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46
"In addition to the ordinary School Curriculum, various forms
of Manual work are undertaken.
"Printing, bookbinding, brushmaking, staining and polishing
are taken by the boys, whilst the girls learn hand knitting, machine
knitting, cardboard modelling and raffia work. In addition all
the children do gardening, clay modelling and free-arm drawing.
The 'Braille' children also learn chair-caning, rush seating and
cane weaving.
"In order that the younger children may come into closer contact
with normal children of their own age and attainment, the juniors
attend the adjacent Elementary Schools for lessons in history,
geography and nature study. The seniors take all their lessons at
the Myope Centre.
"Since many of the children are suffering from Progressive and
High Myopia, the avoidance of detached retina is guarded against
in the Physical Training by a special adaptation of the Board of
Education Drill Syllabus whereby all exercises including violent
movements, jerking, jumping and bending, are rigidly excluded,
and the gentler forms of exercise indulged in. Dances of a suitable
nature are also learned, and outdoor and indoor games taught.
"During the past year, two members of the Staff left the service
of the Walthamstow Education Committee to take up similar posts
in the Provinces. Their places are suitably filled.
"During the month of June, a school journey to North Wales
of a fortnight's duration was undertaken, forty children in the care
of two teachers making up the party. Very comfortable accommodation
was found and the children spent a delightful fortnight at
Penmaenmawr, visiting Conway, Bangor, Anglesey, Caernarvon,
Chester, Llanberis and Snowdon, Llandudno and Great Orme.
Preparatory lessons on the history and geography of North Wales
had been given beforehand so that the children could obtain the
maximum benefit from the journey not only physically, but educationally.
"Upon their return essays were written on the various trips and
adventures, and each child made a picture card album of all the
views he or she had collected.
"After the Summer vacation the weather was suitable for classes
to be held in the open, and lessons on the two lawns were very
much appreciated. The garden produce was collccted and formed
part of the school dinners, and the school gardens were trenched
and manured during the Autumn. Bulbs were planted and are now
in flower.