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155
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
I am indebted to the Director of Education for the following
information regarding the description of arrangements for physical
training in the Authority's Elementary Schools:—
Every school under the Authority includes Physical Training
as a recognised subject of the curriculum. The following details
show the position at the present time.
In the Junior, Senior and Central Schools the time allotted
to Physical Training includes physical exercises, organised games,
swimming and dancing.
Physical Exercises.
The Board of Education's 1933 Syllabus of Physical Training is
followed, in its simplest form in Nursery Classes, and in its full
form in Infants' Schools, with the addition of musical work, in
both cases ; and in Junior Schools and in Senior Schools. In
certain Senior Schools, and in the Selective Central Schools, more
advanced work, including exercises with portable gymnastic
apparatus, is taken.
The standard of work has risen during the year, in particular
in the classes taken by teachers who attended the courses held
during 1937. Tables of exercises are now more complete and
purposeful. There are an increased number of classes in which
the children come out prepared and eager for the work.
Head Teachers continue to show appreciation of the importance
of the work by their readiness to procure the necessary
equipment and by allotting suitable time to the subject.
The teachers show willingness and keenness to make full use of
the opportunities provided for the physical education of their
pupils. Their lessons have improved in continuity of movement,
activity and precision. There is a noticeable improvement in the
grasp of the aim of the work and in the response aroused in the
children. All the teachers welcome and respond to the suggestions
and practical help given by the Organisers.
A steady improvement is noticeable in the alertness, suppleness
and posture of the children, and in the happy spirit in which they
co-operate in the work. In a large number of classes the children
remove surplus clothing voluntarily in preparation for the lesson
which is an interesting indication of the influence of the teaching.