View report page

166
the matter and the asertain whether, and i so in what degree, left-handedness
is a handicap in industry and commerce. The question was also discussed
with the medical officer, on whose advice the letters referred to by the
consultative committee were written.
It appeared desirable that head teachers should have some guidance
in the treatment of left-handed children, and it was suggested by the
chief inspector that a circular should be issued in the following terms:—
There arc exceptional children who appear to be naturally left-handed.
There are also many children who have acquired left-handedness, though
in many of these cases the exact cause may be obscure. But whether lefthandedness
in any particular case is innate or acquired, the tendency to
use the left hand is often firmly fixed before school age.
The conventions in writing are, however, arranged to suit right-handed
people, and anyone who writes with the left hand will work under a definite,
if slight, handicap all his life. There is evidence also that left-handedness
is a handicap in certain commercial and industrial occupations. It would,
therefore, appear to be desirable that some attempt should be made,
particularly in the early stages of teaching writing, to encourage all children
to use the right hand. Many left-handed children have learnt to write with
the right hand without any apparent disadvantage.
It will be appreciated that in cases in which the left-handedness is
either natural or well established, there may be some danger in exercising
any pressure in this matter. The medical officer points out that school
hygienists are agreed that there certainly should be no attempt to make children
right-handed by means of punishment or ridicule. He states further that
pressure is likely to result in producing a harmful degree of emotional
disturbance. This has been found in some cases to result in nervous symptoms,
including stammering. It will be recognised, therefore, that in any
attempts to encourage children to be right-handed, it is very necessary
to proceed with great caution, and to desist if any signs of abnormal
emotional disturbance are shown.
The Council agreed that the head teachers should be advised in the
above terms, but directed that stress should be laid upon the words in
italics.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS
FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.
Situated within the Borough of Leyton are three schools for
higher education, viz.:—
Leyton County High School for Boys, Essex Road.
Leyton County High School for Girls, Colworth Road.
Leyton Technical Institute, Adelaide Road.
The last-named Institute contains (a) a Junior Technical
School, and (6) a Junior Art School.