370 



REPORT — 1892. 



It will be remarked tliat the growth in the study of Algebra has con- 

 tinned ; that of Mensuration greatly exceeds that of Euclid and Men- 

 suration together in recent years ; while the increase is very striking in 

 the case of Mechanics and Domestic Economy. The study of Animal 

 Physiology has lost ground somewhat, and that of Botany has gained. 

 In Physical Science the recent increase in Chemistry has not been main- 

 tained, nor that of Sound, Light, and Heat ; while Magnetism and 

 Electricity are fast regaining their early popularity. It will be seen that 

 the gross number of passes has largely increased. The returns do not 

 now give the actual number of children examined in Standards V., VI., 

 and VII., but it is possible to arrive at a very close approximation, viz., 

 497,300. Adopting this figure, we are able to add this year's percentage 

 of the number of passes in these specific subjects, as compared with the 

 number of children qualified to take them, to the returns given in former 

 reports. 



In 1882-3 . 

 „ 1883-4 . 

 „ 1884-5 . 

 „ 1885-6 . 

 „ 1886-7 . 

 „ 1887-8 . 

 „ 1888-9 . 

 „ 1889-90 

 „ 1890-91 



This shows that the proportion, which decreased rapidly from 1882 to 

 1888, is now somewhat rapidly improving. 



The chauges in the Code this year have hot been numerous ; but two 

 or three of them affect the teaching of Science. There is a small change 

 ia Alternative Course I. of Schedule II. (lessons on common things) ; the 

 subjects for the Seventh Standard now read, ' Familiar Illustrations of 

 Applied Science ; e.g., the dwelling ; fabrics and clothing ; food ; warming ; 

 lighting, &c.,' instead of ' Other Simple Physical Laws, such as those of 

 light, heat, &c.' 



Horticulture has been added to the list of specific subjects ; and in 

 Schedule IV. there are definite courses of instruction laid down, both for 

 this subject and Navigation. The first stage of Horticuitiire is decidedly 

 of a scientific character, as will be seen in the Appendix. The second 

 and third stages are almost purely practical. All three stages of Naviga- 

 tion are also given in the Appendix, as they are all of a scientific 

 character. 



There is an alteration in the mode of calculating the grant for specific 

 subjects. Hitlierto 4s. has been paid for each pass ; in future the pay- 

 ment will be ' 2s., or 3s. for each scholar presented in any specific subject. 

 The Department shall decide which, if either, of these sums shall be paid 

 after considering the report and recommendation of the Inspector.' As 

 this will probably involve a slight reduction in the total amount of the 

 grant, there may be less incentive to take a scientific specific subject, but 

 that may not be without compensating advantages. The distinction 

 between the 2s. and 3s. grant will direct attention to the necessity of good 

 teaching ; and many managers may be disposed to drop the more 

 specialised scientific teaching to the higher Standards under Schedule IV. 



