ABSTRACT
There has been considerable controversy in the past as to the age at which a spatial or practical ability factor can be recognized. Some Local Authorities therefore augment the customary battery of tests of verbal intelligence, English and Arithmetic by one of the spatial tests issued by Moray House or the National Foundation. Educational psychologists have also tried to assess children's interests at this stage, as a means to more objective differentiation of suitability. Peel and Lambert have constructed an interest test of the information type which contrasts 'practical' and 'academic' interests. A recurrent theme in criticisms of selection is that the intelligence and objective attainments tests give an advantage to the 'slick and superficiar child. The child, and sometimes his parents, may be interviewed by the grammar-school head, or by a small panel of teachers. Thus, there is a strong case for further experimentation along a number of lines, with good prospects of improving on the inflexible selection.
