CHOICE OF VOCATION

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1930, Page 7

CHOICE OF VOCATION

SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS.

An analysis of statistics dealing with the destination of secondary school boys shows that a surprisingly large number, begin farming, enter trades, or take up > positions in snops. It' is revealed also that the average period of attendance at New Zealand secondary schools is 2 years 10 months, and this fact is submitted in repudiation of the idea that the majority of secondary school pupils waste money' by continuing for a few' months only with secondary education. ' „ In a review of the figures, Mr. if. Milner, president of the Secondary - Schools’ ‘Association, and principal of . Waitaki Boys’ High School, remarks that the charges against secondary education for ultra-academic qualities ar® completely disproved. ■ Mr. Milner adds:. "The public are... frequently misled by hasty generalisations to* the effect that our secondary, schools give an entirely bookish education divorced from the actualities of life, and that in consequence they provide no recruitment of ability for either trades or the land. The official reports bear out our contention that while fulfilling their major purpose of providing a liberal education on cultural lines, our secondary schools for the main part, by a wise organisation of differen- . tial courses, also make provision for •' pro-vocational education. They increas- 1 ingly combine in a liberal synthesis the humanities with the practical need® of vocational courses.”