SCHOOLS' RELIGIOUS EXAMINATION AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 18 January 1917, Page 43

SCHOOLS' RELIGIOUS EXAMINATION AUCKLAND

The following is the first annual report of the schools' religions examination of the Auckland diocese : The Right Rev. M>r. Mahoney, Diocesan Administrator, Auckland. Dear Monsignor,—l have the honor to submit to you the report on the examinations in religious knowledge held by me in the schools of the diocese during the months of September, October, and November, 1916. Through the kindness and courtesy of the clergy and religious teachers the task was rendered an easy one. An earnest attempt was made to put the new syllabus into operation in all the schools, and so great was the enthusiasm aroused that not only was there a sound beginning made, but a distinct achievement that encourages all to hope for results of a far-reaching nature within a few years. This enthusiasm manifested itself particularly in the earnestness and zest with which the children entered into the spirit of the work. The religious teachers are undoubtedly deserving of the highest commendation for the noble work they are performing in this great apostolate, and though in a few isolated cases a certain want of skill might have been apparent, in no case was there any evidence of a want of goodwill. With the great majority of our teachers animated by such a fine spirit of work and armed with a mastery of the technique of teaching, it will be only a matter of time until all are permeated with the same ideals. In all, 34 schools, with a Catholic roll number of nearly 4000 pupils (of whom over 600 sat for a written as well as an oral test), were examined in the various branches of the syllabus, with the following result: Prayers.—These were, in general, well taught, particularly in the lower classes. Catechism.—Satisfactory except in a few schools. Instruction.ln many schools it was obvious that this subject required more attention, and the clergy are requested to give all the assistance in their power, either personally or by the provision of all necessary teaching aids, such as pictures, charts, and source books. In this connection it may be remarked that, as many of the teachers are still seemingly unacquainted with a systematic method of imparting religious instruction, and as all success depends upon the personal preparation of the teacher, those responsible should see that they have the Best expert advice available and, above all, a good catechetical library.

Bible History. the exception of the schools ranking in the first class there was a comparatively small amount ?of ■, Bible ! history presented* but this was in the main well done. For most children the subject has a fascination, and it is surprising how much may be done even in a short series' of well correlated lessons. Church History .-—The syllabus makes but a small demand on this subject, but it was, as a rule, well treated in the various essays set. ' ■ r ; ~ V Church Music—Where attempted, the singing of the Mass and Benediction service was well . done, and where so many fine boys are found singing so well it is greatly to be desired that some Plain Chant should be attempted. In many cases it was also found that although the actual singing of the hymns left little to be desired, too little care had been expended on the wording, with the result that the full beauty and helpfulness of the prayer in the hymn was lost to the children. Model 'Lessons.—ln many schools the model lessons asked for were given, and invariably" showed that in the hands of a skilful teacher the catechism lesson may be made as interesting as any other lesson on the curriculum. When making up the school report special consideration was given to these lessons, as they afforded me a valuable opportunity of estimating the real quality of the instruction given in each case and the degree"of pedagogical skill attained by the various teachers. Progress Books.—ln most schools these were well kept and gave the examiner an easy. index to the amount of the syllabus that had been covered in the given time. Recommendations.—(l) I 'would respectfully recommend that no alteration be made in the syllabus for at least another year, for although in actual practice some slight defects were noticed, it has been found a good working basis, and furthermore has necessitated no change from the pink catechism sanctioned by the New Zealand Hierarchy. (2) That the attention of the clergy of certain parishes be directed to the fact that their schools can only be brought up to the mark by proper equipment and the provision of all necessary maps, charts, and Bible pictures. (3) That all head teachers be advised to secure regular revision of work of the religious syllabus as of the secular, and that quarterly tests in Christian doctrine be held by each head teacher. Reports.—Of the 34 schools examined three were classed as ' Excellent ' because they presented practically the whole syllabus, and in every grade from Primer to Secondary the same degree of excellence both as to matter and method was displayed. The test being necessarily a severe one and the standard set the highest in the diocese, this is a notable achievement, and one on which both teachers and pupils may be highly complimented. Of those schools classed as 'Very good' there are 15, and of them it may be said that if the same care be maintained in all the classes as was manifested in some, they may easily attain to the first rank. The remaining 16 schools show great room for improvement, but doubtless with experience, direction, and a fuller knowledge of the requirements of the syllabus the goodwill of the teachers will overcome all the obstacles that have hitherto impeded their progress. With alt good wishes for the New Year, I am, dear Monsignor, faithfully yours, _. _, . , W. J. Murphy. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland, December 30, 1916.