THE SCHOOL.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16424, 18 January 1919, Page 12

THE SCHOOL.

AS IT SHOULD BE.

TEACHERS' REQUIREMENTS,

General idoas as to what should constitute a properly-planned school wero discussed by the New Zealand Educational Institute at Wellington this week. Mr W. Phillips (Otago} presented the report of a sub-committeo with regard to sites and buildings, as follows :—

"Site: The minimum area of tliesito for school buildings should be five acres, and wherever possible such site should bo in the vicinity of a nublic park or recreation ground. The grounds should ho properly fenced, suitably laid out M and we'll drained. "Buildings: The buildings should bs 60 placed that direct- sunlight may enter all classrooms at some period of tho day. Tho schools should be planned by specially-qualified architects. Schoolrooms and verandahs should ho so built as to afford provision for open-air teaching when the climatic conditions permit. That a minimum of 14 square feet be' provided for oach pupil. In larger schools the kindergarten and infant departments should bo provided for in a" building and a separate playsjrounci. In the larger schools provision should bo made for an assembly room, retiring rooms for teachers, head teacher's office, and a .luncheon room. Special attention should be given to ventilation, heating, and lighting of buildings, according to situation ana locality. Rooms should be so constructed as to facilitato frequent and thorough cleaning according to the most approved hygienic methods. Lavatory accommodation should be adequate, and bo planned and provided for as to promote cieannuss and modesty. As . a general rule, separate accommodation should be provided for the-infants.' All school playgrounds should be'provided with sufficient shelter accommodation. "Furniture: All classrooms should be so furnished as to provide for the health and comfort of the occupants, and to facilitato efficient work. Single adjustable desks should be provided. _ Complete apparatus should be supplied and renewed and modernised from time to time. I>ue importance should Jbe attached to the resthetic aspect in the interior decoration of schools. All teachers' rooms ar.d the luncheon room should be completely furnished. "In conclusion, schools and surroundings should bo such as to form a centre of local Tnterest and pride, a stimulus to the aesthetic, and an inspiration to the community."

After the report had been discussed in detail it was adopted: Mr Combs moved, as an addition to the report, the following remit from Masterton: "That a glebe of from 5 to 20 acre 3, as is found be provided for teachers in country districts." "With such a provision, the mover said, a teacher would be able to give agricultural instruction in a practical way.

Mr Curteis (Taranaki) moved as an amendment: "That in general the country school area bo at least five acres and be divided into playgrounds, gardens, grounds for children's horses, and grounds to be known as the residential area, where the teacher may keep a cow or a horse if desired; that the principle be affirmed that no portion of a school glebe he allowed to be leased by the Education Board or Sphool Committee.''

On Mr Curteis agreeing make the area o to 20 acres, Mr Combs withdrew his motion in favour of the amendment, which was carried.