"One-To-Six" Type School Investigation

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 65, 19 August 1965, Page 1

"One-To-Six" Type School Investigation

Is the public committed to an intermediate school in Taupo," Mr R. B. Dick asked at Tuesday's meeting of the Taupo-nui-a-Tia College Board of Governors. V-

His Q/uestion sparked off an animated discussion which led the board to decide to vestiffate the advantage of a one-to-six secondary school, rather than have pupils mahe three changes in schooling.

It was the South Auckland Education Board's decision said the chairman, Mr V. - Okeby. There were, how- * ever, two schools of thought on the question. The principal, Mr F. N. Tritt, mentioned that the commission on education 1 had considered the form one-to-six system. Mr Okeby said this was a problem which would sort itself out in time. Local school committees had considered the question of an intermediate school and had been in favour of it. However, the idea of a one-to-six had not been com v sidered by the committees as far as he knew. Mr Tritt said the postprimary teachers felt that pupils wrould be better off under a form one-to-six type of school. Mr Okeby said he liked the idea, but the education board was more or less committed to an intermediate school.

Mr E. T. Vincent asked if it was the general opinion of the school staff that a form one-to-six was an advantage. That was so, said Mr Tritt. Mr R. B. Dick said he felt sometimes the authorities were not always in the right and perhaps a one-to-six was needed in Taupo. Mr Okeby said the subject was a good one for debate. Mr Tritt said he was personally of the opinion that a form one-to-six offered more advantages than an intermediate school. Mrs G. N. B. Dawson said that in England the one-to-six was commonplace. It was suggested the board write to the Education Department asking if, before a definite move was made on the intermediate school, the

merits of a form one-to-six should be considered. The Taupo School Committees Association is to be advised of the board's interest and the matter will probably be discussed by it.