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14
The number of children for whom special school, convalescent
or hospital school treatment was provided during the
year for periods of varying length was 29.
Physical Training.
Miss F. W. Bentley and Mr. G. H. Atkinson, the Organisers
of Physical Education for Erith, have kindly submitted
the following notes on their work during the year. I have very
much pleasure in including these in my Annual Report of the
School Medical Service for the year 1938.
** The progress of the development of all branches of
physical education in the Elementary Schools of this Borough
during the past twelve months has been assisted in no small
measure by the recent determined efforts of the Board of Education
to secure the wider recognition of the subject's claims.
That the physical welfare of the child is of fundamental
importance to any scheme of child education is no new theory ;
yet it is surprising how long it has taken to give practical effect
to the principles involved and implied, namely:—
(1) That a daily period of physical activity is required for
all children.
(2) That alternative indoor accommodation for physical
cises is essential during inclement weather.
(3) That a satisfactory scheme of exercises for older children
necessitates the provision of fully-equipped gymnasia.
(4) That the fullest benefits from physical exercises are
obtainable only by pupils for whom suitable clothing and
footwear are available.
(5) That a sound scheme of physical education involves not
only physical exercises, but games and athletics, swimming,
dancing, rambling and camping; in fact, all activities
which may justly claim to contribute to the child's
physical welfare and development.
'The Board of Education, having clearly defined these
principles and requirements, have done much to create satisfactory
conditions for the subject's development in the elementary
schools of this Authority.
Physical Exercises.
(a) Senior Schools.
Interest and enjoyment in the Physical Training
Lesson, the key-note of its modern interpretation, is
secured in all Senior Schools. Advanced schemes of work,