PROFICIENCY EXAMINATIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 13 December 1932, Page 6

PROFICIENCY EXAMINATIONS

VERY HIGH STANDARD REPORT 15V SENIOR INSPECTOR The following report on tiie proficiency examinations recently carried out in the Nelson Education Board district, was presented to the meeting of the hoard yesterday by the senior inspector (MiOvertoil) :• —

The slightly higher percentage in private schools does not indicate more efficient teaching, hut the fact that f the number of candidates is much smaller, with more restricted range of comparison. The low pass in Form 111 post-prim-ary is usual as pupils, whose limit of attainment, through weakness in some essentials, is competency, come up for reexamination with small hope of success. This year there was no accrediting, every pupil being examined. The arithmetic was appreciably easier, but the standard of marketing and appraisement this year was more rigid than in recent years. As a consequence a percentage of 81.5 proficiency indicates a very high standard of Form II teaching in the schools in the hoard’s district. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS Arising out- of the report the chairman (tlie Hon. W. 11. Mclntyre, M.L.C.), said he thought the board had reason to be satisfied as well as proud at the results obtained. The inspector had informed him chat for quite a high percentage of very fine pupils, especially in the country districts, there was no prospect in the future owing to the economic position. The parents were not in a position to give these children a. secondary education as there were no junior scholarships now and no means of getting assistance. When Minister of Education Mr IT. Atniore, M.P.; had given a definite undertaking on behalf of the Government, when the junior scholarships were abolished that the bursary system would be instituted in their place, but this had not been done. The chairman said he thought the board would be failing in its duty to a large number of parents who had children well fortified to go forward for secondary education, but were not in a position to give them the opportunity, if a protest was not made. The attention of the Government should be drawn to the promise made. There was no doubt that a considerable amount of hardship was being created to-day owing to the withdrawal of junior scholarships and nothing being put in their place. Mr F. V. Knapp expressed pleasure at the chairman’s action in bringing up the matter, which appeared a most important one. It was a very great pity that the children who showed exceptional ability could not avail themselves of secondary education. He considered that a very strong case should be presented to tlie Department to endeavour to get the promise of the late Minister redeemed and give help to the children who had done so well this year'. Mr Knapp then moved that the Minister’s attention be drawn to the fact.

Mr Carling, who seconded the motion, said he knew of two children who were brilliant, but the means of whose parents had been tremendously reduced. One of the children was especially brilliant, and it was sad to see this hey unable to go to a secondary school unless given assistance.

Mr Wilkens supported the motion, instancing the case of a brilliant girl at the Wakefield school, who would he unable to go to College without assistance. The mol ion was then carried.

The report of Education Committee dealing with the matter of bursaries was read, Mr Knapp remarking that it could not he taken as a definite promise. It was remarked that Mr Atmore, while Minister of Education, in reply to a. Labour member, had given an assurance that- bursaries would he given.

C S d <L> o £ rz £ £ Sj £ Public schools 665 542 91 32 31.5% 13.7% 4.8% Private schools 64 • 53 9 2 82.8% 14.1% 3.1% Post-primary Form III & Special 35 16 10 9 45.7% 28.6% 25.7%