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95
PHYSICAL TRAINING.
Report of the Physical Training Organiser.
General.—As stated in my report for 1947, we are still in
process of witnessing a remarkable advancement in methods of
teaching physical education in our schools. The whole conception
of the teaching of physical education is steadily changing
and broadening.
The Physical Training, games and dancing lessons are no
longer separated, but are so unified that the physical education
of the child may now be interpreted as the development of his
or her body and personality in ways that are enjoyable.
Growth in children goes on whether we do anything about
it or not, and in order to make this natural growth easier plenty
of opportunity for movement is essential. Also, it is true that
by scientifically planned exercises the development of the body
is affected for good.
The child should be taught by informal methods and
incidental coaching in order to get the strong, free movement of
an agile, mobile body. In addition, boys and girls should also
achieve the confidence and skill of foot, hand and eye, which is
the basis of all games technique and which equips them to take
part intelligently in the more advanced games they will play in
later years.
This type of activity demands great skill and knowledge on
the part of the teacher, who should, by suggestion and encouragement,
present the next stage of progression in training skills and
practices for any one of her pupils. Thus a very sound knowledge
of the subject is called for, and it is to be regretted that
on the male staff side little help and assistance has been possible
in order to supplement the very meagre period of initial training
given to many men teachers after leaving the Services.
Primary Schools.—Development in physical education in
Primary Schools has been most marked during the year.
Small apparatus of all kinds, such as hoops, ropes, balls, etc.,
has been increasingly used in all schools for training practices.
This factor has widened the scope of the work considerably and
stressed the value of games and activities of a varied nature, and,
in addition, by increasing the enjoyment, interest and activity,
has helped to achieve greater informality of method. Activities
suggested in modern physical education tend to produce skill in
the use of the body, agility, good jumping ability, balance and
fundamental games skills.
Soon we hope to have in our schools large Fixed Apparatus,
chiefly for out-of-doors, which will permit children of the
Primary School age to exercise in a natural manner through