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being given throughout the year in this area, and the schools
concerned are to be congratulated on their achievement. Better
proof of the advantages acquired by continuous teaching in a
covered swimming bath cannot be stressed too strongly.
For the satisfactory development of swimming generally in
schools, the introduction of junior school swimming is essential.
The sense of adventure in the child at this age gives a return of
physical achievement that is often outstanding. Until we are
fortunate in the possession of a closed swimming bath for the
town, swimming achievements are bound to fall below what
they might be. Alternatively, a small open-air pool with a low
wall surround and a depth of water of about 3 feet to be used
purely for school teaching purposes is recommended for inclusion
in future Primary School proposals.
Suitable arrangements for swimming instruction to be given
to youth clubs (girls) in the area were once more available at
the Convent Bath, where five classes were arranged and an
instructress provided.
Training Courses for Teachers. The further training of
teachers is undoubtedly the most essential factor in all developments
in Physical Education, no other branch of the Organiser's
activities giving such good returns for the time and effort spent
in this way.
Training Courses for Men Teachers—particularly the men
who have returned from the Services and Trainee Teachers, are
very badly needed in the area. The lack of the services of a
fully qualified man organiser is very evident when classes, which
are so urgently needed, have to be postponed.
During the year the following training courses were arranged
for the various branches of physical education:—
Women:
1. Two Advanced Courses in Modern Dance for Women Teachers in
Modern, Grammar and Technical Schools, possessing facilities
for specialisation in this branch of physical education.
2. A Ten-Session Course of Swimming Instruction held at Becken-
ham Baths.
3. Refresher Course in Physical Education for Women Teachers in
Modern or Senior Departments of Primary Schools. This
Course was held in conjunction with the adjacent Sidcup and
Chislehurst areas in order to obtain a sufficiently large number
of entrants to provide a workable class.
4. Refresher Course for Women Teachers in Primary Schools held
at Princes Plain School gymnasium for ten afternoon periods
in June.