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in the theoretical papers alone. Other matters under consideration include the Report of the Investigators upon the Higher Examinations held in 1937, and the desirability of a general and immediate reduction in the content of School Certificate syllabuses in view of the interruptions of school work by air raids and other war conditions.

It is evident that the Joint Committee has fully maintained its value as the mouthpiece of responsible opinion in matters affecting secondary education.

Schools as Community Feeding Centres.-The Board of Education in Circular 1539 and the Scottish Education Department ask all local education authorities, as a matter of urgency, to make immediate provision of facilities in their schools for feeding the general public during special emergencies. Such provision includes the installation of cooking stoves and water-tanks. The cost will be met by the Ministry of Food. Schools may also be used as community feeding centres for the general public, but educational facilities must be maintained as fully as possible and restored where they are not in full operation. Subject to this over-riding consideration, local education authorities may assist or take charge of the organization of community feeding on behalf of the local authority, and the Circular suggests what steps might be taken.

School Examinations. We welcome the concessions which the Board of Education have announced in Memorandum No. 271 with regard to the 1941 School and Higher School Certificate examinations. The conditions under which schools will have prepared for the examinations in 1941 are in some respects worse than in the previous year. Many candidates will have spent their pre-Certificate year as well as their Certificate year under war conditions, and the great amount of time spent in shelters in some areas as a result of the intensification of air-raids will have hampered still further the work of preparation. No reduction in the syllabuses is suggested, but a wider choice of questions will be given, so that candidates who have for unavoidable causes been unable to cover the whole ground, may yet have ample opportunity of showing their proficiency. Schools are invited to submit the results of school records in respect of candidates to the examining bodies. Special attention should be given to such records at a time when abnormal circumstances may hamper or interrupt the conduct of formal written examinations. Special consideration should also be given to pupils entering for handicraft and domestic subjects from schools which have experienced certain special difficulties in providing the necessary instruction. methods for conducting the examinations in secondary and junior technical schools in 1941 will be the same as in 1940, and suggestions are made in the Memorandum for lightening the amount of work thrown upon education authorities in reception areas, whose staffs have already been depleted.

The

Formation of Air Training Corps.-Local education authorities are already aware generally of the scheme recently announced by the Air Ministry for forming Air Training Corps units for boys of 16 and upwards. The Board of Education hope that local education authorities will do all in their power to ensure the success of the scheme, and, in particular, they would draw attention to the following ways in which the help of authorities can be given, (a) by facilitating the formation of units in provided and aided secondary schools in their areas, (b) by encouraging pupils to join local units on leaving school, (c) by giving every opportunity to teachers in schools under their control to apply for commissions and to attend training courses. 75,000 boys enrolled in the Corps during the first fortnight of its existence, and A.T.C's. have already been formed at a number of our leading public schools. For full details of the scheme, application should be made to the Director of Pre-entry Training, Air Ministry, Adastral House, London, W.C. 2.

Stock-keeping in Schools. In the latest addition to The Schools in War-time" series, the Board of Education ask schools which have not hitherto kept stock of any kind to consider carefully whether it is not now possible for them to extend their activities in this direction, both to increase food production and to make the maximum use possible of canteen and kitchen waste. The pamphlet gives useful hints on the keeping of pigs, poultry, rabbits, and bees, and makes suggestions for the enlisting of expert advice.

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Regulations Issued by the Board. Regulations issued by the Board of Education in January deal with (1) expenditure on air-raid shelters for schools; these ensure that such expenditure, incurred after October 19, 1940, shall count for 100 per cent grant where the shelters are available out of school hours for the general public; (2) adult education; these enable the Board to assess grant according to the character, extent, and cost of tutorial and other classes which, owing to war conditions, do not comply with normal regulations. The minimum requirements for class attendance are also modified; (3) salary bonus; superannuation contributions must be paid on the bonus recently granted to teachers whose salary is less than £260.

