18 FEBRUARY 1944, Page 13

A PARENT'S EXPERIMENT

SIR,—The letter from "Officer's Wife" in Your last issue discusses a dilemma which has probably confronted many parents during the past

four years, but she and her husband deserve every credit for their liberal- minded attitude. I advise them to go forward with their plan, if only for a short period of two or three 'years, and I venture to prophesy they Will derive benefit as well as the children. This has been our experience as a result of a similar decision my wife and I made four years ago in respect of our two boys, that they should attend an urban Elementary School from about the age of eight.

The eldest boy Made good progress at his private school, but lacked confidence. He acquired confidence and made excellent Progress in all subjects. He• also acquired an accent and a vigour of expression which had to be corrected. After three years he secured a "special place"

scholarship (fee-paying) for the local Grammar School, one year earlier than the average.

The second boy made poor headway at his private school and was scarcely able to read after two years there, but this was changed com- pletely within about six months after starting at the Elementary School. We have had rather less trouble with accent and habits in his case. The standard of teaching, in spite of enormous classes, seems to be high. The hygienic conditions are good and all equipment is designed for its purpose and is excellent.

Lastly I have acquired a great respect for, and admiration of, the school staff, who are performing wonders under most difficult conditions. The schoolmaster has organising ability which would be an asset to any business.

Strangely enough the only comment I have heard from my friends is in praise of the idea, except those who incline to the Left, and I observe that for the most part the more socialistic they are, the more they incline

to send their children to private schools!—Yours, &c., LIBERAL Stn,—An "Officer's Wife" need have no anxieties about her children if she is satisfied about the head teacher. Whether it be an elementary, a secondary, a "prep," or a public school, it is the Head who matters. As far as the educational grounding is concerned, our elementary schools are second to none. Add to this the right type of Head and there you have the finest educational environment for anyone's child. We have many " Arnolds " (male and female) tucked away in our schools. I have seen and met many.—Yours, &c., C. R. PURSER. Gloucester.