EDUCATION SYSTEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22378, 26 March 1936, Page 14

EDUCATION SYSTEM

SUGGESTED REFORMS t __ THE SCHOOL-LEAVING AGE [BY telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON. Wednesday Reforms in the education system were discussed by the Minister of Education, Hon. P. Fraser. "Apart from all other considerations 1 think that there is a good case for the raising of" the upper limit of age of compulsory school attendance to at least 15 years, with no exceptions based on mental attainments or economic necessity," said Mr. Fraser. The Minister also said that reforms initiated or under consideration included: —(1) A vigorous policy of building to repair the deficiencies due to the reduction of grants during the years of depression to cover a threeyears' programme. (2) The more efficient supervision of physical education in primary and post-primary schools under expert guidance.

(3) The co-ordination of adult edulation of all kinds, with systematic Government aid. (4) The co-ordination of the library services of the Dominion alike for schools and for adults, with increased aid from the Government, particularly for school libraries. (5) Tho extension of aid to kindergartens. (6) The co-ordination and extension of the activities of schools, private organisations and Government Departments in connection with the placement and after-care of young people and tho retraining of adults for new occupations. (7) Assistance to country children to attend post-primary schools, either by way of subsidies for road transport or 1 by boarding allowances. (8) The extension of special training for mentally and physically backward children.