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94
PHYSICAL EDUCATION, 1954.
The following is the report of the Area Advisors of Physical
Education :—
1. General.
Physical Education during the year 1954 has shown steady
progress and has seen the consolidation of many useful schemes of
work. A feeling of life and vitality at present infuses all branches
of the work and this is a stimulus to all concerned with the physical
welfare of the school children in the area. The generally accepted
aim of " a healthy mind in a healthy body " is now understood to
include a combination of a well balanced physique with the
optimum development of mind and personality as well as the health
and cleanliness of the child —a very full and ambitious objective !
Present policy demands greater effort in every way from the
teacher in the skilful planning and presentation of the lesson and
encourages purposeful work of good standard, courage, selfreliance
and self-discipline in the child. Suitable facilities in most
schools and an adequate supply of equipment provided by the
Education Committee have done much to stimulate effort generally
and to assist in the promotion of our objects.
Unfortunately, during the year under review, adverse weather
conditions have seriously interfered with many outdoor activities
and the temporary use of hall space as classrooms in some schools,
owing to the increased school population, has deprived some
schools of essential alternative indoor accommodation.
The Primary School general training with its emphasis on
freedom of effort, activity and exploration, provides an ideal
groundwork for the development of specific technique in all
branches of Physical Education at the Secondary level. In some
cases it is anticipated that in the future the need for a more complete
assessment of Primary School activities will be appreciated by
staffs, so that training can be continuous and progressive for a
pupil entering a Secondary School.
For several years the provision of special clothing and footwear
for Physical Education has been a serious problem, but it is
pleasing to note that the praiseworthy support of parents in general
has been further maintained. Parents with large families of school
age often find great difficulty in providing four or five pairs of
plimsolls and outfits of physical training clothing at prevailing prices
and their needs merit further consideration. A slight but valuable
increase in the supply of plimsolls was made by the Kent Education
Committee during the year. It is hoped that more adequate provision
will be possible in the near future in order that opportunities
for field activities may be afforded more regularly and allow of
active participation by greater numbers of children.