RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13979, 14 August 1909, Page 3

RELIGION IN SCHOOLS

Ihe new regulations as to the trainof teachers for elementary schools to come into force in August were issued by the London Board of Education on July Ist. They include a new and interesting chapter on religious instruction in training colleges, and some modifications as to the terms of adinissioji into these institutions. \Vitli regard to the former it is explained that the object is to secure in all colleges the provision of a course "Inch shall prepare students to give such undenominational instruction in. and explanations of, the Bible' as are suited to the capacities of the children.

it is true says the prefatory memorandum, that it does not form part of the duties imposed 011 the Board by Parliament to lay down any requirements as to the giving of religious instruction 111 elementary schools. But the Board must recognise that religious instruction of one kind or another is at present actually given in by far the greater number, whether provided by the local authorities or not, and they believe that local education authorities 111 general will concur with them in thinking it desirable to make provision tor the training of students for this side of their work. The .Board trust that in making it clear Uint time should be found for such training they will be encouraging K/Pal and college authorities to develop their courses on the lines they themselves would have wished to follow. It is also laid down, as a differentiation trom the supervision exercised over secular subjects, that the inspector will only satisfy himself that adequate provision is made for dealing with religious instruction on the above lines. further, it is to be understood that this requirement will in 110 way derogate from the freedom of conscience already secured to individual students. As to admission to training colleges, while the Board have continued the conditions already in existence in regard to religious tests, which apply to only half the selection of candidates, they state:—

'"ln order_ to remove misconceptions the Board have inserted words to make it clear that' a request or suggestion made by the authorities of the college to a candidate that he should withdraw his application on any of the .specified grounds will be regarded as a contravention of the article, no less than a direct refusal of the application. The Board have further withdrawn the rule forbidding a college to impose any examination on candidates for admission. It will thus be open to the authorities of colleges to require, if they think fit. candidates to pass before" admission an examination in religious knowledge, through such an examination must not be utilised as a test of religious faith except 111 so far as such a test is permitted to be employed in the selection of candidates for half the number of places under the existing provisions.'''