ON THE INFLUENCE OF BXAMINATIONS. 363 
Universities and the teaching profession—as well as that of professional 
bodies concerned. The Committee therefore suggested that the reference 
originally made to them might be extended so as to include the general 
question. The Board, after conferring with the Committee, authorised 
them to make all necessary inquiries. The Board promised to give their 
careful consideration to any scheme which might be drawn up as a result, 
only stipulating that it should be clearly understood and explained that 
they did not engage themselves to take any action, if action on their part 
was proposed, and must not be regarded as committed to an endorsement 
of any proposals made by the Committee. Although sympathising in the 
desire of the Committee to reduce the number of examinations, the Board 
were obliged to view the question not on its own merits alone, but in 
connection with the whole of their educational policy. 
‘Under the Board’s sanction the three undermentioned Conferences 
were arranged and held by the Committee during the year 1903 :— 
‘(1) Held on the 8th and 9th May with representatives of the 
following Universities :— 
‘ Birmingham University, Cambridge University, Durham University, 
London University, Oxford University, Victoria University. 
*(2) Held on the 2nd July, 1903, with representatives of the follow- 
ing associations of teachers :— 
‘Head Masters’ Conference, Association of Head Masters, Association 
of Head Mistresses. 
*(3) Held on the 4th December, 1903, with representatives of the 
following professional bodies :— 
‘Society of Accountants, Institute of Actuaries, Royal Institute of 
British Architects, Institute of Bankers, Institute of Chemistry, Institu- 
tion of Civil Engineers, Institution of Electrical Engineers, Institution 
of Mechanical Engineers, General Medical Council, Pharmaceutical 
Society. 
A representative from the War Office and one from the Civil Service 
Commission also attended this Conference. 
‘At these Conferences a provisional scheme for the institution of 
school certificate examinations, which had been drawn up by the Com- 
mittee, was used as a basis of discussion. The views expressed at the 
first Conference gave ground for making certain modifications in this 
scheme ; the modified scheme was discussed at the two last Conferences 
without alteration. 
‘Two more Conferences of a similar character were held in the early 
part of the present year. 
‘(4) On the 25th of February with representatives of the College 
of Preceptors. 
*(5) On the 25th of February with representatives of the Private 
Schools Association. 
‘The Committee have also had the advantage of hearing the evidence 
of Mr. J. Struthers, of the Scotch Education Department, who gave them 
some interesting information relating to the working of the Leaving 
Certificate system of the Department. 