Age of Admission to Training Colleges.-The Board of Education have decided, after a review of all the available facts, to prescribe 17 years of age on October 1 in the year of admission as the minimum age of admission for men students to training colleges in 1941 and until further notice. The proposal contained in Circular 1533 that the age should be 18 on December 31 in the year of admission is therefore withdrawn. The minimum age of admission for women students will, however, be as stated in Circular 1533, namely 18 on December 31 in the year of admission.

Travel and Subsistence Allowances to Teachers.Some local education authorities have experienced difficulty in transferring teachers with family responsibilities from one part of their area to another because of the difficulty and cost of obtaining fresh accommodation. Such transference is necessary in order to make the best possible use of such men teachers as remain and to avoid leaving large boys' schools with few or no men teachers. The Board of Education are accordingly prepared to recognize for grant reasonable expenditure incurred by authorities on the payment of travelling and subsistence allowances to teachers who are moved temporarily from one part to another of the area of the same authority, subject to the following conditions: (a) that the teacher is moved by the authority for reasons arising out of the war, and not at his own request nor as a result of promotion; (b) that the teacher is moved to a distance from his home too great for ordinary daily travel; (c) that the allowances compare reasonably with those payable to evacuated teachers. These arrangements are not applicable to teachers who leave the service of one authority and enter that of another.

The New Proclamation.-The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, with the authority of the Minister of Labour and National Service, has issued the following statement on the situation created in the university by the Proclamation of January 29 (1) No men to whom the Proclamation of January 29 applies will be called up before the end of March. (2) The calling up of any man already in residence who is taking a university examination in June 1941, and who will not be over the age of 20 on June 30, will be deferred until the end of his examination. (3) The arrangements under which application may be made for postponement of calling-up on the ground of exceptional hardship are to be continued. (4) Men whose calling-up has already been postponed are not affected by the Proclamation. They will not be called up until the end (Continued on page 103)

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Religious Instruction

The Bible for Youth

Edited by Rev. R. C. GILLIE, M.A., D.C.L.,
and Rev. JAMES REID, M.A.

These two books are an attempt to answer an urgent need-to enable readers of 14-18 years of age to apprehend the progressive revelation of God in the History of Israel, culminating in Jesus Christ, and to remove some of the stumbling-blocks which make the Bible difficult. The books are made up of large and carefully related selections of recognized value, and include Introductions and Notes.

Pt. I. OLD TESTAMENT. 4s. 6d. Pt. 2. NEW TESTAMENT, 3s.

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Religious Instruction

By ALFRED E. IKIN, B.Sc., LL.D.

This series is based upon forty-four years' experience of educational service and is prepared for use with the Agreed Syllabuses" of religious instruction. Thoroughly modern in approach the books deal fully with such important matters as the psychology of the child and the adolescent, changing ideas concerning God in the Bible; and supply comprehensive notes on suggested subjects for lessons.

Book 2. Pupils from 7 to 11 years of age, 2s. 6d. net
Book 3. Pupils from 12 to 18 years of age, 3s. 6d. net

The Journal of John Wesley

Abridged and Edited by NORA RATCLIFF

The complete Journals of John Wesley brought within the compass of a few hours reading. By selections from the full record of his activities the salient facts in the life and teaching of the first Methodist are graphically illustrated. 6s. net

Now distributed by Messrs. Nelson

DUCKWORTH'S

Studies in Theology

A series, written by eminent representatives of various denominations, in which the fundamentals of the Christian Religion and the Christian outlook are re-stated in the light of the latest developments in scholarship and thought.

3s. 6d. and 5s. net

General Editor: Rev. A. W. HARRISON, B.Sc., D.D.

NEW HISTORY AND SCIENCE BOOKS

PREHISTORIC

COMMUNITIES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

By V. GORDON CHILDE, D.Litt., D.Sc., F.B.A., Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Edinburgh 16 Photographs. 96 Illustrations

20s.net.

