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52
"Since many of the children are suffering from progressive and
high myopia, there is always the danger of the retina becoming
detached, and total blindness ensuing, if violent movements such
as jerking, jumping, lifting, bending, wrestling or falling are
indulged in. The avoidance of detached retina, with the necessary
amount of physical training for each child is secured by a special
adaptation of the Board of Education drill syllabus, by which
only the gentler rythmic forms of exercise are taken.
"Country dances are also taught, and suitable outdoor and
indoor games indulged in. As children who see imperfectly are
inclined to peer, and to lean forward in doing so, there is a tendency
to spinal curvature. In order to remedy this, the Education
Committee, on the advice of the ophthalmic Surgeon, has
supplied the centre with a rowing machine, which is used daily
by the senior and junior children.
"During the month of June, a school journey to East Anglia
was undertaken, the party comprising two teachers and 40 boys
and girls. Very comfortable accommodation was found at
Hunstanton, and the children spent a most enjoyable and beneficial
fortnight there, exploring the district from that centre.
Visits were made to Lincoln, Norwich, Ely, Walsingham, King's
Lynn, Castle Rising, Sandringham and Old Hunstanton.
"Lessons on the history and geography of East Anglia had
been given beforehand, so that the children could obtain the
maximum benefit from the journey, educationally as well as
physically. Upon their return, essays were written and picture
albums made, each child taking home a picture album as a
memento of the journey, and a portfolio of essays typed by itself,
as a much-prized record of the happy days spent in East Anglia.
"After the summer vacation, the weather being suitable,
lessons were held on the lawns, the myope desks being light
enough to carry outside. The garden produce was collected, and
formed part of the school dinners; the gardens were trenched and
manured, and bulbs were planted indoors and outside.
"At Christmas, the children performed the plays 'Pandora's
Box,' and the 'Oxford Nativity Play,' and gave an exhibition of
all the forms of work carried on at the Centre.
"Of the nine girls and seven boys who have left the Centre
during the past year, the following information has been ascertained:—
One girl has left the district and is working as a draper's
assistant.
Two girls are receiving further workshop training at the
Institution for the Blind at Swiss Cottage.