RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL

Cue (NZERS), Issue 34, 31 October 1945, Page 6

RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL

'For many months now the response To the opportunities for study given by ERS Correspondence School has shown how keen the New Zealand soldier is to study subjects likely to be of use to him in civil life. Over ten thousand courses have been issued, an amazing •: number in view of the comparatively small size of 2 NZEF, and the fact that the School has been in operation only about eighteen months This response has made it clear that a residential school, running 'courses in a variety of subjects would be assured of success. ■Such a school has accordingly been undertaken and, in fact, is now established. Obviously it could function really efficiently only in a central position where its pupils from the Division and from 2 NZEF' could reach it easily. An ideal site was found at Chianciano, on the western side of Lake Trasimcno. Here, at Bagni di Chianciano, there is a thermal resort which before the war was popular both with the richer Italians and with tourists in search of relief from rheumatic pains. Around these health—giving springs luxury hotels sprang up like •palms around an oasis. Bagni di Chianciano, in fact, is composed of about sixty hotels, a dozen shops and a charmingly planned Public Garden, laid out around the bath-house, and providing the pleasantest of evening strolls. Such a settlement was naturally a billeter’s paradise, and N.Z.

School of -Education was able to requisition several closely-grouped hotels, forming an ideal block for its •establishment. These hotels, built in well-planted'grounds, and over-looking the pleasant rolling countryside that slopes down some nine miles to Ghiusi, provide perfect class-rooms, messing and sleeping quarters. The nucleus of the School staff, including the tutors who have up till now been engaged on marking assignments for Correspondence Course students is now at Chianciano and this staff is being augmented by suitably qualified instructors from units of 2 NZEF who will be attached for this duty. As soon as the necessary administrative arrangements are complete and the staff is strong enough, courses will be arranged. First thought has been given to the students who enrolled for the present series of examinations, both University and other, and as many of these as are available are being given the opportunity of going into residence. This will give, them the advantage of .full-time study in a place organised for that sole purpose, and with the assistance of qualified tutors. The residential students will be able to sit the examinations at the (School under the best possible conditions.

Other courses arc now being arranged and a syllabus of these will be sent out to formations and units. Unit Education Representatives will be supplied with full details as seen as they are available, and will be put in a position to answer most queries on courses. The subjects will cover as wide a range as possible, from the academic to the sternly practical. The main restriction will be the obtaining of suitable instructors, but it must also be understood' that some things are beyond its scope. For instance, owing to shortages of equipment it is clearly impossible to, provide laboratories, and practical work in science Cannot be catered' for.

U.E. Reps, can assist in relieving any possible instructor shortage by seeking out likely instructors in their own units, and notifying their ' Detachment Officer, who will pass the good news

on to the School, It should first -be ascertained whether the unit will .be prepared to release the man concerned. Further details as to What instructors are required will be sent out by the School as its requirements become clearer.

To some extent the first syllabus will be tentative, and the School will be prepared to include any course for which units and formations cannot themselves cater, and for which there is an adequate demand, provided, naturally that instructors in the .subject can be obtained. Here too U?E. Reps, can be of the greatest assistance by finding out what their Units would like, and by transmitting their needs to Detachments. This is -your School. It will be moulded to your needs. You can help ERS to help you if you speak up now, while there is yet time to make changes. • '•• • '.