PRIMARY EDUCATION

Southland Times, Issue 19461, 28 January 1925, Page 2

PRIMARY EDUCATION

THE PROFICIENCY STANDARD. SENIOR INSPECTOR’S REPORT. At yesterday’s meeting of the Southland Education Board the Senior Inspector of Schools (Mr D. A. Strachan) presented the following report on the proficiency examinations: — Public Schools—

Of the exchange schools it will be seen that the larger schools in Otago and the smaller schools in Southland attained best results. In the public schools as a whole the higher percentage of proficiency certificates (71.6), as compared with the record of last year (66.32), indicates that the teachers have been commendably zealous in discharge of their duties. SUBJECT ANALYSIS. Reading, spelling, the essay, grammar and arithmetic were, in general, of quite satisfactory quality. A number of schools require a further supply pf supplementary readers. Intelligence in reading would be promoted by a keener study of derivations from the root-words listed by the Board. The results in mental arithmetic were less satisfactory than those in set tests. Writing.—A higher standard of general writing is desirable. To facilitate the attainment of this, greater care is necessary in the lower standards; there is special need of the study of letter forms, spacing, sizing (especially length of long letters), junctions and slope. Geography and History were of variable quality; in some schools there were indications of neglect; in others skilful treatment was revealed. Science.—More may be made of indoor experiment. The gardening is a very fine feature. The plots are extensive, the work is purposeful. School environment receives good attention. In Cookery, the instruction has been sound; a knowledge of principle has accompanied the manipulation of material, and the making of dishes. Drawing.—Here also, in a considerable number of schools, a higher standard is desirable. A better grading of the exercises from class to class will aid progress. Needlework. —The senior girls have, according to their usual practice, made a large number of garments for distribution to those in necessity. Fine work is done in drill and games. The tone of the pupils is good. There is every reason to believe that the pupils issuing from the senior class in the schools have learned the elements of self control and are equipped with right ideals.

Roll. Pre. Pro. Comp. Failed. 950 947 678 168 101 71.62 17.72 10.7 p.c. Private schools and Technical— 121 118 67 26 25 56.8 22.0 21.2 p.c. Otago schools taken by Southland (ten in number) 111 111 93 15 3 83.8 13.5 2.7 p.c. Otago schools, omitting the two largest in number— 55 55 39 13 3 70.9 23.6 5.5 p.c. Southland schools taken by Otago (ten in number) — 130 129 98 20 11 76.0 15.5 8.5 p.c. Southland schools, omitting the two largest schools— 56 55 45 6 4 81.8 10.9 7.3 p.c.