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157
Number of pupils taking part in the scheme 229
A. Number of children who would have been
examined on a selective basis 133
(58%)
B. Number of children who would not have
been examined on a selective basis 96
Number of children in A. who did not
have defects 10
Number of children in B. whose defects
would have been missed 1
Judging from the results the trial scheme proved to be successful
and shewed selective medical examinations disclosed higher proportion of
children with emotional problems; in fact 7.4 per cent of the children who
took part in the trial scheme had emotional problems as compared with 3.7 per
cent of the total eight year olds examined in the previous year.
In view of the findings from the survey carried out at the three
schools, it is proposed that the system of selective medical examinations be
gdopted for all eight year old children, with the proviso that during the
first year the scheme is in operation at any school, all children be examined
regardless of whether or not any defects were indicated on the parents' or
teachers' questionnaire. At the three schools which took part in the survey
examinations will be carried out on an entirely selective basis.
General Conditions as Recorded at Periodic Inspection
Of the 6,926 pupils inspected, 6,911 were deemed to be of satisfactory
general condition. This is a personal assessment by the inspecting medical
officer which takes into account general body contour and covering, general
muscle tone, facial complexion, appearance of mucous membranes and eyes,
posture, alertness and poise. In modern times it is more common to find
pupils who are over nourished rather than underweight. Obesity has many
disadvantages in school life as well as carrying increased risk to normal
health in later years. In most cases obesity is preventable or cam be cured,
and merits more serious consideration by parents and teachers than is usually
given. The 15 children whose general condition was deemed unsatisfactory
consisted of 1 born in 1963, 3 in 1962, 2 in 1960, 3 in 1959, 1 in 1958, 4
in 1955 and 1 in 1952.