JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16737, 19 May 1922, Page 9

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 18. The subject of junior high schools was discussed by the Secondary Schools Association. The subject was introduced by the Education Department. r t. was stated that a conference at the end of March unanimously approved of the primary schools course being shortened to six years, followed by three years of a junior high school course, then three years of senior high school. A deputation representing the directors of Technical School Boards presented a resolution respecting organising the system so that no break occurs in passage from one school to another ; that a senior \ high school should have a junior high I school as part of its organisation, or should provide a course of at least four years ; that when separate school units are formed a full six-year course should l>o provided. Mr 1. Milner said that the Californian junior high school course was most efficient. Canada was following suit, j Success could only be obtained in big j centres. Mr Milner stated that he had ! prepared a report for consideration by Parliament on the subject. America took pride in her schools, and spent large sums in beautiful buildings. She was against sectarianism. Various schemes were discussed. The subject was brought to finality by the ! adoption of tho principles of the association’s resolutions, which consider that such schools should not lie universally set up throughout the Dominion until they have been tested by working experiment and experience, and until further investigation lias been made into secondary education obtaining abroad : that care should bo taken, as a matter of economy and justice: and that, interest in existing high and technical high schools should not he projudical lv affected by the establishment of any junior high or secondary school of an experimental type.