THIS BOOK, by a distinguished authority, contains the first attempt to present a comprehensive account of the development of the societies inhabiting the British Isles in prehistoric times in the light of the intensive studies of British archaeology during the past twenty years. Of vital importance to all teachers of history.

“A most able and comprehensive view of the cultural evolution of Britain up to Roman times."-TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT.

CHAMBERS'S

TECHNICAL DICTIONARY

Edited by C. F. TWENEY and

L. E. C. HUGHES, Ph.D., D.I.C., A.M.I.E.E. 968 pages. 50,000 entries.

15s. net A completely new reference book with no rival or counterpart. Written by experts, it deals with over 120 branches of scientific and technological activity. Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, and Astronomy are fully covered, as are the applied sciences, engineering in its numerous branches, radio and television, photography, and so on. The book now finds a place in the consulting library of many industrial establishments; it is equally indispensable in the scienceroom library.

LONDON

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W. & R. CHAMBERS LTD.

CLIFTON COLLEGE

BRISTOL

The following Scholarships and Exhibitions will be awarded on the results of the Examination to be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 3, 4, and 5.

I. In addition to the ten Scholarships announced for award in 1940, of the value of £100, £80, £60, and £40 a year, six new Scholarships have been founded; two of the value of £100, two of the value of £80, and two of the value of £60 a year.

2. Exhibitions of £25 a year.

3. One Scholarship for Music of the value of £70 a year, with free tuition in Music.

4. One John Percival Scholarship of the value of from £25 to £100 a year.

5. One Edgar Gollin Memorial Scholarship of the value of £25 a year, with a preference for the son of an Old Cliftonian.

6. One W. F. Phillips Scholarship of the value of £20 a year. 7. One Old Cliftonian Scholarship of the value of £35 a year

for the son of an Old Cliftonian.

8. One Preparatory School Scholarship of the value of £25 a year for a member of the Preparatory School between the ages of 13 and 14, or a boy under 14 in the Upper School who was formerly a member of the Preparatory School. Day Boys will receive two-fifths of the value of Scholarships and Exhibitions to which they are elected, with a minimum of £25 a year.

Candidates must be under 14 on June 1, 1941. Boys who are already in the School may compete.

Candidates will take the examination on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, June 3, 4, and 5.

Particulars of the place and conditions of the examination from the BURSAR, Clifton College, Bristol.

9s.

9s.

Separately, 4s. 9d. each

EDINBURGH

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

LEICESTER

SCHOLARSHIPS

The following SCHOLARSHIPS and BURSARIES tenable at the College will be offered in 1941:

9 Major Scholarships of the value of £50— £65 per annum for three years.

9 Minor Scholarships of the value of £30— £45 per annum for three years. Bursaries covering tuition fees for three years.

The examination will be held in May. Last date for entry March 31st. Particulars and entry forms on application to the Registrar.

of the period of postponement which has already been granted. (5) Freshmen, as well as other undergraduates, who are studying science, including mathematics, may apply to the Joint Recruiting Board, which may in suitable cases recommend deferment of calling-up until the end of the course of study. (6) The reservation of medical students is unaffected by the Proclamation; the extension of the reservation to all such students is being considered.

Registration of the 19's. Under present arrangements the University Joint Recruiting Boards can recommend the deferment of the calling-up of men at universities who have started a full-time course for a specialized honours degree in engineering, metallurgy, chemistry, physics, geology, the biological sciences, mathematics, or statistics or who have started a course for a pass degree in engineering or metallurgy. This arrangement will now be extended to boys in their last year at school who intend, if possible, to proceed direct from school to a university for the purpose of taking one of the courses of study set out, show promise, and are likely to complete such a course successfully. Headmasters are asked to bring this to the notice of any of their pupils who may be affected. The Board of Education have issued a memorandum of guidance to headmasters on the procedure to be adopted.

