Strain of School Examination

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7285, 12 October 1933, Page 3

Strain of School Examination

OUTLOOK OF YOUTH RESTRICTED. VISION RESTRICTED BY CURRICULUM. "It is at this time of the year specially that the strain of the examination begins to be felt, and tho narrow outlook, bounded as it is by tho examination prescription, is manifested in its worst form,” said the principal (Mr. L. J. Wild) of the Feiiding Agricultural High School, in the course of his report to the monthly meeting of the Board of Managers last evening. Apropos the unusually large number of students taking the entrance examination.

“The natural curiosity of youth,” he continued, ‘‘and its interest in everyday concerns is restricted am} confined. Tho Conquest of Britain by Julius Caesar, 2000 years ago which is in the Syllabus, is of greater interest than the conquest of Alanchuria by Japan a year ago, which is not in the Syllabus. So also, what Cicero thought and wrote in Italy in a language long since dead is of more importance than what Alussolini is saying to-day in the samo country. Hypothetical questions about hypothetical stocks and shares yielding entirely hypothetical rates of interest arc regarded as of greater importance than tho food production of New Zealand in relation to the markets of the world, the fluctuation of prices and the quota system. ‘‘l do not, of course, blame the pupils; nor even the parents; both arc victims of a pernicious system that permits our schools to be dominated, indirectly, by the professors of tho University whose vision, is limited by a specialised and academic training and experience.

“To offset in some degree the blighting influence of the external examination I am always glad to have lectures on subjects of interest by visitors who bring us into touch with, the realities of tho modern world. During the current, term we have enjoyed addresses from the following: Air. J. Sugden, B.A. (‘‘Sidelights on Cambridge University), Air. O. C. Afazengarb, ALA., L.L.AI. (‘'Public Speaking”), Air. J. A. Brailsford (‘‘Sir Trilby King”). Mr. -J. S. Tingey was happy to note that the principal had drawn attention to tho “Topsy Turvy clan” in our education system and its relation to tho education of present day youth. He agreed that a great deal of the time of our youth was wasted on instruction in questions- of no benefit to them and he commended Air. Wild for again directing attention to this important matter.

Members of the board concurred in the views of Mr. Wild.