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109
Physical Training.
Early in 1930 the facilities for physical training became
a matter for investigation, as it is agreed that the
present syllabus carried out in the schools is somewhat haphazard
and inadequate. At the present time the matter
of the provision of playing fields is in the hands of a special
committee appointed for the purpose, while the scheme for
the provision of halls suitable for physical training rooms
includes hulls at the Bromley Common Girls' and Juniors,
Raglan Road Seniors', Aylesbury Road and Valley Schools.
We are sadly laching in playing field provision, and it has
been decided that even if all the recreation grounds were
made available for school use, the provision would be inadequate,
and the turf would not stand the strain put upon
it. As time goes on it becomes increasingly difficult to
obtain land for playing fields.
Included in the limited physical training scheme at
present carried out in our schools is the instruction in
swimming. Three hundred and ten children per week in
1930 attended the Open-air Swimming Bath, and 31 certificates
were granted by the Education Committee. These
certificates are awarded to each swimmer who can complete
50 yards. One class of twenty minutes duration each week
is given to each child in standard iv, and scholars in standard
v and upwards, who have already learned to swim,
attend also. The class is limited to twenty pupils. The
instruction is not optional, but medical certificates are
given by the School Medical Officer when it is considered
that swimming would be detrimental to the child's health.