Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

Page 12 text:

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

Page 11 text:

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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us, and can you for a moment doubt that edu- cation has been worth while? (This unanswerable argument was probably decisive). OFFICERS ELECTED FOR THE EASTER TERM President: Mr. J. H. Kerry. Secretary: T. M. Adams. Committee: P. G. Lines, W. R. Kempe, E. L. Gibbons, H. C. E. Masters and T. M. Adams (ex-officio. ) o Coronation Service The Coronation of H.M. King George VI was celebrated by a Service conducted by the Headmaster in the School Hall on Tuesday, May 11th. The Service opened with the singing of the Te Deum, which was followed hy the Special Prayer and Collects to be used at Westminster Abbey. The School joined in the Lord ' s Prayer, and the Lesson, taken from I Peter 2. i., was read by the Head of the School, N. H. Williams. The school sang the Hymn, 0 Worship the King , and the Service closed with the Grace. The Headmaster impressed upon us that His Majenty was the king of all his subjects irrespective of colour, race, creed— or politics. He was the live bond of Empire, and the focus of loyalty for the whole Empire. In conclusion, we sang the first and last verses of the National Anthem, and three cheers were accorded to His Majesty the King. As the boys dispersed each was given a copy of the Souvenir Book presented through the Board of Education, and a photographic button presented by the Headmaster. 11