Men Teachers with Certain Specialist Qualifications.Teachers possessing qualifications in certain scientific and technical subjects have been invited to communicate with the Ministry of Labour Central Register. Men with these qualifications are urgently needed both for specialists' work in the armed Forces and for employment in war industry and in research. In order to secure that men with the appropriate qualifications are employed where they can give the most useful service, regard being had at the same time to the requirements of the schools, the Ministry of Labour and National Service, after consultation with the Service Departments, with the Board of Education, and with the Scottish Education Department, have undertaken to ascertain the present occupations and addresses of men holding university degrees in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or engineering, who since the outbreak of war have left the teaching profession either for service in the armed Forces or for civilian employment, including employment in Government departments. The Ministry are enlisting the co-operation of local education authorities and governing bodies.

Religion in the Schools. Mr. J. Chuter Ede, Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, at a meeting of the Surrey Education Committee, presented the Report of the Committee's Religious Advisory Body, of which he had been chairman since 1937. He said that their interim report had recommended a hymn-book and suggestions for school worship which had been adopted and had been warmly welcomed in the schools. They now submitted a new agreed syllabus of religious instruction for pupils with an age range from three to fifteen years. The Bishops of Southwark and Guildford had approved the syllabus for use in Church schools, and therefore it could be hoped that, for the first time in Surrey, Church and council schools would use for school worship and for Biblical teaching agreed common volumes. If those who had read the Archbishops' statement and appeal studied the syllabus in its light, they would find that by adopting the report the committee would, as far as the present law allowed, give practical effect to the suggestions put forward on behalf of the Church without in any way violating their obligations to other citizens. The syllabus aimed at making the children realize that the continuous effort of Christian endeavour is to extend on earth the Kingdom of God founded on principles of brotherhood, mercy, justice, truth, and fair dealing: that this task has always called for energy, courage, faith, and sacrifice that Christ's followers tread a narrow and difficult

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way, faithful unto death and that a living Christ is with them always, even to the end of the world. An especially valuable chapter for the senior children dealt with problems of religion and life. The last paragraph gave fitting application to the whole syllabus: "The task before individual Christians and the Christian community is to assimilate Christ's principles, and by Bible study, thought, and prayer to see how these principles apply to the life and problems of their own day, and to carry out in action what they believe to be right." Upon inspiring the individual with the courage to carry out in action what he believed to be right depended the future of every decency that distinguished the lives of free men from those of the slaves and victims of the gangsters who had seized power over most of Europe outside these islands. The advisory body reached the conclusion that, if religious instruction were to hold its proper place in the school, the book used must not be inferior in appearance to those used in secular subjects. They accordingly recommended that the school Bible should be a volume complying with that requirement.

Religious Education.-A new national movement for the furtherance of religious education forms part of a comprehensive plan which has been prepared by the National Society, as the Central Council of the Church for Religious Education. It is proposed to seek collaboration with Diocesan authorities, the Free Churches, administrators, and teachers. It is hoped to start the movement with a series of meetings in all parts of the country arranged on diocesan initiative and in this connexion the Standing Committee of the National Society has invited its vice-chairman, Canon Woodard, to give full time and attention to this educational service. Invitations may be addressed to him at Sutton Vicarage, Ely, Cambridgeshire. Canon Woodard has long experience and ripe wisdom; and his hereditary and personal devotion to the cause of education in many departments will give confidence that the movement will be vigorously initiated and led.

