55

E.—2

Certificate Recommendations. —As a result of successes gained at the University and College examinations I have made the following recommendations for second-year and one-year students : Twelve students for the B certificate, and fifty-nine for the C certificate, four for credit towards C in four subjects, one for credit in three subjects, one for credit in two subjects, and two for credit in one subject. Several of those recommended for the C certificate will be entitled to promotion to Bas soon as the results of the New Zealand University examinations are available. Thus, out of seventy-nine students, only eight have failed to secure a full C certificate. Of these, four now require to pass in only one subject, and one had to leave early in 1928 on account of ill health. The results, therefore, are creditable, and are, I believe, the best for a very considerable time past. General.—The conduct of students- continues to be extremely good. Nearly every student works diligently and takes full advantage of all opportunities available for his or her improvement. Sports.—During the first and second terms every Thursday afternoon from 1 to 3 o'clock was devoted to organized games, registers being kept, and all students participating. The ladies played basketball or hockey, the majority of the men either Rugby football or hockey. During the third-term ten swimming and life-saving practices were held at the Y.M.C.A. baths. In addition to these sports, which were held regularly and provided for on the College time-table, groups of students practised tennis, boxing, fives, swimming, &c., at other times outside College hours, arranged for by themselves. College Clubs.—The Dramatic, Glee, Debating, and Art Clubs, as well as the orchestra, were continued during the past year. Of these, the Art Club met most regularly and frequently. Its meetings were held fortnightly on Friday evenings in the College, when students and others lectured and discussed phases of art, illustrating by means of the delineascope. During the year a Craft Sketching Club was inaugurated, which met on Saturdays in the art-room, where the crafts of stencil, batik, embroidery, leather-work, block-cutting, and printing were practised. In the spring this work ceased and out-of-door sketching began. Specialization. —During the past year eighteen students attended the College for a third year with a view to specializing in some department of teaching. Three specialized in science, three in art, and twelve in physical instruction. The science students received the greater part of their instruction at the University, but they also acted, in turn, as laboratory assistants to the science lecturers at the College, and had opportunities for observation and practice in teaching both in the Normal School and in Otago Boys' High School. The art students were taught partly by the College lecturer and partly by the teachers at the School of Art. They also had practice in teaching at the Normal and Associated Normal Schools. Mr. White and Miss Tuckwell were in charge of the students specializing in physical instruction, and supervised their teaching practice. After school hours the students of this group attended one or more classes at the University. In addition to this, more intensive style of specializing classes were held weekly for first- and second-year students who wished to specialize in drawing, handwork, singing, history, geography, science, agriculture, and infant-room work. Needs of the College.— Though our numbers have not increased during the past year or two, yet this system of third-year specialization makes demands on our accommodation. Some relief was obtained this year by securing rooms for drawing and handwork in the old Dental School. There is still urgent need for a couple of small class-rooms —one as a musical studio for the six students who are to specialize next year in music, and one for other third-year students who are specializing in physical instruction, science, &c. Thanhs. —In conclusion, I wish to thank all who have contributed during the past year to the success of the College. Special mention might be made of the College staff, teachers of the Normal and Associated Normal Schools, as well as several other teachers, primary and secondary, who without remuneration have willingly assisted in the practical training of students. The students' executive has been most useful in connection with sports and the social side of College life. The Education Board continues its valued encouragement, support, and assistance; and the Board's Architect, Secretary, and staff have been at all times most considerate and attentive to the needs of the College.