PROFICIENCY BADGES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19750, 17 March 1934, Page 16

PROFICIENCY BADGES

THE NECESSARY STANDARD TO OBTAIN THEM Points for Badge Examiners A question that crops up periodically is what standard should a Scout attain to gain a proficiency badge. It is of course, quite impossible to give an answer without actually talking to the boy, to find out how much trouble he has taken to learn his subject and what degree of interest he has taken in it. Another and very important consideration Is what opportunities he has for gaining his knowledge. For example, let us say that I am the examiner for the Wirelessman's badge; I should require a much higher standard from a boy aged 16, whose father owns a wireless shop, than from a schoolboy, the son of a gardener. Education and age are other important considerations, and for these and other reasons a pass or fail should be decided on effort rather than ability.

Badge examining is no easy job, if it is to be done well, for it is not just finding out whet her a boy can do the things laid down in "Policy, Organisation and Rules,” but rather to find out how hard the boy has tried to learn, and to decide whether the amount of effort coupled with some degree of success should entitle him to a badge. It is frequently said that badge requirements are too indefinite, but if the tests are to be carried out properly, and the badge granted to those boys for whom the Chief intends them, it is impossible to lay down hard and fast rules. Consider, for example again, the Interpreter's badge and then try to draft tests which will apply equally to the 17-year-old Public Schoolboy, who has learnt French for years in school because he jolly well had to. and the 13-year-old elementai-y schoolboy w r ho has learnt Esperanto in his spare time because he jolly well wanted to. Therefore let the Examiners set a certain standard that every boy must pass to obtain his badges but also to have a slightly higher standard for those who have had more education and opportunity, so that every boy whether Primary or a Secondary School has to pass the tests in comparison with his chances and how he developed or made use of them.

Mr Oram has advised that a high pass by one of the Northdown troop has been obtained in the gardeners badge. It has been arranged that the theory section in connection with this badge will be held by the examiner at the Main School at 4 p.m„ next Tuesday.

Mr Neeale held an examination for horsemen during the week. A fairly high standard is required for this badge for entrants not only must be able to jump an ordinary fence but must know how to water, feed, and groom his horse properly, and to know the points of a horse and be able to detect common ailments and lameness.

If taken as a qualifying badge for King's Scout it must be repassed annually.

The electrician’s badge examination was held at the Highfield den during the week. This section of proficiency work never claims many entrants, perhaps on account of the local by-laws.

Perhaps oxir most consistant examiner is Mr Vine, who looks after the musical section. He was appointed by the Commissioner in 1922, and has taken all examinations since that date. This section is difficult, and the entrants must have a good knowledge of all musical signs. He has to read at sight a short test in the keys of C. G, and D, either singing or playing on an instrument. He must also be able to answer many questions in connection with his instruments and be able to play or sing certain chosen pieces.