EDUCATIONAL NOTES.

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14601, 26 February 1921, Page 9 (Supplement)

EDUCATIONAL NOTES.

REFORM OF SY6TEMI. "Education Is a preparation for complete living:."—Herbert Spencer. For a number of years there has been a world-wide movement having for its objects the extension of secondary education, and an improvement in the'character of the instruction provided for young people. The compulsory age is being raised in many countries (including our own), so that every child who is capable of profiting by advanced study may have an opportunity of equipping himself for a full vocational, social and civic life. In many quarters something like a revolt against the unduly bookish nature of the present system is in progress, and efforts are being made to establish schools which will more adequately meet the threefold need of our future citizens. New South Wales (in 1913) was the pioneer in providing a complete State system of vocational and cultural schools. Victoria followed, and the other Australian States are attacking the problem—each in its own way.

Our Minister of Education (the Hon. C- .1. Parr) has decided to reform our system to suit the special requirements of our Dominion. If the Waikato is alive to the benefits which are likely to accrue, there is no reason why a school (or schools) of the new type should not he secured for the district. Existing Institutions can easily be adapted for the purpose.

Report of Inspectors' Conference. The following report was approved by the Inspectors' Conference, recently held in Wellington, under the chairmanship of the Minister:— "Your committee has considered the proposal to terminate the primary school course when the pupils have reached the age of 12 approximately, and to provide post-primary courses of a suitable character, and desires to report thereon as follows:—1- That the primary school course be brought to an end when pupils have reached a standard of education corresponding approximately to the present Standard V; (2) that the primary course to the above stage be modified to permit pupils reaching that standard in general about the age of 12; (3) that pupils who on reaching the age of li have not succeeded in completing their primary course he removed to postprimary institutions of a suitable character; (4) that post-primary courses of instruction be provided by means of

(a) secondary schools providing more or less academic, courses of study for pupils suitable for such courses; (b) high schools where secondary courses of A more general character shall be provided, leading to (i) the academic course o'f the secondary schools; (ii) a rural or agricultural course; (ill) a commercial course, and (iv) an industrial course and a domestic course. Such courses should not be considered watertight compartments; hut provision should be made whereby a pupil who finds himself taking a course unsuited to him shall be permitted to transfer to another course. That special classes be established in these high schools for the backward pupils referred to in (3) above; (5) that the selection of pupils for the different types of post-primary schools be made by the inspector and head teacher in consultation with the parent; that in selecting pupils the inspector rely more on the head teacher's knowledge of the pupils' aptitude and general progress than on the n'sults of any one qualifying examination; (G) that to meet the, needs of pupils in country districts there be established in suitable centres high schools or secondary departments to which should be attached hostels for the accommodation 'of pupils coming from a distance.

The committee considers that an extension of the present district high school system best meets the needs of country pupils. The committee found it impossible in the time at its disposal to draw up detailed suggestions for the modification of the present primary syllabus up to Standard V. It is, however, recommended that no science (experimental science, elementary agriculture, dairyscience), woodwork, cookery or advanced needlework be required In the primary course of instruction, such subjects being provided for in the post-primary courses. Suitable courses in handwork and nature study (Including gardening) would he continued as at present in the primary schools.

The committee is aware that the changes recommended above can be brought about only very gradually and is of opinion that a beginning should be. made next year (i) in those centres of population where the primary schools are considerably over-crowded and where the. provision of additional accommodation is a matter of urgency; (2) in existing district high school centres, and (3) in efficiently conducted country schools where a standard 7 can be. set up without unduly increasing the work of the head teacher. The committee desires to lay emphasis on the doctrine that no secondary course of instruction should be closed to any boy or girl fitted to .benefit by it. At the same time the committee is of opinion that the utmost care should be taken to direct the pupil into the course of study most profitable for him to undertake, and to this end recommends that records be. kept of the mental and physical development of the pupil throughout his primary course- The committee is opposed to the institution at the end of the primary course of a single qualifying or high school entrance examination and recommends reliance on the evidence of fitness provided partly by intelligence tests, class examinations, and the teacher's general estimate of the pupil's ability.