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St. Christopher's Special School.
The Special School at Grangewood is the first pivot around
which work amongst mentally defective children revolves. All
certifiable children with the exception of the ineducable are drafted
there. Their progress at St. Christopher's is closely watched and
yearly reports from the scholastic, the physical, and the mental
aspects are made. Tims when they reach the age of 16 these
children are well known to those whose duty it is to supervise
them. Under the Mental Deficiency Act children by virtue of
inherent incapability of social adaptation, perhaps aggravated by
faulty home environment, may be referred for admission to an
Institution or placed under Guardianship. Those who may with
safety be so dealt with are put under no restriction except the
supervision of the Mental Deficiency Authority which helps in
placing such children in suitable occupations and from time to time
advises the parents in their difficulties.
Mr. Edmunds, the Head Teacher of the School, shows much
initiative in his work for the children with very satisfactory results,
and I am indebted to him for the account of the work of the School
liere given.
"1931 has been a very successful year at St. Christopher's
Special School. 15 children have left the School while there have
been 36 admissions. It is safe to say, that of these new scholars,
every one has made some progress, not only in accomplishments,
but what is of still greater importance, in an improvement of
outlook. The children begin to have confidence in themselves, and
to feel that at last they can do something.
Usually, the mornings are devoted to the study of the "three
R's," with Drawing, Singing, Scripture, including Hymns and
General Information. It would surprise many to see what these
children can do in Physical Exercises and Games, while the
Country and Morris Dancing by the Senior Girls is extremely
creditable, and in no way inferior to that of normal children in
other schools.
The afternoons are given over to less exacting Handwork, such
as Sewing, Knitting, Rug-making, Stool-seating and Woodwork,
while 12 senior girls receive a day's instruction weekly at the West
Thornton Homecraft Centre. This class is extremely popular with
the girls, and there is always a waiting list of applicants for
vacancies.