STATE SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS.

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2906, 19 October 1916, Page 3

STATE SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS.

NEW regulations under CRITICISM. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, October 18. Chief-Inspector Richardson informed tho Otego Education Board to-day that the_ object of the new regulations governing th© proficiency of competency certificates was to secure a higher standard, particularly in English, and to ensure 'better qualifications for free places. The inspectors had been working under tho new regulations since October 5, 'and had found no variation ill results to indicate' any ground for complaint about the . severity of the regulations.

A deputation from tho Headmasters' Association waited on the board,' protesting against the regulations being introduced at this time of tho year. It was pointed out that scmo schools had been examined under the old regulations, and it was considered to bo unfair that those who had not been examined should come under stiffer regulations. The competency certificate, which' hitherto had been regarded as a brandl of failure, was now nearly up to the standard of the old proficiency certificate. ' It was also reported that not moro than 60 per cent, of the candidates should be allowed to gain proficiency certificates. This would convert the proficiency examination into a competitive examination, and debar a proportion of children from obtaining a certificate even if they earned it. Another 10 per cent, fitted t3io candidate' for secondary education. The proficiency certificate was tho best claim tliaS a boy had to secure an appointment in busiuess, and girls could not get in as nurses without it. The board decided to consider the matter to-morrow.