EDUCATION FOR LIFE [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
have recently read a- small book, by the Headmaster- of Worfield School, which is situated in Shropshire, just over. the border of Staffordshire. The system adopted -there is so essentially practical, and consequently useful, that it seems worthy of study and adoption elsewhere. The book, Education for Life, does not belie its title, as the children are taught not only how to cultivate gardens, and in connexion therewith learn all the details, such as planning, experiments illus- trating fundamental • principles, and the extermination of pests; also poultry, rabbit and calf clubs are formed, and in order to give the pupils a real interest share certificates are issued to the pupils in shares at one shilling each, and this is so popular that it was over-subscribed, the • issue being one hundred shares. Apart from anything else, this class of instruction inculcates kindness to animals, which is so very. - necessary. From the financial side the profit of 116 per cent.- was shown on the first year's working of the poultry club alone, and I understand that the other clubs give excellent, profits. Bee-keeping and hand-work are also -taught ; the result of this form of education is that, the boys are well equipped for their .life's work, and the girLS are sought after for domestic situations. Worfield Scliool is. a Church of England public elementary school, and the scheme I have outlined has the support and encouragement of the Education Authorities. It is obvious that.great credit is due.to the Headmaster, Mr. A. A. Matthews, for his foresight and patie,nce, and equally clear are, the .advan- tages to the children in this form of teaching. It seems to, me that, ,nutatis mutandis, the scheme might ..with advantage be applied to town schools.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant, H. S. STAVELifx-Hti.L. 0uttmt, House, 217orhury, Stafford.
Previous page
