MANY INQUIRIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26479, 5 June 1947, Page 8

MANY INQUIRIES

PHYSICAL EDUCATION SCHOOL COURSE BEING CONSIDERED Although* applications for enrolment have not yet been called for, a fair number of inquiries have already been received for • admission to the School of Physical Education, which is expected to open in Dunedin next year. The curriculum is under consideration by a committee of the professorial board of the University, which will discuss the matter with the newlyappointed director, Mr P. A. Smithells, at an early date. It is probable, however, that the course will extend over three years and that the successful students will be granted a diploma in physical education by the University of Otago. It is thought that in addition to the purely physical education course, students may be required to attend such classes as education 1, physchology 1, and zoology 1, and there may be alternative subjects such as anthropology, Maori physical education, water activities, camping, and other outdoor pursuits. Training To Be Provided The course will probably provide vocational training and technical preparation for school specialists, physical welfare officers, community recreation workers, and those who will undertake corrective work. The minimum age for admission will probably be 18, with a preference for older students, and it is considered likely that the educational requirement will be the equivalent of university entrance. The School of Physical Education is to be established in the meantime in the old Training College buildings, and it is thought that 30 students per annum will be as many as can be dealt with. It is likely that the Education Department will grant bursaries with the object of providing teachers of physical education for the schools of the Dominion, both secondary and primary, and these bursaries may be of the same value as those granted to Training College students. Present Course Continuing

Great interest in the establishment of a School of Physical Education has been shown by Sir* Charles Hercus, Dean of the Otago Medical School, and he has pressed hard for the adoption of the proposal for some years past. Although no announcement has yet been made, it is believed the present physical education course at the Training College will continue until the new school has been operating for three years. ClasSes at the new school will probably begin at the same time as the opening of the University year, although this is not certain. In addition to the director already appointed, it is understood that two other members of staff will require to be appointed—a lecturer and a junior lecturer.