Chronicle-1940

degree course at Cambridge has been interrupted by the outbreak of war. "No report would be complete this year without a reference to the self-sacrifice of the Staff, scholastic and domestic, who gave up a large part of their mid-winter holiday to help in the transference of the College from Kearsney to Botha's Hill. I want to express my personal appreciation of their loyalty and help." After detailing the examination results for 1938, the Headmaster said, "It is worth noting that in the seven years since the Provincial bursaries were made available for State-aided schools, on six occasions we have had a boy high enough up in the first class to win the only £50 bursary available. "One of the few regrets I have about the present buildings is that we have not been able to provide room for subjects of a non-scholastic nature, but the buildings, as planned, will ultimately allow of woodwork and other handicraft. On the scholastic side, however, boys are taking as many as fifteen different subjects for the Matriculation and School Certificate Examinations. "One change we are making is gradually to eliminate all forms below Standard V. The reasons are:— 1 . The House system does not readily adapt itself to boys of widely different ages. 2. The provision of accommodation for the necessary lady teachers would have added considerably to the cost of the present buildings. 3. The running of a preparatory school requires a separate department. 4. There is no desire to enter into competition with existing preparatory schools." After referring to the satisfactory health of the boys, the Headmaster announced the institution of an insurance scheme against accidents for all boarders. This had already saved parents about £50 in medical expenses after accidents. We had had one of our most successful years in sport. The play of the First XV was always open and attractive, and the XI was probably one of the strongest sides we have had. In athletics, three new records were established, and shooting showed steady improvement. "From time to time," continued the Headmaster,"I am asked the question; 'What is the necessity for schools such as Kearsney, when there are so many admirable Government schools in existence?' The main reason for our existence is the definite need in a world grown predominantly pagan for more institutions based on the Christian ethic, and, in our case, the Protestant interpreta tion of it. With the need always before me of developing in the growing lad a sense of the wonder, beauty and 34

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