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The tendency nowadays is for less formal or stereotyped
gymnastics and the increased use of more basic movements,
connected with sports activities and athletics for the boys, and
similar basic movements connected in some way with dance,
games or swimming for the girls.
Organised Games.—The arrangements for organised games
continue to give satisfaction. All Secondary Schools and the top
classes of Primary Schools are fortunate in being able to use
well marked and maintained playing fields.
The standard of winter games generally is still such that
many of the older children do not learn to play the major game
sufficiently well to be able to enjoy it.
Summer games offer great attraction, and the standard of
play has improved considerably. A start was made on two of
our playing fields with Tennis as a class subject for Secondary
School girls. This introduction augurs well for the future and
has met a real need in these schools.
Playground and Playing Fields.—Playground surfaces on the
whole are being well maintained.
This year we have acquired a new playing field at
Quernmore, where concrete practice cricket pitches are to be
introduced.
Swimming.—Owing to the wonderful weather enjoyed
during 1949 summer, attendances at the open-air pool were
overwhelming.
The younger children from the Primary Schools who started
swimming instruction this year for the first time showed great
keenness, and on the whole we had very good results.
Training Courses for Teachers.—The further training of
teachers is a most essential factor in the effective introduction of
new ideas and the development of Physical Education.
Youth Activities.—There seems to be little sign of a decline
in interest in physical activities on the part of Youth Clubs in
the area. The attractive surroundings of our own countryside
seem to be the main attraction during the summer months, and
if the bookings for winter games pitches is any criterion of the
interest in winter games, we can feel assured that there is no
lessening of enthusiasm. Progress must be shown if we are to
supply any alternative to passive and uncreative interests, and
we must have more coaches to inspire and to teach. The
National Sports Bodies have now introduced coaching schemes
in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, and these should
help to provide a greater number of efficient leaders and coaches.