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10
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Wireless Operation :—It probable that this course could best be given under the supervision of the Chief Electrical Engineer. The plant is expensive and I can find no guarantee that, over a period of years, a demand for trained operators sufficient to justify the capital outlay would exist. There would not seem to he, at present, any justification for including an expensive wireless specialist on the staff.
Architecture-It has been suggested that, on completion of the normal build- ing course, certain students-probably the sons of Building Contractors, etc.-will desire to take an advanced course including elementary architecture. Such a course would certainly involve at least one graduate lecturer, and would be much more of a professional than a trade course. It would involve little expenditure on equip- ment and in some ways is worth consideration.
CK
Any professional course should, however, be practically self supporting, and it would seem that a fee of $20-$30 per month would be chargeable in this
case.
Junior (Building) Course :-It has been suggested that a two years' Junior Course, which would be a much simplified version of the present Junior Course, should be provided for slightly educated boys wishing to enter the Building Trades. That the course would have considerable value is not open to doubt, and the provision of such a course should be considered when the time comes to rebuild the old portion of the present Junior Technical School.
(7) CAPACITY OF VARIOUS COURSES.
Provision is made for the accommodation of numbers of students as stated below
in the various courses.
Senior Courses :-Duration-3 years.
Marine Engineering
20 per year.
Total...... 60
Building
.40 per year.
.120
**
Automobile Repair
40 per year.
.120
Total Senior Courses
300
Part Time (Lecture) Courses :—Duration-3 years.
Electrical Engineering
Building Construction
20 per year. 20 per year.
Total...... 60
GO
30
150
Dockyard Apprentice's Course...10 per year.
(8) THE
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"TECHNICAL INSTITUTE "
The use of the title "Technical Institute" to describe the varied evening courses held by the Education Department, is extremely awkward when a system of actual Technical Education is being evolved. Much confusion and explanation would be saved if the title "Technical Institute could be changed, especially as all the really "Technical" courses will be absorbed in the new system.
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Provided due allowance is made for the special conditions under which the proposed Part Time Trade and Lecture courses are run, there would not appear to be any need to disturb the organisation of the "Technical Institute." Assuming that this title is replaced by some such title as Evening Continuation Classes suggested that the classes be divided into two groups under their Director as follows:
Director of Evening Continuation Classes.
General Group.
English.
French.
Book Keeping, etc.
it is
Technical Group.
Part Time (Trade) Courses.
Part Time (Lecture) Courses.
The Principal, Trade and Technical Schools, would act as Supervisor for the Technical Group, and carry out the work of organisation, while fees and emoluments would pass to the Director as at present.
(9) MANUAL TRAINING IN DISTRICT SCHOOLS.
In pursuance of the Report on Practical Technical Education, with reference to the introduction of some form of manual training in the English Schools, it must be remembered that the object of such training is entirely different from that of a similar course in a Trade School. At an English School no attempt should be made to teach a trade with the idea that the student will eventually earn his living at that trade. The training is intended to promote careful working, power of observa- tion, and accuracy of hand and eye: skill in the use of tools follows these as a natural sequence.
It is felt that a course in simple joinery is best adapted to these ends, and that, as far as is consistent with accurate work and general convenience, the Chinese type of tools should be used.
The question of Instructional Staff is dealt with under that heading.
It is understood that certain schools possess a room suitable for use as a Joiner's Shop. A survey should be made of existing accommodation and, when instructors become available, a start should be made in those schools where accommodation already exists.
Total
Part Time (Trade) Course :-Duration---2
Each Course
years.
..15 per year.
If four courses run each year,
Total numbers
120
Minor Courses-No estimate of number is possible. Junior Courses :—Average Duration—3 years.
Pre-apprenticeship (Engineering)40 per year, total
(10) THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH.
140
The question of whether Egnlish should be taught in the various Technical Schools, and if so, to what extent, is a problem which can only be solved as development of the various courses proceeds.
the
It is suggested that one period of two hours per week is enough for a student at an English School to spend in the Joiner's Shop.
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