§ 18. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the final examination for acting teachers held in November and December last was set with questions more difficult and searching than formerly, and that complaints have been made that it was an impossible test for young women up to the age of twenty-five at present engaged in teaching; and whether he will explain why the examination papers were set on these lines?
Mr. PEASEThe Board have no reason to think that the questions set at the final examination for acting teachers in November and December last were more difficult and searching than those set in recent years, with the possible exception of the mathematical questions. The Board are considering whether it would be proper for them to make any allowance on this ground before the results of the examination are finally decided. No such complaints as are suggested in the question have been received by the Board.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the educational papers have all made great complaints with a practically unanimous voice against the difficulties of this examination?
§ Sir J. D. REESCannot the Board arrange that the examination papers shall not be more difficult than is desired by examinees?
Mr. PEASEIt would be impossible to secure uniformity in regard to the character 252 of the papers year after year, but so far as is possible we will take into account any matters of this kind before finally deciding.