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Mornings were given over to these and kindred subjects, while the afternoons
were spent in manual work, gardening, and handwork.
Gardening was the favourite with the boys, and a large plot was cleared of
thistles and weeds. Plots were formed, and the children formed little gangs under
their own chosen leaders, and keen competition was shown in digging and trenching.
Weather observations formed a special feature of the work. A sunshine recorder
was made with a globe of water—a barometer with another bottle of water. Sundial,
rain, direction of wind, appearance of sky, etc., were noted and records kept
by children, who were changed weekly. These daily records were compared with
official newspaper readings.
Breathing exercises were taken at regular intervals, while singing and singing
games formed part of every morning's work.
A certain amount of laxity was allowed in regard to the working of the time
table, an occasional game, song or march obviating all danger of chill, while the
passing of aeroplanes, flights of birds, and later, showers of leaves, gave additional
stimuli to the interest of the children.
Effect on children.—At the start the children were inclined to be listless. Their
entrance examination showed very poor results, and in many ways they were
extremely weak.
A great improvement in energy, vitality and powers of observation is now seen
in every child, and it has been difficult in some cases to restrain the children's
activities.
The results of the October examination, though not up to a desired standard
yet show an increased mental improvement. The children now are bright, eager
and alert.
Attendance.—The attendance throughout the period has been extremely good.
The children have been regular and the average weekly percentage of attendance,
15th May to 30th October, has been 90.1.
(c) Report by school doctor.—-The class consisted of 30 of the youngest boys in
the school, all but two being between 8 and 10 years of age. The class started on
12th May and ended on 30th October, the boys being out on 71 days.
With three exceptions the boys were all suffering from anaemia, malnutrition
or enlarged glands, in many cases from all three conditions.
The three exceptions were one of fibrosis of lung, an old empyema and an old
rickets with doubtful lung condition, these three all improved considerably in
general condition.
Great improvement was noted in all but three, both in physical condition and
most markedly in the general increase in vivacity and mental alertness, and browning
was most satisfactory.
The three exceptions were boys with all three defects—anæmia, malnutrition
and enlarged glands, they browned very slightly, and although two of them improved
in colour there was little or no change otherwise.
As has been noted before in connection with the sun class in practically every
case anaemia disappeared, in many cases there was considerable improvement in
nutrition and in a few cases the glandular enlargement was lessened.
All gained in weight except one boy who remained stationary.
Weight Minimum gain Kg. 0.6 Maximum Kg. .34 Average Kg. 1.6
Height „ „ Cm. 0.5 „ Cm. 2.5 „ Cm. 1.7
Expansion „ „ Cm. 0.5 „ Cm. 2.0 „ Cm. 1.0
6 stationary.
Shooter's Hill School occupies a very exposed position, and the following record Shooter's
by the Head Teacher, Mr. Broughton, of the school during wintry weather is of great
interest:—
The school was opened nearly 18 years ago and has functioned through 15