EDUCATION AND ITS FUTURE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1453, 30 May 1912, Page 3

EDUCATION AND ITS FUTURE.

4 A MINISTER'S OPINIONS. IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL TRAINING. Some observations on the subject of education which are of interest as an indication of possible future policy, were made to a reporter yesterday by the Hon. J. A. Hanan (Minister for Education). "While tho modern idea of universal education is rapidly taking concrete form," said the Minister, "successive changes in the curriculum, in accord with the better realisation of educational improvements and methods have also been made. Avoiding learned definitions, let us say that education is a preparation for life. To begin with, our young people will ho called upon to meet growing competition; they will have a growing need of skill and intelligence to take their part in the industrial or commercial sphere, in a profession, or in the home. Without for a moment implying that tho schools should . specialise for. particular occupations, we must require'that there should be a relation between the training that is given and the occupations of the community. Hence the inclusion of the manna! training and domestic arts in the course is justified. So long as the faculties are trained on sound, scientific lines,'the subjects that are used as tho instruments of this training will be all the better if they are of a practical kind. In formulating a syllabus which.■will thus meet the necessities of the time rash experiments are to be avoided equally with inertia and stagnation. We must take care not. to overfeed. It is what is assimilated that tells, and not the quantity token in. We must, not overcrowd our programme. If we do we shall introduce the vicious element of hard pressure in our schools." The Minister went on to indicate that, in his \'\6\\; tho intellectual pabulum was not the foremost consideration in aofual practice; there wore other more fundamental requirements. "I emphasise in the first place," said Mr. Haunn. in proceeding to name branches of culture which in his view must be provided for, "the necessity of takiwr all possible means of securing phvsical health for the risins generation. If wo are to promote national vitality'and improve the physinue of our race wo must recognise more the value of outdoor exercises, fresh air ,and physical culture, combined with proper dictine; and self-con-trol. The ideal of personal development in all a-Etes has.been a sound mind and a sound body. With reenrd to the immediate responsibility of tho educational authorities in the matter of promoting health, there is something still to be done in providing schools with sanitary accommodation; in some places additional playing' areas are required, and everywhere there_ must be an efficient medical and dental inspection of school children. Simple play and physical exercises, especially in t>« '-ase of eirls. ought to receive a definitely-recognised place in the daily school routine, and instruction in physioloey and hygiene should receive more attention at the hands of teachers. A further question in this category is the instruction of boys and girls, on the threshold of their youth, in regard to habits which prove pitfalls to many. "■Physical health, the development of character, and the duties of citizenship." .concluded the Minister, "should be matters of as much practical concern in our schools as tho passing of examinations."