View report page

146
(3) To devote the whole of the limited time at the bath to definite progressive
class methods of instruction in water practices. The necessary "land drills"
should be carried out as part of the normal physical training at school.

The serious drop in attendances and consequently in the number of distance
certificates gained was probably due to the following causes—the prolonged 'bus
strike in May, the special Coronation holiday, and the indifferent summer weather.
The swimming section of the Schools' Central Sports Association continues to
do valuable work and enthusiastic teachers devote much of their leisure coaching
children in Life Saving and more advanced swimming.
(i) Out-of-School Activities.—The splendid voluntary service rendered by
members of the Barking Schools' Central Sports Association deserves commendation
and support and we feel that their work is seriously handicapped by the present
lack of adequate facilities. The effective organisation and control of competitions,
particularly the inter-school competitions, in the major field games and athletics
does much to stimulate healthy rivalry between the schools, fosters the development
of individual school spirit and generally raises the standard of play. Suitable
facilities, however, cannot be provided and reserved solely, or even mainly, for
the activities of the Central Schools' Sports Association, but if, as has been suggested,
further playing field accommodation be secured for the regular organised school
games, suitable amenities should be provided to enable the Association to stage
important inter-school and district matches and entertain visiting teams in a
manner befitting the dignity of the occasion and worthy of the hospitality of the
town.