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46
in the Senior Schools. All playing fields should be equipped with
jumping pits and a few hurdles, to enable regular practice to be
carried out throughout the year.
"Sound work in athletics was achieved by the Teachers'
Association, and an exceedingly well-organised Sports Day, catering
for a large number of children in a variety of events, took place
in June in Lloyd Park.
"Out-of-School Activities.—We consider it our duty to pay
tribute to the splendid work of the Schools Sports Association,
which in most branches of its varied activities is well supported
by keen and competent teachers.
"Use of Playgrounds after School Hours.—Certain school playgrounds
in different parts of the town, with the fields attached to
Blackhorse Road Senior Girls' School and Wm. E. Whittingham
Boys' School, and the playing field at Handsworth Avenue, were
kept open for the use of school children after school hours during
the summer, and in the day-time during the Summer Vacation,
for which a play-leader was appointed.
"Visits to Playgrounds after School Hours.—Eighteen visits
were paid to those fields and playgrounds which were open to school
children after school hours. The caretakers who were in charge of
each playground appeared to be exercising tactful control, and the
few children who were in the playgrounds were making spasmodic
attempts to organise their own games. Far more children were
making use of the playing fields at Blackhorse Road and Wm. E.
Whittingham, indicating the natural desire for grass in warm
weather. There was little to attract the children to the playgrounds,
other than an open space in which to play. Suitable apparatus for
different ages and a trained play-leader to help the children to
organise their own games are necessary if these playgrounds are to
prove attractive. As an experiment, we would suggest the appointment
of play-leaders and the provision of suitable apparatus in
Lloyd Park, Aveling Park, Chestnuts, Low Hall Farm, St. James'
Park, etc.
"Swimming.—The facilities for instruction in Swimming were,
and remain, totally inadequate. Only 50 girls and 50 boys from
each Senior School were able to attend the Baths each week. The
Baths were not reserved for the use of school children, making any
class instruction difficult. Much valuable help was given voluntarily
by the teachers to a small proportion of children after school
hours, but the majority of children in Walthamstow are not provided
with the facilities for learning how to swim. The schools were
wisely reserving the time at their disposal for the teaching of
beginners.