OVERPRESSURE IN HIGH SCHOOLS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2775, 19 May 1916, Page 6

OVERPRESSURE IN HIGH SCHOOLS

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ANSWERED. : A remit addressed by the University Semite to the Secondary Schools Confer-, ence, and read ,at yesterday's sitting, covered a general resume of the replies by the principals of the various sciiools to the following three questions:— <(a) What is the general effect of the scholarship examination on the work of your school? (b) Is the present standard too high? (c) Is thero overpressure? Tho answer received to question (a) was to the effect that the examination had little, if .' any, effect in the school work. Two- headmasters thought its influence hurtful, but tho great majority of teachers regarded t : ho scholarship examination as .helpful. It acts as a stimulus iand sets a standard for the school.' Question (b) was answered as follows :— With almost one voice 'the teachers declared that the present standard is not too high. At tho same time a good many report that the examiners expect too much from candidates. This applies especially to English. ' - On the third question the .largo majority of schools reported that'there was. no evidence of overpressure. On tho other hand three headmasters bear witness to the existence of this evil, and the professorial boards of Canterbury and Victoria Colleges. agree with them in ..this judgment. " The answers from the girls' schools so nearly agreed with those received from the boys' schools that it seemed unnecessary to report on tliem separately. Tho' effect of tho examination ,on the schools is accepted as good and the standard is not regarded as too high. Without exception, the answers to question (c) declare that there is no evidence of overpressure. Teachers, however, reoognise that there is greater risk of overpressure in the ease of girls than of boys. This they say is safeguarded by wise teachers. Where the dauber appears it is for the most part, due to the ambition of pupils or of parents, which cannot bo controlled "by regulations.