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14
This latter improvement has also resulted in considerable
improvement with regard to changing of clothing for Physical
Training, both on the part of the teachers and children. Present
accommodation in some of the schools, however, does not permit
of extensive changing of garments, but it has been found that
where enthusiasm is present to overcome difficulties, the removal
of superfluous garments forms a fairly good substitute for
complete changing and invariably results in improvement both
in spirit and performance.
Swimming.
It is to be regretted that Swimming is still not taken
systematically as a class subject in all schools. The lack of
covered Swimming Baths in the Borough makes it impossible
for every child of suitable age to be taught swimming annually,
but many children never receive swimming lessons at all during
their school life. Until further facilities for swimming instruction
are available this gap in the physical training scheme will
remain.
It is gratifying to report that the Committee had considered
a schetne whereby two dressing-rooms were to be provided and
other improvements effected at the Mattison Road Bath. The
war prevented this scheme from being put into operation. Had
it been carried through, conditions would then have existed
whereby the water could have been used by consecutive classes
with no waste of time. The number of classes using the bath
would then have been increased by 100 per cent. It is hoped
that the Committee will be able to sanction the carrying out
of this scheme at an early date.
Some schools send classes of children to baths outside the
Borough and express appreciation of the facilities provided at
the Islington Swimming Baths, Hornsey Road, and the Wood
Green Swimming Baths, Western Boad.
It is worthy of note that a number of teachers also take
children after school hours to these baths.
Organised Games.
A beginning was made with regard to the provision of games
stores at the Playing Fields. Stores were equipped at Redston