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144
Physical Education in the Schools.
(a) Standard of Work.—A spirit of enjoyment, with continuous activity on
the part of the children, now pervades the physical training lessons in the majority
of schools. In some cases, however, the presentation of the valuable corrective
formal exercises is still too mechanical and indicates a lack of appreciation of the
specific aims of these exercises. The stock of physical training apparatus has been
increased but is not always readily available for use during playground lessons,
and we should welcome a more liberal use of apparatus for these lessons in Junior
and Infants' Schools. The games lessons are now probably the weakest feature of
the work in most schools, but it is hoped that special games courses for teachers
will help to make this training more definite and purposeful.
(b) Facilities.—The general adoption of the recommendations made in our last
report regarding the allocation of time for physical training has led to an increased
use of the school halls in the Senior Schools where the provision of gymnasia is a
matter of some urgency and we are therefore particularly pleased to learn of the
proposed provision of gymnasia for two of these schools.
(c) Playgrounds.—The absence of permanent marking throws unnecessary
work on the teacher and children every time a lesson is taken, and the generous
allowance made for the effective marking out of playgrounds is much appreciated.
We would suggest, however, that the present scheme is very costly and it has been
difficult to get the work carried out within a reasonable time.
(d) Playing Fields.—Through the co-operation of the Parks Committee
facilities have been extended for regular organised games in Greatfields Park,
Mayesbrook Park, and on the Abbey and Lodge Avenue Playing Fields ; and as
a result the majority of children in Senior Schools are now given the opportunity of
enjoying one weekly period of games on grass. In some cases this necessitates the
use of adult pitches, but until more ground is definitely reserved for school use
this difficulty cannot be overcome. Owing to the lack of alternative accommodation
the Faircross Playing Field is subject to excessive wear and more playing fields
reserved, planned and marked for children's games are urgently required. Changing
rooms, with facilities for washing, separate offices for both sexes, a drinking fountain,
and storage for games materials should be provided on these fields. It is increasingly
evident that in order to obtain full economic value from the small fields attached to
some of the schools extra provision should be made for their maintenance. We
have submitted a special report dealing with the problem. The development of
the Cannington Road site as a playing field would do much to relieve the excessive
wear on these small, badly turfed fields. Additional playing field accommodation
is urgently required by the Cambell Schools.