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152
At the three schools where examination of eight year olds
was carried out on a purely selective basis, 127 children were
selected for examination.
The arrangements for periodic medical inspection are
summarised below:
On entry to infant and nursery schools
On entry to the junior school
On entry to the secondary school
During the year in which age fifteen is reached
In addition to these complete medical examinations, the
hearing of every child is tested at the age of six and eleven years
(approximately) by a pure tone audiometer. Secondary school pupils
aged thirteen and sixteen plus are given an additional eye test.
Those whose hearing or vision is found to be subnormal are referred
for audiometric or ophthalmic examination and treatment, as appropriate.
During the summer term the scheme of selective medical
examinations of eight year olds was extended to all junior and primary
schools with the proviso that, during the first year the scheme was in
operation at any school, all children be examined regardless of whether
or not any defects were noted from the information available- Judging
from the results of the examinations carried out, the system of
selective examinations proved to be very successful and in view of the
findings it has been approved that in the future this system of medical
examination be adopted for all eight year old pupils.
General Conditions as Recorded at Periodic Inspection
Of the 6,417 pupils inspected, 6,414 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 can be cured, and merits more
serious consideration by parents and teachers than is usually given.
The 3 children whose general condition was deemed unsatisfactory
consisted of 1 born in 1961, 1 in 1957 and 1 in 1953.