E—2

Technical and Continuation Classes Classes approved under the regulations for manual and technical instruction are he?d not only in technical schools, but in many secondary schools (in centres where there is no day technical school), and in an increasing number of small centres particularly in the Auckland district. There are now very few continuation classes as the raising of the school-leaving age to fifteen has eliminated the need for the former compulsory classes in English and history. There are, however, examination classes in School Certificate and University Entrance subjects, as well as in subjects for preliminary and higher engineering qualifications. In small centres there are many hobby classes in woodwork and well-attended classes in dressmaking, and frequently classes in commercial subjects. In the larger centres most of the classes are technical in nature—that is, they are directly related to a trade and are designed to improve the trade knowledge and skills of those attending them. In the Auckland Education District technical classes are held in 13 post-primary schools and in 24 small centres. This latter number is larger than will be found in other districts, and is therefore not altogether typical, but it emphasizes the fact that technical education is reaqhing the smaller townships, including some that are relatively remote. At the other end of the scale the Auckland Technical School has approximately 300 technical classes spread over four evenings in two sessions each evening. This is m itself a large school, representing nearly 5,000 weekly attendances, and requiring a large and extremely varied staff. The following analysis will give some idea of the variety of classes offered : . . Classes. Art classes .. .. .. .. _ _ g Commercial classes, including accountancy . . .. 64 Homecraft classes . . .. .. J3 General technical classes covering many trades .. . 160 Other classes, mainly for public examinations .. \ . 50 Consultative Committees During 1948 there were two consultative committees on which post-primary interests were represented, and whose findings are likely to be of great interest to our schools. One committee investigated the scientific man-power resources of New Zealand. Its report, made available early in 1949, has some comments on the type of training that should be given in the schools to future scientists, and it is of particular interest to note the stress on breadth of education rather than on a narrow specialization. The other committee considered the training of professional engineers. Its report will be available in 1949.

Endorsed and Higher School Certificates The numbers of these certificates awarded in the last three years are shown in the following table :

27

1946. 1947. 1948. - Endorsed School Certificates. ! Higher School Certificates. Endorsed School Certificates. Higher School Certificates. Endorsed School Certificates. Higher School Certificates. Secondary and combined schools Technical schools District high schools .. Endowed and registered private secondary schools Correspondence School 1,550 250 131 492 12 367 34 15 87 1,638 330 142 592 19 469 31 9 132 3 1,740 359 144 472 24 547 63 1 17 125 Totals 2,435 i 503 1 2,721 644 2,739 752