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(9) OPEN-AIR EDUCATION.
Open-Air Classrooms and Playground Classes.—Once more I must call attention
to this particular problem which is related to your older schools rather than to
your modern schools. These are, to all intents and purposes, built on open-air lines.
The difficulty appears to be that of following a set curriculum both during the winter,
with its inclement weather, and the summer when the open-air classes, etc., are
possible. In your new schools you have broken away from the age-old tradition
that study can only be undertaken in the shadows and seclusion of the cloisters
but, of course, you have still many factory-type schools, and in these every attempt
should be made to see that during the summer every lesson shall be taken in the
open-air unless circumstances make it impossible to do so.
School Journeys and Camps.—As you know, school camps are run very
satisfactorily at Hainault Forest. During 1935, thirteen week-end camps were held
in which 936 scholars participated. In addition to these, during the summer
holidays there were two camps held at which children attended for a whole fortnight
at a time. One hundred and forty-four children took part in these two camps.
(10) PHYSICAL TRAINING.
(a) Physical Training.—In previous years I have to confess there was no
organised physical training and whilst technically speaking this was so for 1935,
I am happy to be able to forecast that for the next Annual Report it will be possible
to advise you of the work the recently appointed physical training organisers will
be undertaking in Barking.
I should like to correlate my remarks on this subject with some others on the
provision of meals and milk. A number of children who take part in competitive
games with credit and distinction to themselves and their schools, have at one
time or another been in receipt of free meals. It must be a matter of satisfaction
to the Committee to find that these children, whom they have looked after, are able
to compete, and that successfully, with children who from many standpoints are
looked upon as more fortunately placed.
More and more, I am happy to state, physical exercises are being undertaken
in suitable clothing. This movement is in the right direction and will, I am sure,
extend under the able and enthusiastic leadership of your educationalists who are
so up to date in this matter.