The Syllabus.

Otago Witness, Issue 1812, 13 August 1886, Page 15

The Syllabus.

At the request of the Arthur Street School Committee Mr Barrett, head .roaster, reported on Dr Macgregor's circular re the syllabus. The communication, which was read atthe meeting on the 2nd inst., was as follows : —

" I have the honour, in reply to your letter of the 12th inst., to submit for the consideration of the School Committee my views, as requested by you, on Dr Macgregor's circular, dated the 18th ultimo : — ",'(1) As to details in relation to syllabus of subjects prescribed.'

" Tersely expressed, I would say, subject to the following proposed alterations, let the syllabus as prescribed stand: —

"1. Drawing, J consider, shonld not be a 'pass subject.' Many children have not the aptitude for drawing. Defective sight is in several cases an insuperable difficulty. It would be, I submit, unjust to • pluck' a child at an examination for ' serious failure in one subject,' and that one subject drawing, for which nature, and not the child, may be at fault.

" 11. In Standard 1 1 would strike out • relative values and chief aliquot parts of current English coins ; and the relative lengths of the yard, foot, and inch.' This, I consider, should be for the 3nd Standard work.

" 111. Geography I would recommend to be struck out as a « pass subject ' in all the Standards, and placed in the 'class subjects.' " ' (2) As to the regulative principle or view upon which a syllabus ought to be constructed.'

" I consider that the powers of memory should not be overtaxed by the necessity of keeping up. the dates, names, and special facts of history 5 as also minute details of places, relative positions, and other particulars required by a constant repetition of geography in order to pass aiS the examination. I consider this is a serious mistake, and, from my experience of about 30 years* I venture to say such crucial taxation of memoryis bordering on a system of torture. In business life no professional man ax clerk in an officewould be expected to retaia in his memory atthe? end. of the year the details of every ease and business transaction so as to pass an examination. It is sufficient if the requisite skill is found for dealing with the oases as they arise. To this en,:} I think all training should lead up*. The memory is dissipated by the storing up of sp.eelal details -which can be ascertained from books of reference.

"Geography being taken out of the 'pass subjects,' and hi&tory in th& ' class subjects ' noli, so rigidly taught as heretofore, more time would bo left for the explanation and practice of arithmetic—a subject which requires considerable time in order to give facility and accuracy in working* out the questions. There would bealso more time for reading, with explanation.. 1 am of opinion that more books should be read! during the year than the teacher can find timefor uncby the existing syllabus. Lessors on moral subjects— especially obedience, truth, anil honesty — would be bonencial in breaking down the tendency to educate the ' mere intellectual side,' which, pure and simple, I agree with a learned doctor of divinity, is 'the soul of diabolism.' The education of the heart would thus be provided for. And if we are to aim at educating tho young to become good and useful citizens, tae infiuenco of the teacher must &upplement that of the parent and pastor by presenting the straight paths of moral rectitude. " A few subjects only as ' pass subjects,' and those subjects progressive, in view of the principle festina lente (for the old proberb is true, 4 Cito maturum, eiio ■putriclum—soovi. ripe, soou rotten'), should be the rule on -which a syllabus ought to be constructed."

On the motion of Mr Sligo, seconded by Mr M'Gbegok, it was resolved— " That; tho committee endorse the memorandum of Mr Barrett and thank him for the manner in which he lias submitted his vievjs,