AGE OF SCHOOL ENTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21164, 22 April 1932, Page 12

AGE OF SCHOOL ENTRY.

WELFARE OF THE CHILD.

CAREFUL INQUIRY URGED.

BROAD OUTLOOK REQUIRED

Tho Dominion president of the New Zealand Educational Institute, Mr. A. Murdoch, writes as follows: —

In tho report of an interview with reference to the ago of entry to primary schools it is made to appear, quite un-

intentionally, that the late entry would clearly and definitely mean retardation. This was not intended, but was advanced, however, as a contributing factor in retardation. I agree with tho contention advanced in tho Herald that the ago of school ontry should ho the subject of investigation that should be careful, thorough and reliable and should precede precipitate adoption of the proposal to raise the age to six years. And within the scope of such investigation should come the wider survey of tho

question. Tho important features, stated hereunder, rcquiro the closest consideration, both from the point of view of the welfare of the pupils, town and country alike, and the welfare of those directly associated with our schools.

The economy proposals will bear heavily on tho country school pupils. Before any changes are made in the status of these schools and correspondence tuition is

finally determined careful consideration should be given to the results, particularly as affecting the children concerned. In my opinion the proposed economy of £II,OOO is insufficient in itself to justify tho far-reaching consequences of tho proposal, if adopted. It is not, therefore, unreasonable to suggest that answers bo given publicly to the following questions :

(1) Tho estimated saving from the exclusion of tho five-year-olds, and the re sultant cancellation of capitation allow ances to committees?

(2) How many schools throughout the Dominion from grade VII. to grade I. will be affected by the proposals? (3) Tho estimated saving from the lowering of tho grade of such schools? (4) The number of teachers who will lose their positions and, consequently, swell' the great body of unemployed ? (5) The estimated increase in the number of pupils at present in grade I. schools transferred to correspondence schools ?

(6) Tho estimated number of transfers in all grades as a result of tho lowered attendance averages ? It must be apparent from what has been presented above that The question of age of entry to schools cannot be considered solely as an economy measure, but must be viewed in its broader aspect, giving regard to all phases of scfiool organisation directly and in-

directly affected, and the consequences as concerning the children. The offer of the Otahuhu School Committee, as a temporary measure, to forego all capita'ion allowances for the children of five years on condition that they are not denied entry to school is a constructive proposal which has my hearty support. It presents an offer of compromise yielding the Minister the complete saving outlined in the commission's report and securing for the children, through local endeavour and sacrifice, the privilege of entering upon their educational careers at the age so long recognised as

being eminently suited to their needs and capabilities.