Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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The cricket season opened at the beginning of this term, but the use of the field for the Coronation celebrations curtailed the programme slightly. However, the 1st XI have some good matches arranged and will bring their fixtures to a grand climax with the annual match against an Old Boy ' s XI on Founder ' s Day. The Colts are very keen and have had some good prac- tice games. It is unfortunate that these promising young cricketers cannot obtain more practice, but, owing to the bumpy nature of the pitch, of the several matches arranged only two could be played. In the interests of cricket, it was decided that the rest had better be cancelled. The only ap- parent solution to this regretable circumstance is the gift of a concrete pitch by some kind benefactors. o The Debating Society Inter-school debates provided the main feature of our Easter Term programme: In February our team visited Whitney Institute, and in March we entertained a visiting team from the Bermuda High School. Feb. II, Debate with Whitney Institute on the motion, ' That Democracy has failed. Proposer: R. D. Outerbridge (W.I.) Opposer: F. G. Lines (S.G.S.). Third: T. M. Adams (S.G.S.). Fourth: R. C. Lowe (W.L). There also spoke: Mr. J. M. Rosewarne, Mr. J. H. Kerry, and H. W. Murphie. The Motion was defeated by 17 votes to 13. March II. Debate with B. H. S. on the Motion, ' That the Edticational System of Todiay is a Failure. Proposer: F. G. Lines (S.G.S.). Opposer: Miss North (B.H.S.). Third: Miss Angier (B.H.S.) Fourth: T. M. Adams (S.G.S.). 9

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on the King ' s birthday, and now we have nothing else to look forward to this term except the summer camp The Wolf Cub Pack acquitted themselves well on tho several public parades which they attended this year, their turn-out on every occasion being smart and orderly. A flag presented to the Pack by Cub Sheppard was a welcome asset. Considerable activity in test-passing has taken place during the last two terms and Cubs Motyer IV, Covel, Cox, Tovey, Petty II, Tatem III, Gibbons II, have obtained their 2nd stars. The majority of 2nd Star Cubs have worked hard for and obtained at least one Proficiency Badge, and Sixers Motyer and Critchley in particular have kept the examiners busy. There was keen rivalry among Sixes during the Easter term in the construction of dens, and much ingenuity and hard work was shown. The Grey and White Sixes have held first places in the Efficiency Competition since its initiation, and it is hoped that next term other Sixes will successfully challenge their leadership. o Sport The past football season was on the whole quite suc- cessful, the lack of suitable opposition for the 1st XI being the chief obstacle. However, several enjoyable matches were played and the House Matches always created much interest. The House Shield was won by Butterfield House during the Christmas term and by Darrell House last term. During the Easter term, the B. S. S. A. inaugurated a football league for boys under 14 years. The School entered a team which was under 13 years of age and were success- ful in gaining the excellent trophy presented by Mr. Jas. W. Frith. This team made exceedingly good progress, and won all their matches with the exception of one, which was lost by one goal. Matches were also arranged for other XI ' s and even the 7th XI had some very keen games. 8

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There also spoke: Miss Motyer, Mr. P. B. Rogers, Mr. R. E. E. Booker, and J. Anderson. The Motion was defeated by an overwhelming ma- jority. In view of the lively interest which the educational question has aroused during the past few years, and con- tinues to arouse, in these islands, a debate among some of the victims themselves is of special interest. Among the chief points brought out in debate were: — For the Motion: (1) The system of working for some examinations on a narrow syllabus tends to confine and cramp the intellect, and the methods of preparation en- courage spoon-feeding. (2) Too much stress is laid on merely mental training, while the faculty for understanding one ' s fellows, so necessary in the modern world, is neglected. (3) The purely intellectual side is over-emphasized to the exclusion of manual interests, and the value of manual work tends to become depreciated in the estimation of the young. (4) The present system segregates the social classes, so that there is little opportunity for fostering sympa- thy and understanding among them. This segre- gation leads to class prejudice and class war, while the stress laid in each national system of education on exclusive national interests leads to war among the nations. Against the Motion: (1) The curriculum tries to provide for individual requirements, granting opportunities for specialisation in the later stages. (2) In so far as is possible within the limitations im- posed by numbers the present system is experimen- tal and tries to bring out individuality. (3) Cultural accomplishments are not neglected: music, art, literature, and in most schools manual train- ing find a place. (4) Games and other group activities foster the team spirit, invaluable later on in implementing inter- national obligations. (5) The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Look at 10