Growth of the Youth Movement.—Mr. J. Chuter Ede, in a recent speech delivered at the inauguration of clubs for boys and girls at Worcester Park, Surrey, said that the National Youth Committee had reviewed the results of their activities throughout the country, and were gratified at the growth of the Movement in most areas. Of the 146 authorities responsible for higher education in the country, 141 of them had set up committees and were actively engaged in providing constructive outlets for the leisure hours of boys and girls. Steps were being taken to arouse interest in the few districts in which no local committee had yet been formed. The committee had noted with pleasure the increasing co-operation between the established voluntary organizations and the local education authorities. They realized the difficulties inevitably encountered by expansion programmes in time of war, and were encouraged by the success of the persistent efforts to overcome these obstacles. They were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm aroused by schemes for Youth Service Corps of various kinds, and regarded such practical evidences of the response of youth to the calls of duty as a fulfilment of the moral and patriotic ideals which the Movement inspired. In an extension of this and similar existing work, in the increase of opportunities for recreative physical training, and in the constant watch for leaders among the young people themselves, appeared to be the most appropriate lines of advance in the immediate future. These three phases of the Movement afforded ample scope in present conditions for the employment of the leisure hours of youth, and would enable those concerned to seize many opportunities for the training of character, mind, and body. Clubs such as those he was opening brought young people together in pleasant surroundings which made co-operation easy, and would afford many chances of organizing service to meet the calls of the locality and the nation.

Cambridge Accounts. -The Cambridge University Reporter publishes the detailed accounts of the university for the year ended July 31, 1940. Receipts amounting to £268,801 include the Treasury grant of £120,100. About half the receipts are transferred to the University Education Fund and this fund receives an approximately equal amount in the form of fees. Degree fees amounting to £6,287 include 737 B.A.'s, 516 M.A.'s, and 49 Ph.D.'s. College contributions to the chest' to a net amount of £40,974 are scheduled, the largest contribution coming from Trinity College at £10,550, followed by St. John's at £7,766. The accounts as a whole show surprisingly few direct indications of war conditions, though receipts for examination and degree fees are presumably greatly reduced. The desire for economy is possibly reflected in the entry of £1 5s. 6d. received by the university for waste paper.

A University in a Prison.-The Manchester Guardian has published an interesting account of the first camp for prisoners of war in Germany to take up the question of serious and systematic study. The prisoners have instituted a university' with a regular time-table of lectures on mathematics, languages, agriculture, engineering, common law, criminal law, history, and other subjects. The educational book section of the Prisoners of War Department of the Red Cross and St. John War Organization is in regular contact with the prisoners' camp through the International Red Cross, and receives statements on the type of educational books required. A scheme of reading has been drawn up by an Oxford don for a university honours school of English. The idea is that a prisoner may be examined by a voluntary body of university teachers, who would be empowered to award a certificate or diploma to those who reached the necessary honours standard. This voluntary body in turn would hope to secure such recognition from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge as would give the diploma or certificate an official status. It is hoped to develop this scheme for other subjects. A number of advanced study books have already been sent to prison camps, and it is hoped to meet all necessary calls from prisoners.

Air-Raid Shelters in Clubs.-As a result of investigations carried out under the direction of Miss Ellen Wilkinson, M.P., Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security, arrangements have been made to provide shelter accommodation in boys' and girls' clubs throughout the country. This scheme will give a much needed stimulus to the continued activities of these clubs by providing shelters which may be used in the evenings or, if necessary, as dormitories. Local authorities are being encouraged to build such shelters in areas where dormitory shelters are being provided for the general public. The cost of constructing shelters in boys' and girls' clubs will be reimbursed by the Government. It is a condition, however, that any surplus space in the shelters shall be made available to the public in special emergency if required. Accommodation for club members will normally be reserved by ticket.

Lloyd's Register Scholarship.-The General Committee of Lloyd's Register of Shipping offer a scholarship, valued at £100 per annum and tenable for three years, to be awarded in May, 1941, on the results of a competitive examination to be held by The Institute of Marine Engineers. The scholarship is intended to assist marine engineering students to take a university course in engineering subjects. The age limit is 18 years to 23 years. The closing date for entries is April 8, 1941. Further particulars and entrance forms may be obtained on application to the Secretary, The Institute of Marine Engineers, 73 Amersham Road, High Wycombe, Bucks.

Travelling Library in London. The first travelling library to be established in London, a large motor-van carrying 2,000 books, was given a send-off from St. Pancras Town Hall on February 8 by the Mayor, Alderman E. Evans.

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