AIM IN EDUCATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19758, 13 December 1935, Page 4

AIM IN EDUCATION.

HIGHER LEAVING AGE. AIR EBEN WILSON’S VIEWS. “Official returns show that about 55 per cent, of the pupils from our primary schools leave at the ago of 12, 13 or 14, ancl receive no further schooling,” said the headmaster, Air Eben AVilson, speaking to-day at the Hamilton High School breaking-up ceremony. "Efforts are beins made m England and elsewhere to raise the leaving age to io, with compulsory day continuation classes till 18. There Is no need lo stress tho importance of a high standard of education In a competitive age sucli as ours. The gain io the country from the longer school life in the better health and Increased intelligence of its children will more than repay tho extra expenditure involved.

“Education of the secondary school hoy must not, however, be on narrow lines designed only to increase his efficiency as an economic unit. Apart from economic considerations, \vp, owe to every child in the Slate the chance of the fullest and best life we can give. The claim of science in 'education is indisputable. IL Is needed for 1 lie training it gives, for its manifold bearings on research and industry, and also for an understanding of the world in which wo live. “Nor must wo overlook the cduc-a-iional value of all forms of handwork," .added Mr AVilson. “We must see lo it. however—the danger is a very real one, in new lands such as ours—that in enlluisiusm for utilitarian, aims we do not lose sight of I lie cultural and humanistic side, of education. In languages, history, literature, music, and art in ils various, forms, are enshrined the record of the lliouglits and feelings and aspirallons of man throughout, the ages, and lo this record boys and girls of all classes and conditions should have access."