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the examination but many diffiulties were encountered—notably
air raids—and in the end only two students were presented for
examination, although the attendance at the class never fell below
eight or ten, except on the nights when air raids actually took
place or were expected.
(2) A Course of eighteen lessons in Games and Play Movements, for
the Teachers of the Infants' Schools. The response of the
Infants' Teachers to the invitation to attend this class was remarkable
and over seventy obtained the certificate granted for
attendance. Every Infants' Department, with the exception of
four, was represented—in some cases by practically all the staff.
(3) A Course of eight lessons of Country and Folk Dances, for the
Teachers of the Senior Departments. This again was well
attended. At the request of the Superintendent, a demonstration
of Country and Folk Dances was given at the Croydon Recreation
Club, at the end of the Course.
(4) A Course of twenty-five lessons for the Student Teachers, at the
Girls' High School. This, too, was interrupted on several evenings
by air raids.
In July I attended, at the Committee's desire, the Conference of
Women Organisers of Physical Training, arranged by the Board of
Education, although I was forbidden by my medical adviser to take an
active part in the Conference, as I was then absent from duty on sick
leave. I found the Conference most helpful and am looking forward to
the opportunity to attend similar ones in the future.
May I suggest the lines along which I think progress should come in
our Croydon Schools in the near future—progress which to my mind is
possible even under existing difficulties:—
(1) A daily lesson of Physical Training, in all schools, of not less
than twenty minutes. In the case of senior schools, where the
children make a rule of changing their shoes for the lesson, thirty
minutes would not be too long.
(2) Better provision for swimming and organised games.
(3) Improved facilities for the provision of suitable clothing, especially
shoes.
(4) Adequate accommodation for physical training in all weathers. In
this connection would "it not be possible to arrange for the
utilisation of the huts and wooden buildings recently used by the
military authorities, many of which would serve the purpose
excellently.
In conclusion may I say how I value the resolution of the Education
Committee that the report of the Organiser of Physical Training shall
be incorporated yearly in that of the School Medical Officer. As the Chief
Medical Officer of the Board of Education states in his report for 1917,
" the School Medical Service is concerned to watch over the normal as