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273
The Inspector lays stress, quite properly, on the advantage
of suitable dress for all physical training work. He considers
that, in suitable weather, collars, coats and waistcoats should be
removed, belts substituted for braces, and shoes worn which
permit of free movement of the feet and ankles.
For growing boys it can be laid down that, for habitual
wear, proper belts are preferable to braces, the weight of the
nether garments thereby being taken by the hips, rather than by
the shoulders, and so relieving a certain amount of strain on the
rapidly developing and, at this age, relatively elastic spinal
column.
It is unfortunate that many open-air lessons are lost in
winter and inclement weather, and to counteract this, as well as to
allow of ordinary play periods being taken in the open-air, the
provision of large but simple sheds in all the playgrounds would
be an advantage. However, in the near future every Senior Boys'
School will have a School Hall, a facility which will assist in
overcoming the disabilities of our variable climate.
Team work continues to be a valuable part of all the Physical
Training activities. In its inculcation of the doctrine that the
welfare of the whole is of more importance than that of the unit,
such training has a very direct bearing on the future attitude of
these potential citizens.
In connection with organised games in the school playground
the Inspector remarks that there has been a marked increase in
the number and types of games taken during the school physical
training period, and there is some danger of overlapping, some
games being played too often, whilst others are comparatively
neglected. He considers the allocation of various games into
groups suitable for the respective age groups of the boys would
ensure an even variety of game activities as well as a better progression
in point of difficulty.
Six masters attended the Refresher Course of Physical
Training held at Scarborough, five being assisted by grants made
by the Education Committee, the other going at his own expense.
This course was of a month's duration, and at the end an
examination was held, in which all the Croydon masters obtained
certificates for attendance and proficiency.