PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24685, 14 August 1941, Page 8

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

EDUCATIONAL ADVANCES SURVEY BY CHIEF INSPECTOR (OC) WELLINGTON. Aug. 13. “As far as conditions permit, children must be taught to realise that democracy is based on service and consideration for the rights of others, and that the foundation of future citizenship is laid in the willing -and cheerful accomplishment of the manifold daily tasks of the school undertaken by all for the good of all, said Mr C F. Overton, chief inspector of primary schools, discussing the war in his annual report, which was presented to-day in the House of Representatives. Mr Overton said that, although considerable numbers of teachers were serving with the forces, it could not be said that there had been any marked effect on the efficiency of the schools. The abolition of the proficiency examination could now be regarded as one of the most beneficial movements in the recent history of primary education in the country. In a changing world, where education had to conform with social and economic progress, the schools were becoming more closely related to the realities of life. The physical welfare and wellbeing of the children weie considered to be of paramount importance iind the schools provided occupational and cultural pursuits unthought of a generation ago. Revaluation of Subjects Although the curriculum had been enriched and extended, the length of the school day had not been altered. To meet that situation it had become necessary to revalue certain subjects, arithmetic being quoted as an example of subjects still cumbered with a legacy of pedantic tradition. In the schools to-day children spoke and wrote English more clearly and confidently than ever before. There was nothing in the new education to preclude the acquirement of essential accuracy in spelling or arithmetic, provided the courses were rational and well graded and due attention was given. The total number of students in training at thq four colleges during the year was reported as 1460. There was a greater demand for the services of trained specialist teachers, especially in the fields of physical education, art and crafts, music and speech. In physical education all districts reported an outstanding advance in efficiency, and the report also said that the children were i cquiring a definite road sense.

Rural Education

Broadcasting continued to play an important part, the lessons on music and speech being particularly appreciated, while the increased grant made by the Government for libraries had been welcome, the report continued. Special classes for backward children continued to accomplish useful work and the Correspondence School functioned successfully in providing education for primary and post-primary children and also for adults who were unable to attend ordinary schools or classes. The secondary departments of district high schools satisfied the demands, if not all the needs, of the. communities which they served. The generally efficient system of rural education, even in sole-charge schools, compared most favourably with those abroad.