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elementary schools in the district were selected and sent away
to Swanage for two weeks during August. The children were
weighed and medically examined before leaving Wimbledon.
Twenty-three boys were re-weighed after their return. Only one
was found to have lost weight, and the average gain, was nearly
2¾ lbs. Besides having a very enjoyable holiday the boys
improved considerably in health.
Fifty-five scholars from the Central Girls' School were
medically examined before leaving for a fortnight's stay at
Sandown in May. This visit was arranged through the School
Journey Association. The curriculum of the children whilst
away included geography, history, art, literature and nature
study. Many educational visits were paid to places of interest
in the island. Ample time was also available for physical training
and sports.
Holiday Camps are greatly appreciated by the children.
Apart from the almost invariable improvement in health which
occurs, the change of environment) is associated with considerable
educational value.
10. PHYSICAL TRAINING.
Physical exercises and organised games are carried out in
all the schools, the instruction being given by the class teachers
on the lines laid down in the syllabus issued by the Board of
Education.
Swimming instruction is given at the Wimbledon Corporation
Baths to children over ten years of age. The children attend
once a week and the instruction is given by the class teachers.
The cost of admission to the Baths is twopence for each child
and this is paid by the Education Committee. Under this
arrangement 13,153 attendances were made. Where swimming
is considered inadvisable for a child on medical grounds, such as
disease of the ears or heart, the Head Teacher is notified accordingly
by the School Medical Department.
11. PROVISION OF MEALS.
Meals are provided mid-day by the Education Committee
for the children attending the Special School. A good hot
lunch is served. The quality of the food is excellent and many
of the children remain for this meal.
No meals were provided during the year for children attending
the other schools. Thirty-three children, however, on account
of malnutrition and anaemia received half a pint of milk daily in
school for periods of three months and longer.
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