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66
Teachers'
classes.
Year by year the number of schools holding their own swimming galas is increasing.
Owing to the financial restrictions in force during the past two years, the number of halftime
teachers' classes has been seriously curtailed. As has already been pointed out, only one
half-time games course has been held each year, and the position has been the same with regard
to the half-time physical training courses. As is only to be expected, these courses have filled
at once and many teachers have had to be refused admission. A comprehensive programme of
evening courses has, however, been held and the many classes organised have done something
to relieve the position.
It is desired to place on record keen appreciation of the manner in which the teachers
generally have supported these classes. They have shown just the same willingness to give up
their own time as in the past, and it is noteworthy that every class advertised has been filled and
in many cases applications have had, regretfully, to be refused. This fact affords a fitting
answer to those who decry the public spirit of the teaching profession.
Out of school
activities.
It is a matter of regret that limitations of space render it impossible to refer in detail to the
excellent work carried out in the individual schools, but it is of interest to record that as the years
pass there is a growing appreciation of the fact that the essential feature of all extra-mural
activities is that they should start in the school itself, and should cater for as many children as
possible : the poor player as much as the skilled.
No longer is the production of a few expert children who can win a cup or shield for the
school (whilst the remainder receive little training) considered the ideal. The starting place
for all game-like activities must be the school, and, from the wealth of material thus trained
selected representatives can pass on to the district and London events.
London
Schools
Athletic
Association.
Subjoined is a brief review of the activities of the various "All London" associations.
The honorary secretary reports that in spite of the general depression, the activities of the
London Schools' Athletic Association have been continued as usual and the number of affiliated
districts, namely twenty, compares favourably with that of former years.
A very successful championship meeting was recently held at the White City, which was
kindly lent for the purpose, free of charge, by the directors.
Both in the case of the boys and the girls the South London Schools' Association teams
won the greatest number of points.
Whilst the subject of athletics is under consideration, it is of interest to record that the
practice of holding school sports meetings is steadily increasing and during the past two seasons
945 closures have been granted for the purpose. It is confidently anticipated that in the not
too distant future every school will hold such an event. Reorganisation has given rise to a new
and admirable practice, namely the holding of a group sports meeting in which the senior school
and its contributory junior schools join together for the event.
London
Schools'
Amateur
Boxing
Association.
The scope of the London Schools' Amateur Boxing Association is steadily increasing and
there are now twenty-five affiliated districts, and in those areas in which an association has not
yet been formed, individual schools are able to affiliate direct. In certain districts secondary,
technical and elementary schools are all working in the closest harmony. The association is
finding it necessary to give much attention to the extension of the activity among boys of 14-17
years of age.
Groups of secondary schools are affiliating for inter-team matches, and the organisation of
technical and central schools is steadily proceeding. Whilst the chief object of the association
is to encourage as many boys as possible to box, it has been equally successful in the more highly
competitive events. The fact that 15 out of 16 weights in the Great Britain championships
were won by London boys indicates the high quality of the boxing.
London
Schools'
Cricket
Association.
The London Schools' Cricket Association has thirty-two affiliated London districts and
seven extra-metropolitan areas. Not only does the association perform valuable work in fostering
cricket among the boys of London in general, but they are also responsible for arranging various
representative fixtures.
The London schools beat the junior Eton side this year. Eton 87, London schools 106 for 6.
Portsmouth schools and Essex schools were also beaten. Portsmouth 59, London 120 for 2.
Essex 115, London 160 for 2.
London
Schools'
Football
Association.
The Harrow match was drawn. Harrow 131, London 121 for 5.
The London Schools' Football Association has just completed its fortieth season and now
has 49 district associations in affiliation and 7 central school leagues; the number of individual
schools affiliated being over 1,000. Although the reorganisation of schools has created many
difficulties in certain areas, yet an increased number of boys will be catered for in the coming
season.
London
Schools'
Netball
Association.
A feature of the past year has been the excellent work done in the newly formed Junior
Schools' League. The Hackney association won the junior championship and were runners-up
in the senior. Fulham central won the central school championship, and Kennington-road were
runners-up in the elementary schools individual championship.
In addition to the normal organisation, the London Schools' Netball Association has this
year extended its activities in two main directions, (1) the formation of a junior competition to
cater for junior schools, and (2) the playing of representative district matches. Thirty-nine
matches were played before arriving at this year's winning districts, which were as follows:—
Senior Section winners, South London ; Runners-up, Paddington.
Intermediate Section winners, Islington ; Runners-up, Bermondsey.
Junior Section winners, Rotherhithe ; Runners-up, Battersea.