SCHOOL CURRICULA
Snt,—I am in full agreement with the Headmaster of Middlesbrough High School in his insistence on the value of the discipline of languages and mathematics for those pupils in grammar schools who will ultimately proceed via the sixth form to a university. But I venture to doubt if it is the best curriculum for the majority of grammar-school pupils, and am convinced that it is unsuitable for those primary-school pupils whose life will be spent in farm and factory. Does Mr. Fletcher suggest that subjects such as physical training, art, handwork, dramatic work and nature study, subjects which are given increasing attention in the primary school, are " superficial " subjects, involving " no difficulty "? Primary- school teachers are alive to the danger that their curriculum may be fettered by the needs of the grammar school, and they may have to neglect the interests of the majority of their pupils foe the sake of that minute section who will one day enter a university.—Yours faithfully,
Mouisfont C. of E. School, Hampshire. H. R. EXELBY.
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