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115
end of the year 1927, ten boys and seven girls had obtained certificates of proficiency
in shorthand, and one boy and one girl certificates in typewriting. The vocational
class at Stormont House School is in needlework. Instruction is also given in
gardening and carpentry, but these do not rank as vocational subjects.
There is now definite evidence that the vocational classes are instrumental
in helping pupils to obtain situations in occupations in which they have received
training. It is reported that five boys and five girls went straight into offices from
Springwell House School, and enquiries indicate that all are doing well. Nine girls
entered the needlework trade from this school and five from Stormont House School.
With regard to the gardening classes, a full-time instructor is employed at Springwell
House School. The reports received from the medical officer of the school indicate
that while the training given is of value educationally, there is the greatest difficulty
in making use of it as a means of livelihood in London.
The following extract from a report by the medical officer of the Stormont House
School is of interest:—
"My attention has been drawn to the marked improvement in the children
after a short period at the school, more particularly to their obviously happier
mental state, but also in a lesser degree to the improvement in their general health.
I could not convince myself that this was entirely due to the change of environment,
and I therefore interviewed the parents in a number of cases in order to obtain
their views on the subject.
" As you are aware, the type of child we get at Stormont House is usually
rather backward from an educational standpoint compared with the average child
of his own age in the elementary school, due to enforced absence from school through
sickness. In the elementary school he is probably at the bottom of the class, with
the result that a sensitive child develops a sense of inferiority, becomes miserable
and unhappy, and his general health suffers in consequence. He soon begins to
dislike school and stays away on the slightest pretext, with the result that he still
further loses ground and a sort of vicious circle is set up. At Stormont House a
child meets others in the same backward state as himself, and so less attention is
drawn to him in this respect. He soon begins to regain confidence in himself, the result
being that he is happy and contented and his general health improves accordingly."
Holidays
of children it
the country
and seaside.
A census taken by the education officer gave the number of children in boys'
and girls' departments of elementary schools who were taken to the country or
seaside during the year. With the exception of those who went with their parents
or relations, the medical department was concerned with each group in various ways.