November 2012 it. In my case, just, after two shots at it. If you were bright you could carry on for a couple more years to University level and scholarships. From Arrowtown Primary School it was reading, writing and arithmetic with english, geography and history thrown in for good measure. Then to St Andrews College — in those days very much a boy’s school. The only female teacher taught art.
The dumbing down of NZ’s population It would seem that more recent reforms to our education system is ensuring a compliant, unquestioning, uncritical brand of pupil able to fit into a submissive, flexible workforce. Such subjects as the humanities and philosophy had been wiped from secondary school subjects within the NCEA curriculum. Is the real purpose of schooling, after literacy and numeracy, to teach a habit of obedience, so that children grow into compliant adults suited to corporate capitalism? This appears to be behind the Government’s thinking with the introduction of National Standards and de facto league tables based on a very narrow set of measurements. Long time passing the equivalent high school year 12 and 13 pupils had periodic sessions of critical analysis of current affairs including in-class discussions. It has been said that the teaching of philosophy in schools would encourage
critical thinking in a wider context than just current affairs. This should have been the aim of recent administrations to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. This all beggars belief that the current administration, politicians and public servants, are frightened that encouraging the teaching of philosophy in schools would risk producing a thinking electorate. That is one that might choose governments on the policies offered rather than which party leader is more presentable on photo opportunities and has a nice smile. Critical thinking can lead to more innovative business development, and it is time the Department of Education recognised this. Which brings me back to our own system back in the late 1940s and 1950s. School Certificate was what we all aimed for — and some of us managed to pass
Like working with your hands and enjoy the outdoors?
Telford – a Division of Lincoln University offers practical training in rural business, agriculture, horticulture, equine, forestry and apiculture (beekeeping). Based 6km from Balclutha in South Otago, on a 921ha commercial farm, Telford offers handson training for students on or off campus. Full-time and correspondence courses available. Learn more
www.telford.ac.nz 0800 835 367
The only subject that had any philosophical bearing was English Literature and Scripture, which were compulsory. It was just as well as it was the only two subjects I managed to pass with flying colours. The rest I scraped through — not being particularly bright — except for maths where I still recall managing only a 19/100 exam score. I gave this subject up in the forth form and decided on the school’s agricultural course, which in those days was considered a course for country hicks. Other options were classics, commercial or science. Most bespectacled nerds chose
classics, hard headed sons of business owners and accountants chose commerce and those good at physics and chemistry disappeared into the newly built lab (1951). However compulsory subjects also included geography and history, easy subjects to get on with.
After all, this is what working on the land is all about — an occupation that requires multi skills and well thought out decisions. A considerable amount of scientific research is required and put into practice.
A farmer needs to have some veterinary skills, have business experience, be a handyman, have basic knowledge of botany and zoology and be capable of turning a hand to multiple tasks.
And it was compulsory to stay at school until reaching the age of 16. Having hit that stage I applied to join an aerial topdressing team up in Gisbourne. No way said the parents, and was forcibly given the message by then principal Les Stewart. So back to have another go at School Cert’ having made a hash of it the previous year. However the real lessons in life continue well after leaving the school gates. And it is easy to learn from hindsight, but I am confident that people earning their living off the land would be behind any moves to widen education curriculums to include subjects that teach pupils to think for themselves, to question authority and encourage innovation.
Love your chooks?
Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Septic Tanks • Silage Pits • Water Tanks / Effluent Tanks • Concrete Bunkers • Pump / Agri-Chemical / Killing Sheds For any quotes or enquiries contact us on 03 308 4816 or call into the yard at 205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald Ashburton. email: info@hanhamconcrete.co.nz
Big Flat Deck - Small Truck
But hate being tied to daily feeding? Rodents and birds eating their food?
GRANDPA’S CHOOK FEEDERS …are made to save you time and money by eliminating the need for daily feeding and stopping the significant amount of food lost to rats, mice and wild birds. This is the ideal feeder for 1-50 chooks, allowing you to enjoy the goodness of your own farm fresh eggs without attracting pests and their associated diseases. GRANDPA’S FEEDERS developed and sold in New Zealand for over 15 years have become hugely popular and are now considered standard equipment for keeping poultry.
5
Automatic chook feeder
Feeder lid opens when chook stands on platform Strongly constructed with galvanised steel Waterproof Two sizes: Large holds 18kg $250 + pp Medium holds 9kg $195 + pp
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR MONEY BACK! For happier, healthier more productive chooks contact us.
Phone: 027 276 9794 • 027 497 6021 • 07 552 5225 Email: mark@grandpasfeeders.com • Web: www.grandpasfeeders.co.nz Postal: Windsong Enterprises, 364 Whakamarama Rd, RD7 Tauranga 3179
2003 Nissan MK205
4x2, 200hp, 6 speed manual, 10,600 kg GVM Trailer towball, higher kms, straight and tidy truck. Plenty of room on this deck.
$ 20,000 + GST. Kim Harris Mobile 027 545 7973
0800 379 899
www.selectrucks.co.nz