SCHOOL GAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21855, 18 July 1934, Page 17

SCHOOL GAMES

IMPORTANCE TO EDUCATION SCHOLAR'S BRIGHT OUTLOOK The following bright essay on "School Games and their Imporiance in Education" earned for M. G. Mabee highest * marks in a test at the Auckland University Coaching College. Mabee, who has just turned 16 years of age, is a son of Mr. A. G. Mabee, the well-known secretary of the Auckland Trotting Club. He wrote as lows:School games are of vast importance in thp education of a present-day child. Some people, whose ideas are not altogether ultra-modern, think that children go to school in order to become skilled in orthography and the principles of arithmetic, and that sport should not stand in the way of learning. If they are asked why children want to learn these things at all, they roply in mystification, "Why! In order that they may be able to earn their living when they grow up!" This theory is true enough; but th*» young man going out into the world to-day needs to be accoutred with more than the mere knowledge that he acquires from his tutors. If he is to bo a good citizen, it is imperative that he should bo possessed of the finer senses, such as honour and uprighteousness. These qualities can only be fully developed by taking an active part in sport. From whatever angle sport is regarded, it is of some special benefit. In games such as football and cricket, tho fine "team spirit" is cultivated. This teaches the individual to work not for the honour and glory that he himself may gain, but for the good of the entire party to which he belongs. Sports like tennis and golf, especially the former, develop quickness of eye and a clear-thinking mind. Tho great thing in life is to be able to do the correct thing when a difficult situation arises. A man may develop this quality by exercising his mind and body by playing some fast game that roquires quick thinking. Besides being of such use to ona's mental talents, games are invaluable for the purpose of improving one's physique and strengthening the body. Certain sports such as ice-hockey or ice-skating harden one so that one is not likely to contract disease. Without a doubt some individuals devote more time to sport than is good for their welfare, but it must be remembered that in every walk in life there are always some people who overstep the mark. If a person who is a great sportsman in his young days turns out to be a failure in after years, critics should not take him as their criterion of all who indulge in sport. Because of tho reasons mentioned, It is most necessary that a certain amount of sport should be carried on in our schools. Everybody has to admit that a child's moral education is just as important as his scholastic training. If the question of "sport in schools" arose in an argument, a connoisseur, unbiassed by archaic ideas, and taking everything into account, be compelled to give judgment in favour of the affirmative.