View report page

52
fact that the first essential is to concentrate on the non-swimmers. Instruction is thus planned
on class rather than on individual lines. Far better use is being made of the cleansing and
lavatory facilities, and it is quite usual now to find the teacher requiring every child to use the
footbath and lavatory before entering the pool.
Games.
For years past the question of giving the elementary school children adequate games has been
a most difficult problem. At one time, the pitches provided in the parks were the only ones available
for this purpose, and the games played were almost entirely confined to football and cricket
for the boys, and netball for the girls. It was, however, evident that only the fringe of the
problem could be touched in this way, and in fact the proportion of classes visiting the parks
has remained more or less constant for many years.
The declared aim of the Council is to ensure that every child from 10 to 14 years of age shall
be able to play a game on a grass pitch once a week, and with a view to establishing this ideal
the "classroom playing field" scheme, which began some years ago, is being rapidly developed.
Under this scheme the children spend a whole day on the field, dividing the time between games
and ordinary work in the classrooms, which have been built on the site. Since the scheme was
started playing fields of this type have been provided at Streatham Vale, Downham, Honor Oak,
Hackney Marsh, Kidbrooke and Friern Barnet, whilst similar facilities have been rented at
Bellingham. It is anticipated that a considerable extension of these facilities will take place in
the near future.
Accommodation.
Secondary schools
Considerable progress has been made recently, and whereas for some years past many
schools had been inadequately provided with accommodation, the position promises to be much
improved in the near future. New fully equipped gymnasia, together with adequate changing
rooms, shower baths, apparatus stores and teachers' changing rooms are scheduled to be constructed
at 14 schools. When these gymnasia are completed they will prove of enormous value
to the schools concerned, and a definite increase in the efficiency of the work may be confidently
anticipated.
The playing-field problem has also received close attention and extended facilities have
been provided for nine schools, whilst further very considerable extensions are scheduled. The
question of providing adequate pavilions fitted with "trough" baths and showers is also receiving
close attention.
Marked progress has been made with regard to the playing of games, and it is noticeable that
the schools generally are trying to ensure that every boy has the opportunity of taking part in the
games as frequently as available facilities permit.
Allocation
of time.
Whilst some improvement is noticeable so far as the allocation of time for physical education
is concerned, the present position still leaves a great deal to be desired. It is rare to find more
than two periods a week allowed for physical training, in addition to the time devoted to games,
whilst some fail to give even this moderate allowance : especially is this the case so far as the
senior forms are concerned.
In the Board of Education circular 1445, it was urged that three periods a week should bo
devoted to gymnastic training in addition to the time set aside for games and swimming. It
should be pointed out, however, that many schools are anxious to make more liberal provision,
but are unable to do so owing to the lack of staff and accommodation. It has to be realised that,
speaking in general terms, one specialist teacher (or the equivalent) is necessary for every 30
physical training periods a week. Thus every school of over 10 classes will need some additional
staff if the full programme is to be adopted. Similarly, extended accommodation would be
required, as a gymnasium can only be used for some 35 periods a week ; in the course of time
it would appear necessary to provide the larger schools with a second gymnasium.
On the other hand, some schools state that the increased time cannot be given owing to
the pressure of examinations. It is presumably held that if more time is devoted to physical
training the general academic work will suffer. Even if this were the case, the undoubted
advantages which should result from the physical angle might be considered an adequate offset
to such loss.
It is, however, a question whether such a loss would occur, and it is submitted that the
contrary might be the case. The Board of Education have recently been carrying out an
experiment with a view to deciding this issue and, although the full results are not available as
yet, there are some indications that this increase of physical training time may not lead to a loss.
Provision of meals
Dinners are provided for necessitous children attending school, and follow menus
which have been approved by the school medical officer.
Samples of meals provided are taken from time to time and submitted for
analysis by the Council's chemist, the required standard being that each complete
meal should contain 25 grammes protein and have a heat value of 750 calories.