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The utmost courtesy and consideration is afforded by the Baths
Superintendents, who do all they can to assist in the working of
the Swimming Timetable, but it is impossible to provide as much
accommodation as is needed for all the schools who wish to attend.
This lack of accommodation is especially pressing at Thornton
Heath Baths, where only one afternoon is allotted to the Girls'
Schools. When it is pointed out that at least five of the largest
girls' schools lie in this district it will be realised that the granting
of the Baths for, an additional session is most desirable.
The President of the Southern Counties Amateur Swimming
Association, in his report of the Girls' Life Saving Competition,
at which he acted as judge, says :—
" I have never seen better work anywhere. It reflects very highly
indeed on those who have been engaged in teaching."
I can fully endorse this opinion, and I value very highly the
devoted work of the teachers both in swimming and the many other
branches of physical education—games, folk dancing, camping,
etc.—to which many hours of out-of-school time is devoted.
The Chief Medical Officer of the Board of Education, in his
annual report for 1924, states: —
" The effect of physical training on life and interest outside the school
is not the least of the advantages which .may be looked for. One reason
for supervised, instructed and organised exercise, including ' play ' inside
the curriculum, is to instil a genuine fondness for games, sports and openair
pursuits which will remain with the young man or woman when school
life is over and show the way to health, recreation, occupation and hobbies.