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98
another child or team. More freedom of choice is evident, and
still more can be exercised with benefit to the children, so that
they can begin to form their personal interests and likings in
the different branches of physical education before they leave
school. In this way we would avoid the effect of a sudden release
from a subject they have always been made to do, which is often
experienced in relation to post-school activities.
The difficulties of obtaining fully qualified staffs for gymnastic
teaching are still rather unsurmountable, and the revival
of short Ministry of Education refresher courses of three months'
duration for experienced women teachers would be of great
assistance. Training Courses for specialist teachers in Secondary
Schools for both men and women have been held during the
year, and were appreciated.
Extended accommodation this year has provided an opportunity
for senior boys at an all-boys' Primary Department to be
given regular instruction with portable gymnastic apparatus,
which was previously denied to them owing to lack of space.
Clothing and Plimsolls.—An encouraging feature in all
Secondary Modern Departments has been the increased provision
of clothing and plimsolls for all boys and girls. In some cases,
particularly in girls' departments, parents have been encouraged
to provide these articles for their children, and are to be congratulated
on an excellent response. Arrangements for the
storage of clothing and shoes still present a major problem, but
until controls are somewhat relaxed the ingenuity of Head
Teachers will be severely tested.
We hope soon to see all classes suitably clothed, whether
they are in the gymnasium, hall, playground or playing field.
Playgrounds and Playing Fields.—On the whole playing field
accommodation in the area is good, though we have now reached
the stage for the first time when it has not been possible to accede
to all demands for pitches from the various Youth Clubs and
Associations.
The high standard of maintenance has been sustained, and
the groundsmen have been most helpful and considerate.
Summer games do not fare quite so well as winter games,
for we are still particularly short of facilities for Tennis for
Secondary Modern Departments. However, it is hoped that a
solution of this difficulty may be found during the new financial
year by utilising some of the existing playing field space.
The revival of the Secondary Schools Football League and
a similar league for Primary Schools is a matter for congratulation.
The standard of play is to be commended, but it is timely
to remember that the tendency to "train the few at the expense