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physique varied from class to class according to the circumstances of the case. In general, greater
improvement was found in those classes where children had been chosen on medical grounds than in
classes containing normal children only; no doubt because in the former category there was greater
room for improvement. Thus, in the Lucas-street boys' class (type B) (Deptford) everyone increased
in height and weight, the average increase in height being 1.4 inches and in weight 4 pounds, whereas
in "Latchmere" boys' class (type C) the pupils increased on an average 0.6 inches in height and only
put on an average of 5 ounces in weight during the same time.
Several of the school doctors independently report upon the marked absence of catarrhal conditions
in the children educated in the open-air compared with those remaining in the school buildings—
Wood-street (B) (held in Maryon-park)—"Eight cases of bronchial catarrh considerably
improved; nine cases of enlarged glands much reduced in size"
Farncombe-street (B) (held in Southwark-park)—"Children with inflammations, e.g.,
bronchial catarrh, nasal catarrh, etc., cleared up."
Monteith-road (G)—"Cervical glands improved, 3; tonsils improved, 1; catarrh of lung
improved, 1; otorrhoea arrested, 1."
Virginia-road (I)—"Of seven children who had bronchial catarrh in May only two so
affected in October."
Cork-street (B)—"The final examination is also characterised by the absence of catarrh."
At the "Chaucer" (I), special daily exercises in breathing and the use of the handkerchief resulted
in six mouth-breathers being cured of their habit.
No doubt the personality of the teacher has a very great effect, and where the class has the
advantage of the backing of an enthusiastic head teacher in close touch, better results may be obtained.
On the other hand, type A classes are very useful, as urgent appeals from hospitals and tuberculosis
dispensaries for open-air education for specific children can only be met, in the absence of open-air
schools in many districts, by including the children in question in the nearest playground class.
Owing to the largely increased numbers of children taking part in school journeys during the
summer of 1920 it was found impracticable to examine all the children after their return, but in every
case a medical examination of the children was arranged before departure to ensure that all were fit to
participate and especially to make certain that none were suffering from contagious, infectious, or
verminous conditions. In all, 283 school journeys were notified and 9,286 children were inspected
before their departure. To carry out this work the services of an additional full-time temporary school
doctor were necessary throughout the summer term.
In the case of 29 school journeys a medical examination was carried out of the children after their
return. These were nearly all in the South- Western Division where the total number of school journeys
was comparatively small. While the immediate result on the health of the children is uniformly good
there is no doubt also a lasting effect due to improvement in manners and personal habits arising out
of the influence of the teachers extending over the whole of the activities of the children for the period.
The following extracts of reports of the school doctors are typical:—
St. Saviour's (G) School, Red Cross-street.—A party of 20 girls spent 14 days at Seaford.
Before their departure the school doctor noted several suffering from anaemia and enlarged
glands. The school doctor reports: "The improvement in the anaemic and glandular children
was most marked and in itself was sufficient to justify any expenditure incurred."
Franciscan-road (G) School.—Twenty-five girls from this school spent the fortnight ending
19th May at Boxhill. The school doctor reported: "It is not too much to say that the change
in appearance, the general look of well-being, and the bright vivacity of the girls was most
remarkable. They had lost the tired, listless looks so noticeable at the first examination. The
result of this journey to the children is eminently satisfactory and it may be hoped that it
will be possible to extend the privilege on a much wider basis."
Lavender-hill (G) School.—Thirty girls from this school were selected for the journey.
The school doctor reports: "Several girls appear to have markedly benefited; those noted
as anaemic now look better; they are brighter and have lost their languid air."
"John Ruskin" (G) School.— Twenty-nine children who had been taken to Littlehampton
were examined after their return. It is reported: "Without exception they all were improved
in general condition and were more full of vigour and life."
Physical education.
At the commencement of the year 1920 the question of the future of physical training in the
Council's schools came under careful consideration by the Education Committee. It was reported
by the organiser that the greatest obstacle to the fullest success of the arrangements in London was the
fact that many of the teachers had not enjoyed the advantages of thorough training. Following upon
a report by Major Gem, the Council's organiser of physical education, it was decided to form a College
of Physical Education for London Teachers, at which all teachers untrained in physical exercises might
have the opportunity of attending, and at which courses in the nature of "post-graduate" work might
be held for those already trained. The establishment of this college is the outstanding feature of the year
in relation to physical training. Facilities for half-time attendance at the college were offered to
teachers in the service and were accepted by a large number. All candidates for the course have been
examined as to physical fitness by the Council's medical staff, a precaution which has proved very
necessary as many elderly teachers whose health is precarious, were desirous of taking advantage of the
facilities offered. Major Gem has reported that the work of the college has naturally monopolised
61004 L 2
School
ourneys,
1920
Establishment
of a
College of
Physical
Education