SECONDARY SCHOOL SYLLABUS

Southland Times, Issue 24833, 27 August 1942, Page 3

SECONDARY SCHOOL SYLLABUS

Sir,—Some criticisms of our secondary education syllabus have recently been given much-deserved prominence. From time to time the matriculation course is subjected to criticism, and rightly so. Not only does Dr Beeby, the Director of Education, find fault with it, but each year at the break-up ceremonies rectors and principals of secondary schools criticiz® it. Now it is under discussion by the Southland High Schools’ Board. Why is it that, although these responsible people point out the weaknesses in the secondary education syllabus, no changes are made? I voice the opinion of one of many parents who have denied themselves to allow their children to have secondary education. No wonder the attendances of these schools are decreasing because

j many parents now realize, to their disgust, that the syllabus dictated by the s i University Council is out of date. The ’> staffs of the schools are not to blame, but the blame must be shouldered by the New Zealand University, which sets the syllabus and also the examinations. These exams are accepted by vari- . ous institutes as the “open sesame” to the respective professions. The matriculation examination is a fetish and is not giving results. ”” A lad desires to become an accountant. He is forced to study such subjects as French and chemistry' in order to pass matriculation—the stepping-stone to accountancy. How ridiculous to waste hours of study on subjects which are useless to him in his chosen profession! I know of instances where lads desired to become civil engineers and surveyors. They excelled in those subjects, such as mathematics and drawing, which were, essential to the professions, but because they were “duds” at languages—French and Latin—they failed on more than one attempt to pass matriculation, and at the age of 18 years were debarred from entering their chosen professions. This out-of-date system not only spoils the careers of many brilliant lads but, because the country loses their services, also results in a national loss. It- is all very well to say that a “crediting” system is being adopted. But when? In another 10 years?. I suggest that members of Parliament, principals of colleges and all responsible authorities agitate, agitate, and keep on agitating until the “Rip Van Winkles” wake up and face facts. Overhaul the whole syllabus. Teach our children subjects which will be of use to them in business and professional life. If additional subjects are required, instruct them about their bodies, diet, and so on. These are only two subjects which could take the place of French and the cramming of much of the present useless syllabus into their heads. Let us hope that the Southland High Schools’ Board sets the ball rolling and keeps kicking until a practical syllabus is adopted. PARENT.