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Physical Education.
Physical Education during the year 1954 has shown
steady progress and marked consolidation of many useful
schemes of work. The modern approach demands greater
effort in every way from the teaching in the skilful planning
and presentation of the lesson and encourages purposeful
work of good standard, self-discipline, courage and selfreliance
from the child.
Suitable facilities in most schools and an adequate supply
of equipment provided by the Education Committee have
done much to encourage effort generally and to assist, in
particular, with the possible attainment of objectives, unfortunately,
during 1954 adverse weather conditions have seriously
interfered with many outdoor activities and the
temporary use of hall space as classrooms, due to the
increased school population, has deprived some schools of
essential alternative indoor accommodation. Every effort has
been made to carry out the normal games programme but
this year the exceptionally sodden state of the ground,
together with the unsuitable footwear often worn by many
children, has limited the scope of the training. For several
years the provision of special clothing and footwear foi
Physical Education has been a serious problem but it is
pleasing to note again that the praiseworthy support of
parents has, in general, been further maintained. It is hoped
that more adequate provision will be possible in the near
future so that opportunities for field activities will thus be
more regular and allow of active participation by greater
numbers of children. In this connection the hygiene of the
lesson should become a more positive part of the programme.
It is pleasing to note that, where available, the regular use
of showerbaths has been conducive to much higher standards
of cleanliness and self-respect.
The general training at the Primary level with an
emphasis on freedom of effort and activity provides an ideal
groundwork for the development of specific techniques in
all branches of Physical Education in the Secondary Schools.
The broader outlook encouraged in the subject should allow
every boy and girl to develop some aspect of physical activity
in which he or she has special interest or aptitude; it is
hoped that the excellent groundwork provided in the schools
will be utilised in Youth and Adult life so that school leavers
can pursue some healthy indoor or outdoor recreation in
their leisure hours.
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