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98
(c) On 20th October, 1919, an official visit of inspection of the
work of the schools in physical exercises was made by Mr. Grenfell,
H M.I. for Physical Training, accompanied by H.M.I. Mr. Biddle
and Mr. Parker of the Board of Education, when consultations were
held at the Education Offices, a number of schools visited, and a general
inspection made of the practical instruction covered by the Authority's
scheme for physical education. One of the suggestions arising out of
this visit of inspection gave rise to my present practice of visiting a
separate department for the whole of each school session, instead of,
as previously, visiting as many departments as possible during the
school day and arranging such visits in accordance with school timetables.
Under the present scheme of visitation I am able to keep in close
touch with the work throughout the schools; generally speaking, each
department has been visited about ten times in the course of a year's
working, and such visits are recorded in my personal time-table and
submitted weekly to the Education Secretary for inspection.
The detailed method I employ is to observe the teacher at work on
the table for the lesson, to advise when necessary, and occasionally to
take the class myself in the exercise or game. This procedure appears
to be effective and stimulating. "When necessary, the staff of the
department have been called together by the Head Teacher, and I
have given a demonstration on points of difficulty.
The time allotted to physical exercises is generally three lessons,
each of twenty minutes' duration, per week, with one additional lesson
devoted to organised games.
(d) A new feature has been introduced during the past year by my
demonstrations in the presence of parents, particularly of those whose
children are in attendance in the Girls' Departments, the object of the
demonstrations being to emphasise the need for girls being provided
with suitable costumes, in order that the exercises may be efficiently and
profitably performed. This departure has been greatly appreciated by
the parents, and has met with marked success.
(e) With one exception, each senior department under the Authority
takes part in the swimming instruction; much interest is evidenced in
this particular instruction, and a successful gala was held at the end
of the season. The method of instruction adopted is that recommended
by the Board of Education in Appendix D of their Syllabus of Physical
Training for Schools, 1919, namely, the handbook therein referred to
and issued by the Amateur Swimming Association. Further reference
to the subject will be found in Section V. of this report.
IV. Review of General Position.
(a) All branches of the teaching staff have voluntarily attended the
special demonstrations arranged on their behalf. An increased interest
in the work of physical education has been obviously engendered,
and its influence has been reflected in the keen and enthusiastic work
of the children.
(b) School Championship Leagues have been formed for Football
and Netball.
(c) The Authority have, where possible, provided additional open
spaces for organised games.