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5. Surrey-square (G.)—(Chatham, 7 days).—Improvement in existing conditions of
anaemia was noted. A large proportion of the children selected exhibited varying degrees
of pallor, and almost without exception an improvement in colour was noted.
6. St. Saviour's (G.)—(Southend, 21 days).—All gained in weight, the amount being
kilos (nearly 13 lbs.). The children in this instance were drawn from a very poor class, with,
presumably, considerable room for improvement in this direction. Cardiac examination
showed that all had returned with the heart-muscle toned up. A case of chronic eye inflammation
was cured. All looked bright and energetic.
7. John Buskin (G.)—(Littlehampton, 14 days).—Eleven gained in weight, three lost,
and two remained stationary. In three cases of heart murmur the abnormality was found to
have disappeared at the re-examination. An improvement in the cardiac tone was noted in
four out of five cases in which it was below the average. One girl in particular, who suffered
from palpitation, had markedly benefited; two others, who exhibited evidence of cardiac
dilatation, also improved.
8. Bolingbroke-road (B.)—(Ramsgate, 7 days).—Eighteen gained in weight, three lost,
three remained stationary. A general improvement was noted.
9. St. John's (B.), Bethnal-green, N.E.—(New Forest, 14 days).—With the exception of
three, who remained stationary, all gained in weight, the average increase being 1½ kilos.
A general improvement in mental and physical energy was noted. Heart conditions were
good and the digestive system satisfactory.
Summarising the information available from these reports, it is evident that the general effects
of school journeys on the physical and mental condition of those participating are beneficial. A
large proportion of the children gain in weight, although this result by no means follows as a matter
of course. Similar proof of benefit is to be derived from the constant improvement noted with regard
to those suffering from anaemia and deficient cardiac tone. The importance of the preliminary examination
in respect of this latter class of case is very great, for if the condition be not detected at the outset
of the venture and appropriate advice given, the child may return with its symptoms aggravated instead
of ameliorated.
The cures noted in cases of chronic inflammation of the eye-lids are also important. This is a
disease often most intractable in its nature, and whilst the sufferer remains in an unsuitable environment
ointments and medicinal treatment are very slow to bring about a cure. The general improvement
in mental and physical energy, so beneficial to master and pupil alike, is an asset that cannot be rated
too highly and is one that is better sought through another medium than the doctor and the chemist.
The conclusion to be drawn from the results noted is that for the right sort of children the school
journey, with its programme planned intelligently and with due regard to physical needs and
limitations, is highly beneficial from the medical standpoint.
Reports of
organisers of
physical
training.
Physical Training.
In accordance with the suggestion contained in the report, for 1917, of the Chief Medical Officer
of the Board of Education, the Organisers of Physical Training have supplied reports upon the work
in their respective districts.
Mr. Smails points out that since 1889 the London Education Authority has possessed a staff
of organisers of physical training. In 1893, all teachers in the London service were required to obtain
Physical Education Certificate. Courses of instruction and examinations were arranged, and only
ceased when physical education became a compulsory subject in all training colleges for teachers
Lectures and "refresher" classes by the organisers are still given to secure the adoption of modern
methods. 640 teachers attended the courses of lectures for men during the year.
With regard to organised games, the School Board for London resolved, in 1888, "that the play
grounds be used for the promotion of hardy sports, and that the school organisation be used to establish
field games. Organised games came into the actual curriculum in 1906, and the Council has giver
every facility for their development.
In 1872, the London Authority urged managers " to give all reasonable encouragement to those
children who desire to bathe, and to learn how to swim." In 1890, the Education Department consented
to recognise attendance at swimming. Three school swimming baths have been provided, but
the greater part of the instruction is given at the public swimming baths. In 1893, there were 2,374
children taught to swim; in 1903, this number had increased to 15,287; and in 1914 was as high as
38,881. During the war, facilities were much curtailed, but swimming is being quickly revived, and
over 4,000 boys gained the 100 yards' certificate during the year 1918-19.
Although swimming and dancing are popular in the girls' departments, organised games have
not made that headway which is to be desired.
Remedial
exercise
claesei.
Attention has been called in previous reports to the movement for providing daily exercises
in small classes for special children who need more attention than the average child owing to tendencies
towards muscular weakness, and the development of postural deformities.
All the organisers of physical exercises devote a section of their reports to this branch of the
work which, owing to the surprisingly good results obtained, is spreading so rapidly that the call upon
the time of the school doctors is beginning to make itself seriously felt. Particularly valuable are these
classes in forming a common meeting-place for school doctor and organiser. The organisers are
unanimous in their praise of the work carried out in these classes, and the desire is expressed for a still
larger extension of them.