Bright Lights

The most recent criticism, commonly linked with remarks about the Government's "deliberate policy of mediocrity" is that bright children are penalised. When the ratio of children going from primary to secondary schools has risen in thirty odd years from less than 20% to nearly 90%, it is obvious that the attitude of secondary schools can no longer cater exclusively for the few picked academic brains. Maybe in the re-organisation these children have lost a little—but the greatest number have gained; and they too must have benefited from the change in policy which has taken the secondary schools curriculum out of the tight harness of matriculation sterility and formalism. Parkyn's new-book "Children of High Intelligence in New Zealand" shows that constructive criticism, though rare, is at least present. It is undeniable that the Government Policy of encouraging Intermediate Schools has been of the greatest direct benefit to bright children. It does this, however, without suffering from the curse of the continental school system—a rigid class cleavage into separate schools.

This article is by no means exhaustive. The matter will he well ventilated at the debate on Friday, 10th June, when the subject will be "That education In New Zealand has deteriorated since 1835."

If you have any mutterings, don't hide them under a bushel.

E.M.G.