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"Particular emphasis in recent years has been on the use of
simple climbing apparatus, never before included in the Ministry of
Education Scheme for Primary Schools. All Infant Schools in
Walthamstow have been equipped with playground apparatus to
our own specification, i.e., a commando net, simple climbing ropes
and steel climbing bars. All Junior Schools in the Borough have
some playground climbing apparatus, i.e., a horizontal ladder, steel
climbing bars and in some cases a steel window ladder. Some
schools have special difficulties such as small, irregularly shaped,
or sloping playgrounds, which make the provision of such apparatus
difficult. When funds become available much more needs to
be done to provide apparatus for school- halls for use in inclement
weather. In schools where climbing apparatus has been in use for
some time it is interesting to note the development in the children
of self-confidence, of bodily skill, and of increased strength in the
muscles of the back, shoulders and chest, resulting in better posture.
"It is hoped, with the co-operation of the School Medical
Officer, to experiment with the adaption of this apparatus for use
in the Special Schools of the Borough."
Swimming. -The Walthamstow Schools' Swimming Association's
report for the year ended 31st December, 1954, refers to the
following achievements:—
Standard (Graded) Tests.—During the past year the following
certificates were gained:—
834 Primary 23 Intermediate
216 Elementary 10 Advanced
Speed Tests.—Twenty-one 3rd class; nineteen 2nd class; and
ten 1st class Speed Certificates were gained during 1954.
Life Saving Classes and Achievements.—The usual classes
were organised by the Schools' Swimming Instructor, and, as in
previous years, several schools, including Grammar Schools, held
" internal " classes, resulting in the following awards in all:—
Intermediate Certificates 9
Bronze Medallions 60
Bars to Bronze Medallions 2
Bronze Crosses 10
Awards of Merit 3
Bar to above 1
Scholar Instructors Certificate 1
14. PROVISION OF MEALS
During October and November the daily number of meals
exceeded 8,000 or some 40% of the numbers on the school roll.
During the same period the daily milk meals total averaged
over 15,000 per day or some 75% of the total on the school roll.