Teaching the Teacher

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 309, 21 March 1928, Page 8

Teaching the Teacher

MODEL SCHOOLS AT EPSOM Backblocks Classes in the City TWO model schools now under construction at Kowliai Terrace, Epsom, represent a further expansion of the Educational group surrounding the Teachers’ Training College, and add to the academic facilities of the city. The two new buildings, standing side hv side on the edge of what was formerly the Eden and Epsom reserve, will house one of the special classes hitherto taught in somewhat inconvenient circumstances under the grandstands at Eden Park.

TN the heart of Auckland city there have for some time past been conducted sole-charge and two-teaclier schools of the type so common in the country districts. In departmental classification the sole-charge school is known as model I. that with two teachers as model 11. The typical model I. school might he located in the remote backcountry, and attended largely by farmers’ children, riding many miles on horseback to attend their classes. With only one teacher to instruct them, they are grouped in one room, primer 1., primer 11., and so through

the scale to Standard VI,, and under these conditions the teacher faces difficulties radically different from those encountered in city schools, where there is usually one teacher or more to a class. Conditions in the model 11. schools are not quite so exacting. One teacher takes children as far advanced as standard 11., and the other those above it. Both these types of school would b« new to many of the newly-qualified teachers sent out to staff them, andwould present fresh and perplexing problems, were there not an arrangement by which model schools are established in the city. SELF-RELIANCE DEVELOPED It might be thought that parents would object to the transfer of their offspring to schools which are no more than replicas of the tiny institutions of the backblocks. But on the contrary they'.prefer it, and there is wis-

dom in their preference. It has been shown repeatedly that in the smaller schools, where the teacher has more than one class to attend to, the children develop self-reliance a great deal more readily, and learn to find the paths of wisdom and knowledge for themselves. Even when these group schools were first established, several years ago in the old Normal School (of the work of which the general public has even now not a very clear perception) there was no difficulty in finding children for submission to the experiment, and today their reputation is such that disinterested school teachers are making tribute to their work, while one dominie enters his two boys upon the roll —a handsome testimonial, indeed. At the Normal School at Epsom there are special facilities for the training of student-teachers, as well as school children, and the institution is furnished with a special tutorial staff which, in view of its wider responsibilities, is paid according to a more generous scale. There is a criticism room, where groups of students may watch lessons in progress, and there are arrangements by which students may take practice lessons, and learn the baffling ways of youth. With the approaching completion of the two new model schools at Kowhai Terrace, classes formerly conducted at Eden Park, Wellesley Street and Richmond Road, are preparing to occupy the buildings. There will, altogether, be about 140 children in the two buildings, and they will work under ideal conditions. MODERN CLASSROOMS Backblocks children will have cause to feel thrice blessed if the Kowhai Schools are a reliable indication of future building standards. The twin buildings, each with three classrooms, are of the most modern and approved style, with wide, spacious, airy windows (of special glass designed to admit every stimulating violet ray). Heart timber has been used throughout, and the pipes and spoutings are of copper. Each room will have its stove, and comfort, as well as efficiency, has everywhere been studied.

The cost of the two buildings will be over £3,500, and their up-to-date plan is only consistent with the advanced principles built into the Normal School and Training College. Unfortunately, since the Education Department is ruled by a rigid rod of economy, the latter building is not completed. The great swing-doors of its hall open on to emptiness, for there is yet no halL The grounds reflect the same spirit of parsimony, and the improvements have been effected by the staff and students. The redemption of the barren scoria is a difficult task; but it ■is in such soil, perhaps, that the flower of education blooms ultimately at its best.