Refresher Course For History Teachers

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30962, 19 January 1966, Page 22

Refresher Course For History Teachers

A new history syllabus this year for fifth and sixth forms reflects the modern trend to

study history through specific topics rather than in general outline.

Ninety-seven secondaryschool history teachers 'will gather at Rang! ora High School this evening to begin a week-long refresher course on the new syllabus—the first history refresher course held in the South Island for six years. The teachers come from all over New Zealand, although most are from the south.

The inaugural address will be given by Mr J. J. Saunders, reader in history at Canterbury University, after the course has been opened by the Mayor of Rangiora (Mr L. E. Farr). Professor Angus Ross, of Otago University, will introduce discussion on the sixthform syllabus, for those preparing for university entrance.

Among topics in the syllabus are: the German problem, 1848-1871; Britain and India, 1858-1947: Britain and South Africa, 1868-1910; the partition of Africa: origins of the First World War, 18901914; Italian Fascism and German Nazism, 1922-1939.

“Teachers of fifth and sixthform history will face a challenge this year with the new syllabuses,” said Mr H. C. Evison, lecturer in history in the secondary department of Christchurch Teachers’ College, who is the course chairman. The course would be, in effect, a conference of, and discussion between, history teachers, rather than a mere refreshment of facts, he said. The course, which is residential, will have three sessions a day. The final session would be devoted to the drawing up of recommendations, Mr Evison said. •