Entrance Examinations to the Royal Military College of Australia Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 10, Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918, were enacted by the Governor-General in Council, with the intention of amending the entrance examination regulations for the Royal Military College of Australia. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the evolving nature of military threats and the necessity of updating the language requirements for prospective cadets, particularly in light of the recent global conflicts. The policy objective behind these amendments was to ensure that the candidates were proficient in languages relevant to contemporary international relations, specifically including Japanese in addition to German and French, reflecting the geopolitical context of the post-World War I era. These regulations aimed to maintain and enhance the educational standards and preparedness of the cadets by equipping them with necessary linguistic skills pertinent to their future military roles.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 10, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, pertain to the amendment of the Regulations for the Entrance Examination to the Royal Military College of Australia. These Regulations apply to individuals who seek admission to the Royal Military College of Australia, effectively targeting potential cadets. The Regulations are framed by the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby applying across the entire nation. The amendments specifically affect the languages required for the entrance examination, altering the previously stipulated German language requirements to also include Japanese. Furthermore, the Regulations detail the specific language requirements, such as focusing on conversational skills and grammar for Japanese, and include a recommended textbook for study. This legislation does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, nor does it establish specific thresholds. However, it should be noted that the application and interpretation of these Regulations may be further extended or restricted through subsequent subordinate instruments or administrative decisions.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918, as specified in Statutory Rules 1919, No. 10, detail amendments to the entrance examination for the Royal Military College of Australia. Firstly, section (1) amends paragraph 14 (i) of the 1916 Regulations by inserting "or Japanese" after "German", thus broadening the scope of languages considered in the examination. Section (2) replaces section 6 (Modern Languages) of Part II of the 1916 Regulations with new provisions that make French, German, or Japanese obligatory for candidates. Under the new rules, one language must be chosen, with a maximum of 100 marks available. For French or German, the examination includes simple translation, elementary grammar questions, simple translations into the chosen language, and a free composition task, emphasizing accuracy over extensive knowledge. For Japanese, the focus is on conversational skills and grammar, with Rose-Innes’ Conversational Japanese for Beginners recommended as a textbook. The Regulations impose specific obligations on candidates for the entrance examination to the Royal Military College of Australia. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in either French, German, or Japanese, as outlined in the amended section 6 of Part II. This includes completing a translation task, answering questions on elementary grammar, performing simple translations into the selected language, and writing a free composition. For Japanese, the focus is on conversational practice and grammatical understanding. The Regulations also mandate the use of a specified textbook for Japanese, Rose-Innes’ Conversational Japanese for Beginners, for preparation purposes. Candidates are expected to meet these language requirements as part of their application process. Failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations may result in disqualification from the entrance examination for the Royal Military College of Australia. While the text does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, it is implied that adherence to these language requirements is crucial for entry into the College. Non-compliance with these specific language and examination criteria could lead to candidates being deemed ineligible for admission. The Regulations ensure that only those who meet the stipulated language proficiency standards are considered for entry, thereby maintaining the standards and requirements set by the College.