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302
PHYSICAL TRAINING IN SCHOOLS.
Detailed reports have been presented by the Inspector of
Schools and the Organiser of Physical Training to the Education
Committee, and the following is only a precis of these reports.
Boys.
In the Junior schools daily lessons of 20 minutes are almost
universal. In Senior schools, the introduction of gymnastic
apparatus has necessitated longer periods of work in order that
the fullest benefit may be derived therefrom. These lessons are
from 30-40 minutes and in order to allow for them in the time
table the daily lesson has had to be abandoned in some instances.
Organised games, swimming and general sports all find a place in
actual school periods.
The importance of correct posture, apart from the actual
exercises, is stressed and in this connection well-designed desks
are of fundamental importance.
During the winter months many outdoor periods are lost.
This is not so serious in the case of those schools which possess halls
large enough for physical exercises. In other schools, the classroom
has to be used. Team work is encouraged in every lesson.
The organised games in the school prayground provide an
opportunity for useful activity. Most schools practice these games
with good results. The marking of the playgrounds suitably has
fostered the growth of this side of the work.
The introduction by the Committee of the Swedish gymnastic
apparatus into the Senior schools has been a great success. It has
made possible a more even progression than is feasible with free
gymnastic exercises alone, and has added to the interest of the work.
The Croydon Schools Athletic Association has continued its
activities and the enthusiasm shown by this Association is worthy
of the highest praise.
Girls.
The same difficulty of finding a place in an already over full
curriculum for physical training is felt with the girls as with the
boys. In most schools 100 minutes a week has been managed.
Swimming in both Junior and Senior departments is additional
owing to the difficulties of organising this subject.