INFORMATIVE CONTENT OF EDUCATION 357 



subject. One correspondent stated that only one-sixth of that amount 

 was given, while another allocated one hour. It appears obvious that if the 

 whole of the work indicated in Mr. Wells's proposals is to be taken — 

 certainly if it is to be taken thoroughly — a longer time is necessary. Thus 

 the reply from Kesteven stated that it is desirable that the whole suggested 

 scheme should be taken, but that only 2 hours 10 minutes are available for 

 both History and Geography. On the other hand, the Cannock head 

 master thought the following parts are superfluous for junior children : 

 ' The Developing Roles of Priest, King, Farmer, Warrior ' ; the ' Rise of the 

 Semitic-speaking People ' ; and the ' Rise and Growth of Islam.' 



Geography. 



As will also be observed from the replies referring to the other grades, 

 the work actually taken in this subject most nearly approximates to that 

 suggested in Mr. Wells's curriculum. In every case except one the replies 

 stated that all contained in Mr. Wells's outline is taken ; and the exception 

 simply stated that no Geology is taken. Here, too, the time devoted to the 

 subject, when reference is made thereto, approximates to that allocated 

 by Mr. Wells. 



Science. 



(a) Botany. — In Science, however, the scope of the work attempted in the 

 schools falls far short of what Mr. Wells regards as necessary. Biology is 

 seldom taken, and even when taken it is not on the lines indicated. The 

 only two replies giving any information in relation to this subject stated, 

 one, that ' Succession of Living Things in Time ' is taken, and the other, 

 that Zoology and Botany are taught in reference only to creatures and 

 plants familiar to children. 



(b) Science of Inanimate Matter likewise receives somewhat scant atten- 

 tion. ' Very simple principles ' are taught in one of the schools from 

 which information was received ; Physics and Chemistry are taught in 

 another, but not on the lines indicated ; and ' Elementary History of Inven- 

 tion and Discovery ' is taken in a third. But in the other replies either no 

 mention was made or else it was stated that no part of the syllabus is 

 attempted. 



(c) Physiology. — Slightly more attention is given to Physiology. ' The 

 Working of our Bodies ' is taught at one school ; ' Some Reproduction of 

 Plant and Animal Life from Direct Observation ' in another. Elementary 

 Hygiene was mentioned in yet another reply, and this is possibly included 

 more commonly in the curriculum of junior schools in connection with 

 ' Health Talks,' a universal feature of school work. 



The whole of the Science teaching was said in two replies to be given 

 in the form of ' Nature Study.' How much of what is included in Mr. 

 Wells's proposals is taken in this work was not indicated. 



Observations on the Proposed Curriculum. 



Few suggestions were made as to the inclusion of those parts of the 

 curriculum at present omitted Only two correspondents indicated that 

 they would like to include other sections of the work ; one wished to include 

 all the parts of the History and Geography, the ' Elementary History of 

 Invention and Discovery,' and ' The Working of our Bodies,' but said 

 that inadequate time and the necessary grouping of classes made that im- 



