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138
In connection \vith the Physical Training in the Elementary
Schools I would call the attention of t e Committee to the following
recommendations of the Chiet Medical Officer of the Board of
Education in his Report for 1918 :—
(a) " An increase in the time allotted to physical exercises and
games, a daily lesson of 20 minutes being regarded as a
minimum ;
(b) An improvement in the accommodation for physical exercises
either by means of adequately lighted and ventilated playground
sheds or by the provision of halls, playgrounds, etc.;
{c) Proper and sufficient equipment and apparatus for indoor and
outdoor games ;
(d) Attention to the clothing, and particularly to the shoes of the
children ;
(e) The provision of playing fields in connection with schools."
May I respectfully point out that these recommendations are
practically identical with those I made in my last Report, and may I
urge that they may receive the sympathetic attention of the Committee.
The Spinal Remedial Classes were conducted on the same lines
as in 1918.
Children treated during year ... Girls, 39 ; Boys, 4
Discharged (not requiring further treatment) 20
„ (not advisable to continue) 1
„ (owing to irregular attendance) 1
Left School 5
Left district 2
Still attending class 14
Total attendances during year 1390
At visits to the gymnastic classes in connection with the Girls
Evening Institutes, I everywhere found keen and enthusiastic classes.
At the opening of the Autumn Session, 1919, arrangements were made
for four classes in gymnastics, but so keen was the response of the girls
to join these classes that other classes had to be formed, and, at the
time of writing, eight gymnastic classes are being held weekly. This
year five of the classes are being conducted on definitely Swedish
lines, as it is felt that in this way the physical training can be better
linked up with that of the Elementary Schools.
I should have liked to have been able to give more of my time to
visiting and encouraging these classes, as I feel they form a most
important part of any scheme of physical training, providing, as they
do, opportunities of healthy recreation and a right hygienic atmosphere
during the critical years of adolescence." Unfortunately, I was not free
many evenings when the classes were in progress, owing to the
Teachers' classes falling at the same time.
For the same reason I was only able to visit the gymnastic classes,
held in connection with the Juvenile Unemployment Centres, during
the Spring Vacation of the Elementary Schools, as I was always working
at the Spinal Remedial Class when these classes were held.
With reference to the success of the gymnastic classes held in
connection with the Evening Institutes, may I venture the hope that
the Committee will see its way to the establishment of such classes at
the Polytechnics, as I am sure the need exists. .