THE SCHOOL SYLLABUS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1917, Page 7

THE SCHOOL SYLLABUS.

AMENDED REGULATIONS AN-

i NOUNCED.

«OME SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES.

(Special Correspondent.) ( Wellington, March 30. This week's Gazette contains amended regulations concerning the syllabus of instruction', in the primary schools of Sew Zealand. The syllabus has been receiving the attention of the Minister for Education and his officers for some time past and recently a conference of senior school inspectors was held in Wellington for its consideration. The amendments that have now been made do not represent the final revision of the syllabus, but the changes effect are important. Some minor-verbal amendments have been made in the syllabus with the object of removing uncertainties. In addition tho curriculum has been amended and modified at many points where the alterations would not interrupt the progress of the work already started in the schools. A more definite statement is made of the grammar that should be, taught in order to secure correct writing and speaking of English. 'Provision is made for instruction in correct pronunciation, particularly of the vowel forms. Some concession has been made to the girls in order that they may have adequate time to devote to needlework and domestic science. The attention of teachers is drawn specially to the necessity of making the teaching of historr and civics bear more closely upon the spirit of national and social service and the development of character. Special emphasis is laid upon the ir - portance of the teachers co-operating with the other officers in the physical instruction and medical inspection of the children. Then provision is made for a more uniform method of conducting the proficiency examination in the various districts. With regard to the inspection of schools, it is provided that the inspectors shall devote a greater proportion of their time to the smaller schools and the less experienced teachers. The inspectors are to make their first visit in the year the most important one in order that they may guide the lines of work if this, iB necessary. It is provided, in accordance with the policy recently laid down by the Minister for Education, that wherever possible each inspector is to have charge of a definite number of schools, with-which he will be more closely associated than under the old conditions. The idea is to I secure closer co-operation between Inspector and teacher. The complete revision of the syllabus is now in hand, and it is anticipated that a draft of the new syllabus will be ready abput October. It will be discussed by inspectors, teachers, and others concerned before It is finally adopted. s