This research focussed on the development of certain aspects of teaching practice in the Transvaal in the period 1950-1963 which co-incided with the directorship of the late Dr. A.H. du P. van Wyk. It encompasses the new educational policy of which Differentiated Secondary Education forms the most important aspect in the so-called comprehensive high school. This type of school has replaced the purely academic high school, the junior high school and the school farm, of which the latter two had already failed. It provides for courses leading to University Entrance, the Secondary School Certificate and a std 8 Certificate. The factors which gave rise to this policy, its formulation and implementation are discussed on the basis of various Commissions of Enquiry during the period 1939-1955. The most important impediments to full-fledged differentiation are evinced after which the problem of failure as well as the effect of differentiation on the retentiveness of high schools are analysed. The development of primary teaching was less perceptible. The most important change boiled down to the admission of five-year olds and the transfer of Std. 6 to the high schools. Education of deviate children on the other hand, developed considerably in all its facets and extreme efforts were employed to eliminate a great backlog. An intensive study was made of the development of educational facilities such as school buildings, halls, swimming baths and libraries. The supplementary educational services of the Department of Education such as the School Medical Service, the Psychological, the Library, the Hostel and the Bus Services, etc., also received due attention. The teaching staff also was a focal point of interest. The most important development in teachers' training is discussed as well as the most significant amendments in the conditions of service for teachers. A salient point was the continual struggle which the Department waged against the lingering shortage of teachers. The research was concluded with a short review of the significance of the period and the implications for the aspects which had been discussed. / Proefskrif--PU vir CHO

This research focussed on the development of certain aspects of teaching practice in the Transvaal in the period 1950-1963 which co-incided with the directorship of the late Dr. A.H. du P. van Wyk. It encompasses the new educational policy of which Differentiated Secondary Education forms the most important aspect in the so-called comprehensive high school. This type of school has replaced the purely academic high school, the junior high school and the school farm, of which the latter two had already failed. It provides for courses leading to University Entrance, the Secondary School Certificate and a std 8 Certificate. The factors which gave rise to this policy, its formulation and implementation are discussed on the basis of various Commissions of Enquiry during the period 1939-1955. The most important impediments to full-fledged differentiation are evinced after which the problem of failure as well as the effect of differentiation on the retentiveness of high schools are analysed. The development of primary teaching was less perceptible. The most important change boiled down to the admission of five-year olds and the transfer of Std. 6 to the high schools. Education of deviate children on the other hand, developed considerably in all its facets and extreme efforts were employed to eliminate a great backlog. An intensive study was made of the development of educational facilities such as school buildings, halls, swimming baths and libraries. The supplementary educational services of the Department of Education such as the School Medical Service, the Psychological, the Library, the Hostel and the Bus Services, etc., also received due attention. The teaching staff also was a focal point of interest. The most important development in teachers' training is discussed as well as the most significant amendments in the conditions of service for teachers. A salient point was the continual struggle which the Department waged against the lingering shortage of teachers. The research was concluded with a short review of the significance of the period and the implications for the aspects which had been discussed. / Proefskrif--PU vir CHO