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62
"In addition, two girls (aphasic) were admitted, but they
have since left the district.
"The work of the school has been carried on satisfactorily
during the period under review. Miss B. M. Gray left the
school at the end of 1934, and her place was taken by Miss
J. E. Hicks.
"The standard of the speech and lip-reading of the elder
children has been sustained at a high level.
"Two very young children have been admitted this year
for the first time (aged 3 and 4 years). These children,
attending the morning sessions only, have already greatly
benefited by starting their education at an early age. This
fact marks a great step forward in the education of deaf
children.
"Judging from the recent admissions of children, it appears
that the number of congenital deaf children in this area is
decreasing, while the number of children suffering from
aphasia in its various forms is increasing.
"The junior children are taught speech and lip-reading and'
simple language on the oral method. Numerous and various
forms of handwork are also included in the time-table. Each
child is taught to do things for himself, and to be a helpful
member of his class.
"The elder children are taught more advanced and even
difficult language, and, in addition, the normal school subjects
history, geography, nature study, etc. A great interest in
the general news of the day is taken by all the senior children,
and in this way much valuable information and much new
language is learned in a natural normal manner.
"The girls, aged 12 or over, take a year's course of laundry
and cookery, and the senior boys take a course of woodwork
at the William McGuffie Housewifery and Woodwork Centres
respectively.
"Various forms of handwork are taken throughout the
school. This year special attention has been paid to Art.
"Three educational visits were made during the year, two
to places of interest in London and one to a Shakespearean
performance at the 'Old Vic.'
"During the summer months all the senior children attend
swimming classes, two girls obtaining their diploma for the
length, and one boy for the quarter-mile.