JUNIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 297, 4 September 1918, Page 6

JUNIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

. LIMIT ON THIS YEAR'S CANDIDATES. There have been many instances where headmasters or mistresses of schools have allowed scholars to nominate for the Junior National Scholarship examination knowing full well that such scholars had not the slightest chance of winning through. Through laxity in that connection there have been a great many children nominated in some years who did wot reach the standard of efficiency necessary to qualify them to stand for the scholarships. For example, last year there were 3300 candidates examined, of which number only 1180, or about a third, showed that they jwssessed the necessary qualifications for the test. Tho Education Department's chief officials have considered tho matter very carefully, and lisve decided that in no case will a headmaster be allowed to nominate for a Junior National Scholarship examination more than 10 pof cent, of those in the sixth standard (average attendance) that year. That is to say, if there e.xo only fifty in the sixth, only five can he nominated, with one more for every ten scholars up to a hundred. By fixing ,tUe number of candidates down to the pick of the sixth the authorities are confident that all capable of winning a scholarship will have the chance to do so. Headmasters of schools have been instructed to that end. A Junior National Scholarship ontitles the winner to three years' freo tuition at a secondary, high, or ..technical school, with £35 a year boarding allowance '(if away from homo,), and a £5 allowance for school books. i

The junior free place examinationwas cut out altogether last year, as it was seen thai, candidates could qualify by undergoing the ordinary proficiency test.

In regard to the free place test, which is at present beginning to agitate the minds of parents with childron in the sixth standard, it should be explained that the privilege ;of free tuition in a secondary or high school is limited to those-who pass the required test, not having reached the age of 15 years on December 1 this year. This provision does not prevent scholars over 15 years of age on the date mentioned going in for a free place in a technical school. • ; .