EDUCATION CHANGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25068, 9 November 1942, Page 4

EDUCATION CHANGES

SYLLABUS OF HIGH SCHOOLS ADVISORY COMMITTEE FORMED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 7. “A consultative committee has been set up to consider and advise upon the far-reaching changes in high school education which are anticipated when accrediting supersedes the present tests imposed upon entrants to the University,” said the Minister of Education, Mr H. G. R. Mason, to-day. “At present the influence of these tests tends to cramp the syllabus of all high schools, and the accrediting system gives scope for a long-desired opportunity of modifying the high school curriculum.” The Minister added that the committee would make recommendations regarding the choice of subjects for the school certificate examination, the content of those subjects, and any subsequent modifications of the Public Service entrance examination and free place regulations. Personnel of Committee

The personnel of the committee is: Mr W. Thomas (chairman), a former rector of the Timaru Boys’ High School; Wing Commander E. Caradus, chief inspector of schools, Wellington; Mr A. E. Campbell. Wellington; Dr Elizabeth Gregory, Dunedin; Mr R. O. Goss, Auckland; Miss E. M. Higgins, Christchurch: Mr E. N. Hogben, Dannevirke; Dr Selwyn Morris, Auckland: Mr F; C, Renyard, Mr R. G. Ridling. Wellington; Miss E. E. Stephens, Palmerston North; Mr C. D. Somerset, Feilding; Miss I. Wilson, Wellington. Mr Mason pointed out that the University entrance examination had tended to become the qualification demanded of youths by the business world, and young people with not the slightest intention of entering the University had been forced into a narrow mould unsuited to their future working lives. Freed from the burden of a narrow, irrelevant examination, the schools would be able to devise courses having more relation to the lives of the pupils and the changing needs of the adult world.

School Certificate Examination

Mr Mason, however, indicated that the school certificate examination would be retained as, a qualification ordinarily demanded by employers to take the place of the University entrance examination when accrediting came into force. It would, however, differ from the old University entrance examination. It would be a test specially devised to see whether the candidate had a complete post-primary education. .... t One of the main functions of the committee, the Minister concluded, would be to advise on the syllabus of the revised school certificate examination The committee would / also be required to receive and consider any evidence or statements that individuals or organisations might care to submit in writing.