SCHOOL IN FEBRUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23370, 9 December 1937, Page 7

SCHOOL IN FEBRUARY

HEALTH FIRST CONSIDERATION MODIFIED CURRICULUM PROPOSED A suggestion that secondary schools should adopt a modified curriculum during the hot month of February was received from the director of education . (Mr N. T. Lambourne) at a meeting of the Otago High Schools Board yesterday afternoon. After a brief discussion, during which members expressed the opinion that the adaption of such a proposal would depend largely on the weather, it was decided that the letter be noted and the question of carrying out such a curriculum be left to the discretion of the rectors and principal of the local secondary schools. In New Zealand, the letter stated, the month of February is often hot and enervating, especially indoors. In the 'Auckland education district it was at one time customary to dismiss, the school at 1 p.m.

All recognise now that health is of supreme importance, although action unfortunately does not always follow upon realisation. The time has come, however, when some experiments in adapting the curriculum to seasonal conditions might well be made. •'

Teachers are, therefore, recommended to regard the ordinary timetable as being temporarily suspended next February, though the times fixed by the Education Board for the opening and the closing of the schools should be observed. Health should be the first consideration, though this by no means implies physical inactivity. Swimming will naturally receive much attention, and the progress made during the “Learn to Swim” week should be consolidated.

An excellent opportunity for safety first instruction is presented. First-aid and resuscitation ■of the apparently drowned should not be forgotten, and home nursing classes could be conducted. The lessons of the road code and all the rules which make for safety on the highway should be demonstrated in classroom and in the playground, till all have a thorough knowledge of them. Where facilities of ground and shade exist, lessons could be largely in the open air. The practicalrhinded will see in this many opportunities, for work in real situations. Nature rambles could be undertaken and visits paid to places of interest. Arrangements are already being made in some places for camp stools for senior pupils. Inter-school and inter-house games could be played. Hobbies could be developed and individual tastes and aptitudes encouraged. Teachers and inspectors might meet wherever opportunity offers for interchange of ideas, but whatever the curriculum, the aim should be fitter pupils,, both physically and mentally, on March 1 than on February 1.