MODERN EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19203, 17 December 1925, Page 13

MODERN EDUCATION.

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS. GREAT PROGRESS AT KOWHAL ORIGINALITY THE KEYNOTE. Since the Kowhai Junior High School was established, in October, 1922, wonderful progress has been made. No more striking evidence of this could be had than tho display of work which was held at the school yesterday afternoon. The exhibits indicated that the youthful pupils have reached a high standard of production among the arts and crafts. Tho principal of the school is Mr, R, E. Kudman, M.A. The display of work yesterday afternoon attracted a large gathering of parents and friends. As they inspected the various exhibits they were obviously delighted and surprised at the material talent of the pupils. Ihe art section was striking for the originality and artistic execution of the exhibits. Miss Copeland, the director, explained that originality was tho principal aim. For instance, if a pupil is required to paint a fowl or a parrot he or she does not work from the imagination or copy. A live bird is brought to the classroom. As a matter of fact, one of tho interesting objects m the room yesterday was a fowl cooped in a large box. Noteworthy among the exhibits were original designs for wall friezes. One of these, with a peacock effect, would have graced tho walls of any drawing room. The original stencil work commanded much attention. Arranged along one table were a number of plaster models. The work of the pupils in this branch of art has been honoured by some exhibits at the. Dunedin Exhibition. There were also a number of water colours and original calendarsIndividuality, initiative and self-effort aro the keynotes of the woodcraft school, conducted by Mr. (!. B. Wool ley. The exhibition' of woodwork was one of great variety. Tho boys are taught to do work useful in a home, and the exhibits included trays, bookcases, miniature hatracks, etc. The third-year girls also had a display of woodwork. The metal work display opened the eye to the possibilities of the kerosene tin, for most of the exhibits have been worked from ordinary tins. They included bird cages, coal scuttles, water containers and flower pots. Some of them were so well disguised that unless told one could never realise they were fashioned from kero-" seno tins. The boys have also made garden implements such as rake-heads. In addition to the exhibits, the large gathering was entertained by physical culture displays by both boys and girls. Afternoon tea was served in one of the largo classrooms. The annual record of the high school is full of interesting information about tho year's work. The many illustrations include one of Sir James Parr, Minister for Education, who was responsible for the establishment of the school. The literary ability of many of the pupils is seen in the pages in the form'of verse and short articles of school interest.