School regulations upgraded

NEW regulations have been gazetted ‘‘for the organisation, examination, and inspection of public school and syllabus of instruction.’’ The pupils of every public school are to be divided into four divisions — preparatory division, junior division, middle division, and senior division. The preparatory division is to consist of children who have been under instruction for less than two years; junior division for two years and not more than four years; middle division for four years and not more than six

years; senior division for six years or more. The time spent in the senior division will for the average boy or girl be two years. The classification of a school is to be made at the discretion of the head teacher, who may arrange his pupils in different classes for different subjects according to ability and proficiency. Pupils shall for all purposes of record, but not necessarily of teaching, be classified according to their capacity and attainment in English. The teacher must hold periodical examinations of the classes and the annual examination, which must be held in November or December, and the regulations prescribe the maximum number of marks to be gained by the pupils in the several subjects. The subjects of instruction in the various classes will be grouped under the general headings of: English — which will include oral expression and written expression; the former covering speechtraining, reading, recitation,

and singing, and the latter writing, spelling, composition, and grammar. ‘‘Graphic’’ expression — including drawing and handwork; Arithmetic; Man and Nature including naturestudy, geography, elementary science, and home science; Man and Society — including history, civics, and moral instruction; Physical training — including physical exercises, swimming, and lessons on hygiene and health.