CIVICS AND HISTORY

Southland Times, Issue 18973, 21 June 1923, Page 4

CIVICS AND HISTORY

A NEW SYLLABUS. PROPOSALS BEFORE COUNCIL OF EDUCATION. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 20. At (he last meeting of the Council of Education a sub-committee, consisting of Miss N. Coad (convenor), Messrs J. R. Kirk. Howell and Campbell, was appointed to inquire into the question oT teaching history, civics and geography in the schools of tbe Dominion. Miss Coad to-day brought up a comprehensive report on the subject. The i eport, which was described, by several members the Council as being a very valuable one, is to be considered by ths Council. “Tnis committee,” states the report, <f htei corresponded widely in England, United Stated and New Zealand in search of criticism and suggestions. It has besides coaferred with experts in various parts of the Dominion. As far as possible the geography programme has been correlated with the bistory and civics programme, but when all is said and done, the. proposals now before the Council are more of a reorganisation ef the old than an introduction of new. In all cases the requirements of New Zealcnd schools have been kept in view. The aim in .this is preparation for citizenship. This training need not, of course, be limited to history, civics and geography, for a socialised point of view can be taken with most subjects, but it is hardly an open question that these subjects have strong advani ages in this direction not possessed in so a degree by other subjects. In the tuggested civics programme, for instance, a characteristic feature is that it has attempted to focus attention on the community welfare, more than on the machinery of Government, though this aspect has not been forgotten either.” Special features are schemes for lessons on health and recreation and international relations. New features suggested by tha committee for several classes are then set out in detail. With regard to teaching in one class, the committee says: New features here in civics are:? (1) The nation’s work. This is intended to be a short general e>tudy of vocations and, if rightly handled, should not only help a pupil to choose his vacation but should show him the responsibilities of mtiaenship in connection therewith. A knotty question is connected with a fair day’s’work for • fair Cay’s pay. Community value of trade, and the inter-dependence of various industries could be introduced here. Given skilful teaching such a study should lead. to a better understanding between the various sections of the community and, perhaps, even pave the way for a better understanding between Capital and Labour. Whether this is the best possibte way of preparing young people for life, we do not assume the province of determining. Only experience and experiment can do that, but a beginning should be made and in the meantime your committee suggests that this experiment be given a fair trial. (2’ The League of Nations. The worldwide interest that attaches to the league and the fact that New. Zealand is directly concerned are reasons which justify its inclusion in this syllabus. Moreover it has been given a prominent place in most of the civieff programmes recently published in England. A special programme op public health is «outlined for the third and fourth forms under one head. The committee, after urging the need for the exercise of cleanliness, etc., moral habits and moderation in all things, suggests the danger of practising any activity harmful to the body, such as excess in athletics, show the danger to the community and posterity from intemperance. Here appropriate allusion • can be made to the social hygiene question and the responsibilities of the individual to the community. In each case it shows the peril to health and life and vocational prospects. It shows the value of warm clothing as a oreventative of chills and consequent maladies, and the danger following the latest iashion. There is also mention of the Plunket Society, Red Cross, etc.