SCHOOL SYSTEMS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 100, 22 January 1935, Page 10

SCHOOL SYSTEMS

Teacher’s Investigation NEW LONDON STANDARDS The standards of technical education in London County Council schools, judged from their, effect in enabling pupils to develop natural ability, were commented upon yesterday by -Mr. M S. Pitkowsky, 8.A., a New Zealand teacher who. after having been "on exchange" and having taught in Loudon, returned to Wellington via Australia by the Maunganui. In London he visited 45 schools, and he has come back greatly impressed, with the value of the information lie has gathered. Tremendous emphasis was being placed on tlie technical and manual side of education in tlie London County Council schools, lie said. Pupils were not "Hogged into securing leaving certi ticates,” and actually there was nothing the equivalent of the New Zealand proficiency certificate. Another feature of those schools was tlie increasingly greater use of tlie school journey system. Pupils took a fortnight out of school time for an organised trip to tlie seaside or some other selected place. The children met most of I lie cost. Iml sometimes, in Ihe case of those with poor parents, tlie L.C.C. provided tlie funds. Snell journeys were of valuable educational benefit to tlie children. Keen attention also was paid to tlie physical development, of the children. Mr. Pitkowsky continued. Although be was an old Rugby player, lie had come away witli the belief that Association football was more suitable for primary school children. Swimming was an important part of tlie curriculum of every school; the local authorities provided tlie baths, and also the means of getting to them. Other provision was made for children of varying 'types or of different degrees of health, such as special school treatment for anaemic children. Mr. Pitkowsky came back to New Zealand through Europe and Palestine. He is n son of the late Rev 0. Pitkowsky. Jewish Rabbi at Wellington He is returning now to his former position of first assistant teacher at the Upper Hutt Public School.