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295
PHYSICAL TRAINING IN SCHOOLS.
Detailed reports have been presented by the Assistant Inspector
of Schools and the Organiser of Physical Training to the Education
Committee, and the following is only a precis of these reports.
Boys.
The Syllabus of Physical Training for 1933 has now been in
operation sufficiently long to form some opinion of its effects.
Generally there has been an increased interest on the part of both
teachers and pupils. The greater freedom of the work is resulting
in more vigorous exercise and in greater enjoyment of the lessons.
It appears to be developing greater suppleness and better posture
both in and out of the definite Physical Training lessons.
The problem of obtaining suitable clothes for these lessons
is not fully solved. In some Senior Boys' Departments, the boys
change normally into vests, short and shoes, but in some of the
poorer areas the pupils experience difficulty even in obtaining
suitable footwear.
Several schools have arranged Physical Training demonstrations
to which they have invited the parents of the children.
Where this plan has been adopted, it has been found that the
parents co-operate more readily with the school in the matter of
suitable dress.
The hiring of the new omnibus has enabled an extension of
•he organised games facilities to be effected. Greater use can be
made of the more distant playing fields. School sports are held
by practically all departments.
There has been a considerable advance in the number of swimming
certificates gained. These are three times as numerous as
they were ten years ago. More schools are holding annual
swimming galas to which the general public are invited. Life
Saving awards show an increase on last year.
The interest in sword, morris and country dancing has been
maintained. The recent development of this healthy and graceful
from of physical activity is a pleasing feature of the work of the
schools.
Teachers have attended courses in Sword and Morris Dancing,
swimming and general gymnastics.