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41
Although much has been done regarding the difficult problem of
transference of staff, there is still a shortage of teachers with the
necessary specialist qualifications to ensure that all children in the
Senior Schools receive adequate training on the portable apparatus
provided. As a result of the increasing knowledge and experience
of the specialist teachers, more effective use is now made of this
apparatus, and the Committee's decision to augment the supply
will be particularly welcomed by these teachers. There can, however,
be no logical reason why the post-primary children in Secondary
and Central Schools should enjoy the privileges of fully equipped
gymnasia with changing rooms and showers, while those in the
Senior Schools have to accept the less useful portable apparatus
with its limited possibilities and hygienic conditions which
preclude much of the valuable training in the proper care and
cleanliness of the body. The extension of the school-leaving age
to 15 years next September increases the urgent need for improved
facilities which would do much to create in the pupils a keen desire
to continue health-giving activities on leaving school.
"A feature of this year's work in several of the Senior Girls'
Schools has been the inclusion in the time-table of either Greek or
Central European dancing. This has been received by the girls
with great enthusiasm and has resulted in a marked increase in the
poise and control of movement, and an accompanying lack of selfconsciousness
which has fully justified the introduction of this
pleasant activity. Following the present Teachers' Dancing Course,
it is hoped that a weekly period of Greek or Central European
dancing will be included as part of the physical training scheme in
all Girls' Senior Schools. The provision of a pianist for this type
of dancing is necessary, but is a great difficulty as Head Teachers
can rarely spare a second member of the staff for this purpose.
The appointment of a floating pianist seems the only solution to
this problem.
"3. Playing Fields.—Extensive improvements were carried
out during the year on the Committee's spacious playing fields at
Salisbury Hall, and this important work, together with the supply
of maintenance machinery and extra games equipment, should
further enhance the value of these splendid fields. The many
advantages of possessing grounds maintained and marked solely to
meet the requirements of children's games have been fully demonstrated
by the excellent use made of this field, especially during
the summer months. At the Billet Road playing field the groundsman
deserves credit for his excellent maintenance of the field, in
spite of a very full programme of school visits. This field is also
regarded as the centre for valuable out-of-school activities, and it
is pleasing to record a marked increase made in the use of the shower
baths. The formation of desirable cleanly habits is an important