NEW ZEALAND EDUCATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2710, 14 January 1910, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND EDUCATION.

EXAMINATIONS UNDER FIRE

Educationists generally do not regard an annual set examination as any real test of the proficiency oil the pupil, and promotions in our primary schools now depend upon other elements than the mere' capacity to cram. That the old system dies hard is evident from the remarks of Mr Macdonald (president) .to the Conference of the New Zealand Educational Institute. “Never in the history of New Zealand have children been subjected to such, a plethora of examinations as at the present time,” he said. “Examination lias crept into everything to such an extent that in manv minds the'word examination has become synonymous with education. We are all familiar with that national nuisance, the music examination. The Sunday schools and Navy League follow with .their tests. Public competitions demand their quota. Tlio school examinations, competency, proficiency, continuation, board. ’ scholarships, national scholarships. Civil Service, and matriculation succeed in due course. Finally, even our highest educational corporation, the Now Zealand University, is purely an examining body, with its soul resident in Europe.” (Laughter).