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Bare-foot work is occasionally still regarded with
suspicion, but on the whole, where the floors allow, it is
realised that the sensitivity of the foot can be trained
much more readily without shoes, and that it is not in
this way that children catch cold. They are very soon
warmed by the activity of the modern lesson.
The design and improvisation of apparatus for "free
exercise " is receiving constant consideration and experiments
are being carried out in one or two schools in the
Borough.
Swimming.
Bexley is unfortunate in that the only swimming
bath available in the Borough is not covered in or heated
and is consequently unusable for instruction during the
greater part of the year. Arrangements have therefore
to be made for pupils of the schools to use baths at
Plumstead, Charlton, Eltham Park, Martens Grove in
addition to the Danson Park pool. 11 Primary and 6
Secondary Schools took advantage of the opportunities
thus provided. A few of the schools also continued
swimming throughout the Winter season. The other
schools in the Borough were prevented, in the main, by
reasons of difficulty of access to the baths. Swimming
certificates are issued to pupils completing successfully
specified distances from 25 yards to half a mile, arranged
by the Borough Bath Superintendent. Approximately
•300 certificates were issued during 1948.
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