London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bexley 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bexley]
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Swimming.
The continued co-operation of the Baths Department
is greatly appreciated. Facilities at the baths at Plumstead,
Eltham and Danson Park are now used to their fullest extent
and requests for accommodation have always been granted
whenever possible
Provision was made for a session of ten weeks duration during the Summer Term, but inclement weather reduced rather seriously the teaching value of some of these swimming periods in the open air.
| Schools. | Attendances. | No. of Children. |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Secondary | 14 classes of 25-30 children each week | approx. 350 per week. |
| 11 Primary | 27 classes of 30-35 children each week | approx. 900 per week. |
| Total | 1,250 per week. | |
The number of Swimming Certificates issued to the
pupils in Primary and Secondary Schools in the Borough
during 1954 for distances between 25 yards and one mile
was 398.
Arrangements were made for classes from one secondary
school and one primary school to attend the Baths at the
beginning of 1954 and classes were sent from two Primary
schools during the Autumn Term. This extension of the
Swimming Season enabled indoor facilities to be enjoyed by
schools whose normal programme has previously been
chequered by the problems connected with an open air swimming
bath; any future expansion in this sphere must depend
upon a relaxation in the present financial restrictions.
Further Training of Teachers.
The further training of teachers has continued steadily
throughout the year, providing a wide choice of subjects to
cover the many aspects of modern Physical Education.
Opportunities to attend the following Courses have been
available to teachers: —
(1) Basket Ball Course for men teachers. Held on seven
evenings during the Autumn Term.
(2) Athletics Course for teachers in Secondary Schools.
Held on five evenings during the Autumn Term.
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