TWO YEARS’ GRACE

Cue (NZERS), Issue 8, 30 September 1944, Unnumbered Page

TWO YEARS’ GRACE

It is to be hoped that educationists in New Zealand will take full advantage of the Government’s decision to raise the school leaving age from 14 to 16 years by. meeting the general demand for a more practical application of the curriculum to the life work of our future citizens. ' While the points brought forward in this issue by a correspondent do not apply in every individual instance, nevertheless; a sound case has been made. It is freely acknowledged that while under the present system, the core subjects receive due attention, there is a definite gap between the curriculum and its application to business and domestic life. The initial task should be directed to the institution of a system enabling a ready assessment of a child’s natural inclinations. Then, the addition to the present curriculum of a practical application of the most suitable subjects should ensure, in individual cases, not only a contented pupil, but one who has f a greater knowledge of business fundamentals to be followed during lifetime. y . / ■' •! ‘.. Educationists will surely not s find the task beyond their powers. In ’ fact, the two /-additional years, if wholly devoted to business and trade methods only, will not be entirely wasted. However, many other phases of education are worthy of due consideration, but this question, above all, should not be allowed to take a minor place in the decisions concerning the new curriculum. * ■