regard. A capacity attendance 'of parents and teachers was entertained by a play, "Skuttleboon's Treasure,” effectively presented by the girls of Arawa Dormitoi. and produced by Annette Brake and Myria Thomson. Under the baton of Miss Joan Lees, the choir gave pleasing renditions of “Full Five Fathoms Deep” (Thomas Dunhill); “Where E're You "’•’lk” (Handel), and “The Shepherds' L_.nee” (German).

The ideal naturally was to provide the good buildings for the teachers who could make best use of them, said Mr Aitken.

At the close of his address the speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. BOARD MEMBERS SPEAK

As the July meeting was the first since parents became entitled to three representatives on the Board of Governors of the High Schools, the three parents’ nominees, Mrs E. M. Sands, Mr W. L. McKinnon and Mr R. A. Rogers, were introduced by the chairman (Mr C. J. Dent).

Mrs Sands said the two years during which she had been on the board had been interesting ones, although