3

E.—6

The value of music in education is now becoming more fully recognized. It is maintained that, apart from the stimulating effect it has upon the pupils, it makes probably a more direct emotional and aesthetic appeal than literature. Though singing is a definite part of the time-table of nearly all of our girls' schools, and community singing, bands, and orchestras are important features of many other schools, it is felt that music does not receive the attention it deserves. Now that first-class gramophones can be obtained through the Department at a very reasonable price, it is hoped that soon a short course in musical appreciation will have a definite place in the curricula of our schools. Already a few of them are doing excellent work in this direction. An experiment of great interest was carried out by the Department at the beginning of the year. A Terman group test was applied to all pupils who were then entering upon a post-primary course in high schools, technical high schools, and district high schools. This was done mainly for the purpose of familiarizing those connected with secondary education with tests of educable capacity. With few exceptions the experiment was conducted with great willingness and interest by our teachers. In conjunction with the usual entrance tests it formed a useful basis of classification of the first-year pupils. Owing to its wide application some interesting correlations with other examinations, some interesting comparisons between different types of schools, and some indication of the calibre of the pupils taking the various courses were obtained. Many of these results have been published in the Education Gazette. The tone of the schools and the zeal the teachers show for the welfare of their pupils in the class-room and without continue to be excellent. We have, &c., H P /* !- ns P ec ' : ' or3 Secondary Schools. The Director of Education.