CAREERS ADVISER APPOINTED

Southland Times, Issue 23953, 20 October 1939, Page 5

CAREERS ADVISER APPOINTED

SPECIAL WORK AT HIGH SCHOOL

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR BOYS

Plans to extend the work of vocational guidance at the Southland Boys’ High School were mentioned by the rector (Dr G. H. Uttley) in his report to the board yesterday, and on the rector’s recommendation it was decided to appoint Mr A. J. Deaker, a member of the staff, careers adviser. “For several years,” Dr Uttley stated, “we have conducted intelligence tests for new entrants to the school. These tests have been similar to those that have been carried out in England. In addition we receive reports on every new boy from the headmaster of the primary school he has been attending. We then conduct a short examination of our own in English and arithmetic. As a result of this every entrant is classified at the beginning of his school career, and it is rarely that we have to alter our original classification. It enables us to obtain a clear idea of the boy’s capabilities and fitness for certain vocations. The work has now been extended, and it is suggested that Mr A. J. Deaker be careers adviser at the school.” ' Dr Uttley added that the school had been visited by Dr H. C. McQueen, research assistant to the New Zealand Council of Education, who had been conducting a research survey throughout New Zealand in national guidance and there had been a consultation with the staff. The report stated that 38 boys had left since the beginning of the year. Of these 32 boys were in their third or later years, and most of them had obtained positions in which a pass in the public service or university entrance examination was necessary. The principal of the Girls High School (Miss A. Eastwood) in her report to the board expressed approval of the suggestion made by the rector of the Gore High School that medical inspection of pupils should be extended from the primary to the secondary schools. Miss Eastwood also expressed the opinion that the inspection should be closely associated with physical education and that pupils should be given remedial exercises. There should also be a special dental service. “I am seriously concerned about the number of pupils whose teeth need attention, she added. . The meeting was attended by Mr K. M. Strang (chairman), Mrs J. N. Armour, Messrs W. Bell, F. G. Stevenson and W. H. ,Gregory.