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33
Physical Education.
I am indebted to the Organisers of Physical Education
for the following report:—
Physical Education, like all other branches of Education,
suffered severely during the war years, but in spite
of the many disrupting causes, changes of staff through
war service, overcrowding in schools, air raids and the
commandeering of playing fields, a fair standard of work
has been maintained.
Unfortunately, it is apparent that facilities for
Physical Education in the Secondary Modern Schools will
not improve for some time to come, for as a result of the
raising of the school leaving age, the present inadequate
playground accommodation is to be further limited by
the building of huts for classrooms, and school halls will
continue to be used as classrooms and dining rooms.
During the year, the Essex Agility Apparatus was
introduced into some of the Primary Schools. This is
proving to be most valuable, for as well as satisfying the
children's natural desire for climbing and balancing, it is
fostering muscular development, courage and body control.
This year a Remedial Gymnast was appointed to visit
the schools in the Borough to undertake the treatment of
minor postural defects in the children. This method of
medical treatment is proving satisfactory, as well as saving
the time previously spent by the children travelling
to and from the clinic.
Organised Games and Playing Fields.
Under the present difficult conditions existing in the
halls and playgrounds, it is vital that the maximum use
should be made of the playing fields, and it is hoped,
therefore, that the Cressingham Road Playing Field,
which has now been derequisitioned, will be available for
use for organised games next year. This and other open
spaces were requisitioned during the war, and in