"MIXED" SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1500, 24 July 1912, Page 6

"MIXED" SCHOOLS.

Sir,—ln the course of tho Education Commission's sittings tlicro havo been many things worthy of note—some serious, some humorous, liny I encroach upon vour space, in order to air a difference. Mr. Hogben is great on what ho is pleased to call "co'-cducntioii," and "mixed schools." He says thoy are more "homo like"! Also, he speaks as if every school, not a mixed school, must bo either a "convent" or a "lycee." Tho mixed schools we are able to judge by ore curious anomalies. Tho boys and girls are on no account allowed to mix; they only share a desk as a punishment to one or the other. The sex line is rigidly drawn even in such primary standards as the Second—ono sex to tho 'right hand, tho other to the left. The idea soon grows up in the little minds that there is something dissraccful in being seen speaking to children of tho opposite sex, and not only this, but each in sort despises the The boys speak in most scornful and disparaging terms of "tarts." I assure you this is not a joke, but an actual fact, and can bo easily proved. Then they are often pitted against cacli other—boys excel the girls, or vice versa. This antagonism between the sexes is bad. There should bo no consciousness of sex in children of tender years, and is not if they are really allowed to learn and play "mixed." This is quite possible in a preparatory school. But I certainly think that between the apes of ten and eighteen the schools for boys and girls should be distinct, if nossible. Moreover, I venture to think that, if Mr. Hogben were to do as* he wished a lady giving evidence to agreo to, that is. givinq; the parents a choice as to mixed schools or otherwise for the children of the ages I name, we should soon havo pirls' schools for girls and .b°vs' schools for boys. Thanking you in anticipation,— . I am, etc.. ' . A WOMAN'S POINT OP VIEW.