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Very definite progress has been made with Physical Training.
Many of our children are not strong, unhappily, and exercises have
to be very carefully graded, and weakly children constantly supervised,
yet of all lessons, the Physical Training one is the most
popular. That this training is beneficial is clearly to be seen by
the improved carriage and bearing of the children.
The teaching of Woodwork is making great strides, and the
senior boys have made some very creditable models. It is hoped,
shortly, to extend the handicraft side of the school by teaching
boot-repairing and tailoring.
It may be asked, perhaps, "What are the aims of the School?"
Briefly put, they are to overcome the child's sense of inferiority,
which every new entrant has, and to so equip him, that, on leaving
he is able to obtain a situation and keep it, thus, not becoming
dependent on his parents or the community. It is interesting to
note, that during the last 7 years ended 31st December, 1937, 77%
of the school leavers obtained, and still hold, regular employment.
The thanks of all interested in the School, must be given to
the Education Committee for providing such excellent mid-day
meals, which are much appreciated by the children, and which
certainly improve them physically.
I must not conclude this report without placing on record the
kindly interest shown, and the help given by the staff and scholars
of the John Ruskin School.
PHYSICAL TRAINING IN SCHOOLS.
Detailed reports have been presented by the Assistant Education
Officer and Inspector and the Organiser of Physical Training to the
Education Committee, and the following is only a precis of the
reports.
Boys.
Unsettled weather during the early part of the year interfered
with physical work out of doors, especially with organised games,
which are often carried on at some distance from the schools. In
spite of this handicap, physical training was carried on steadily in
all Departments.
All Junior Departments followed the methods set out in the
1933 Syllabus for Physical Training; some Senior Departments