View report page

41
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ORGANISERS OF PHYSICAL
EDUCATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1943.*
During the year under review the work of the Organisers has heen
concerned chiefly in following up and developing the experiments
undertaken during 1942. War-time conditions have made it difficult to
establish new methods and new schemes on extensive lines. The
Organisers consider that probably the most important part of their
work has been in assisting teachers to modify and adapt their work to
suit the present staffing arrangements and war-time conditions. This
work has, of necessity, been carried out in the schools individually and
has most frequently taken the form of demonstrations given to one
or more teachers with a complete class or a specially selected group of
children. This type of work has been carried on both inside and
outside the normal school hours.
Although this individual approach is most valuable at the present
time, and is much appreciated in the schools, it is evident that it is a
slower method and less comprehensive than the peace-time procedure
of conducting courses for large groups of teachers concerned with a
particular age group or a specific branch of the subject, e.g., organised
games for Junior Boys.
In spite of the many difficulties, of which not the least is the
shortage of shoes, suitable clothing and apparatus, it is gratifying to
report that in some cases there is an obvious improvement in the
standard attained.
In both the Senior Boys' and Girls' Departments more advanced
and intensive work with apparatus is being attempted.
Dancing.
A scheme of Dancing was issued to the schools following two
courses conducted for Teachers. It is hoped that this will result in
dancing lessons being included more regularly in the school curriculum.
Playing Fields.
The increased demand for the use of Playing Fields by both
Schools and Youth Organisations has continued. This extensive use
of the pitches on every week day, including Saturday, gives little
opportunity for recovery from the excessive wear and tear to which
they are subjected. The size and shape of the fields prohibits fullsized
pitches being marked out, and also prevents the position of
pitches being varied to rest the ground.
The additional area secured by the Committee at the Crouch End
Playing Fields is now in use. Work is proceeding in the preparation
of the extension to the Newlands Playing Field.
There is still a need for more and larger playing fields and parks
in order to cater adequately for all school-children and for all adults
who wish to participate in outdoor physical activities. It is hoped,
therefore, that in planning for post-war Educational Reconstruction in
Hornsey the Committee will give consideration to the provision of
additional open spaces for recreation and games, for it is evident that
sufficient acreage is not available at the present time.
* Note.—The Annual Report of the Organisers of Physical Education is
appended to the Annual Report of the School Medical Officer at the request of
the Minister of Education.