SCHOOL EDUCATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25625, 28 August 1944, Page 3

SCHOOL EDUCATION

Sir,—l did not intend to write further on this subject, but I have been asked to reply briefly to Mr Davidson, as he appears to be under a misapprehension. First, however, I would like to point out that I did not refer specially to the Macandrew Intermediate School in my first letter. There are other intermediate schools, all working on much the same lines. The children I referred to all come from good homes and are quite intelligent. Those who attended the Macandrew Road School left with excellent reports, but as they are unable to get help at home they find the secondary school work to a great extent beyond them. I do not personally know Mr Davidson or any of his staff, but if allowed would be pleased to visit the school and see the work of the children, including the " optionals.” I am quite willing to be proved wrong in my opinions. I think it is to men like Mr Davidson and other teachers in similar positions that we should be able to look for an improvement in the system of education in New Zealand, and it is a pity that he is apparently content, in spite of the widespread complaints of the deterioration of arithmetic and spelling, which he does not attempt to refute or explain. I see that Professor Rutherford, of Auckland, and Dr Elder, of Dunedin, include history. There are several statements in Mr Davidson’s letter I would, like to answer; but I will only say that no one expects the intermediate schools to do more for their pupils in the two years than any .other primary school does. I am pleased to have roused interest in the proper quarter, but would be more interested myself if Mr Davidson would take a wider view and reply to other correspondents also.—l am, etc., Also Anxious. Dunedin, August 22.

Sir,—You have opportunely drawn attention to the original purpose of the correspondence on education. The purpose of the correspondence is to discuss the education policy and its results, and not the teaching or standard acquired by any particular school. The statement of the Professor of History at Auckland must surely prove beyond any doubt the detrimental effect resulting from the education policy of recent years.—l am, etc., August 23. C. A. M-

Sir,—The musical treat provided by the pupils of the Technical College last week roused enthusiasm in all true music lovers in Dunedin; and rightly so, for the result reflects great credit on those responsible. Eut what of the thoughts and feelings of the parents who have children attending the school? Many are aware that to produce the results revealed at the concert it has been necessary to neglect the work for which we have sent our children to This, Sir, is the very problem about which the parents of primary school pupils are concerned. Are our children to continue being made the playthings of enthusiasts for music, art, handwork, etc—the frills of life—while each year their mental needs are more and more neglected and ignored? For the greater proportion of children, as well as men and women, there can be little cultural life without a sound development of their mental powers. —I am, etc., Still More Anxious,