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133
ST. CHRISTOPHER'S SPECIAL EDUCATIONALLY SUB-NORMAL
SCHOOL.
I am indebted to Mr. Ramsden, the Head Master, for the
following observations:—
The year of 1953 was devoted to a project depicting aspects of life and architecture
in the days of Queens Elizabeth I, Anne and Victoria. Houses of these periods were
erected in the School Hall, with peeps into interiors of rooms, e.g. bedroom, kitchen,
schoolroom, and dancing on the green round the Maypole. Another scene showed the
famous bowls game on Plymouth Hoe at the coming of the Armada.
Several hundred parents and friends viisited the Exhibition and were very impressed
with the scope of the work involved, done by the children under the supervision of
class teachers.
We held our second Sports Day on the Barclays Bank Sports field. The children
competed with great enthusiasm in the various events, every child capable of doing so
taking some part. George House gained the Fisher Cup; David House won the Thorne
Cup. Andrew and Patrick Houses shared the points for the Shield.
During 1953 we continued to make steady but solid progress, patiently and persistently
encouraging the children to master the fundamentals of education and then apply the
knowledge to the ever-widening possibilities of achievement. This progress is seen in the
variety of occupations taken up by children who have left the school.
The Coronation of our Queen was a great opportunity for the children to learn
a great deal of the Empire and its variation of races, colours, products and climates, and
these aspects of education were simply but graphically set forth in films, maps, pictures
and models.
We held an Open Day on 8th June during the afternoon and evening. Many parents
attended and saw their children at work and discussed with the teachers the difficulties
and the progress. These talks were very helpful and instructive to parents and teachers
alike, all parents expressing appreciation of the work done at St. Christopher's.
We held our Seventh Annual Carol Service and Tableaux in December when we
had the pleasure of the company of the Archdeacon of Croydon and Mr. Parnham,
Her Majesty's Inspector of Special Schools.
Our Christmas tea party was a great success and was attended by the Mayoress and
Deputy Mayoress.
Number attending January 1st, 1953 210
,, ,, December 31st, 1953 215
,, referred to Public Elementary Schools 8
Number discharged:
(i) Ineducable and referred to Mental
Health Committee 2
(ii) Unfit to work ,, ,, ,, —
(iii) Fit to work ,, „ „ 12