LEAVING SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 23, 23 December 1932, Page 6

LEAVING SCHOOL

TWENTY THOUSAND CHILDREN, WHERE DO THEY GO? (Bv Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) WELL INGTON, Dec. 23. Every year, about this time, twenty thousand children complete their prim, ary school course, and have to face either the chances of securing employ, went or take a further educational course in the secondary schools. This is the moment when the school leaving problem is at its most acute stage. Economic difficulties have led to the extension of school work for many chil, dren during the last few years, and that is clearly reflected in the official figures, for in 1924 23,742 children left our primary schools, whereas last year the total dropped to 20,268. Primary education was being continued for hundreds who had no chance of wage, earning. Another way of getting over the dif. Acuity in placing young people in paid positions has been to give an increasing number some amount of secondary education. The .Education Department officially notes that during the last two years the number of proficiency certificate holders who go on to post-prim-ary schools lias increased, though this coincides with a relaxation of the conditions under which a junior free place may be held. Of the twenty thousand who leave the primary schools, just over 12,000 take the further facilities for post-primary education. About 53 per cent, of the boys and 51 per cent, of the girls follow this plan. THE FINAL DESTINATION.

Then comes the next stage, the course has been completed at the secondary school, the technical high and day school, or the secondary departments of district high schools. What is the final destination of the pupils who annually leave these establishments? Last vear their numbers totalled 10,183 (5247 boys and 4936 girls), and their probable destination has been officially traced as follows: Boys. Girls.

The official comment on these figures notes an increasing number of pupils —to the extent of 9 per cent. —going to the university, while most schools show decreases in the numbers going out to commercial occupations and trades, a.nd a continued increase in the numbers taking up agricultural and pastoral occupations.

University College 234 128 Teaching or training 20 college Clerical: Govt, or local 5 body ‘ . 29 8 Banks, insurance 50 6 Legal 30 8 Commercial Engineering, surveying 381 383 !>nd architecture Various trades and in115 0 dustries ■ ... 669 150 Shop and warehouse 628 413 Farming 1629 17 Home ... 177 2536 Other occupations 115 206 Not known 1185 1061 5247 4936