SCHOOLS FOR FARMERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 5

SCHOOLS FOR FARMERS.

SCOPE OF INSTRUCTION. So much has been said recently concerning the establishment of agricultural high schools as an integral part of our education system, and concerning the general agricultural bias to be given to education, that the time seems opportune to set out in some detail the functions of such a school and its practical operation. In connection with Auckland city the nature of the surrounding country points to the establishment of two agricultural high schools, one to the south and one to the north. In tho first instance, an institution established in. the Mangere-Papatoetoe-Paumure zone would serve the immodiale needs, of Auckland i and its environs. If situated as far south las Pukekohe its value for -Auckland I pupils would be negligible on account of j ike distance pupils would be required to i travel daily to and from their homes. I Thus an area of about 48 acres within 20 miles of the ciiy would best suit the purpose. The full educational programme of the agricultural high school naturally falls into four groups: The subjects required for what is termed a general education. are English language and literature, history, civics, mathematics, bookkeeping. geography, etc.; science {chemistry, physics, botany, zoology, etc., which constitute the foundation subjects for general % agriculture); woodwork and metahvork for boys, domestic science (cookery, needlework and home science) for girls; specialisation in agriculture, dairy science and horticulture. During the first year for pupils of age of 12 years the syllabus would contain a maximum of the general subjects with a good groundwork of the foundation sciences. In the .'second and succeeding years the applied sciences and outdoor practical subjects would take up a greater proportion of the syllabus, so that by a student s fourth year he or she could specialise in the direction desired. This early vocational specialisation is necessary when it is remembered that most of the pupils will have completed their schooLcweer •the'age of .16 0^17.^-