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Physical Education:
Swi inning:
It has long been the policy of the Division that all
fourth year primary pupils and all first year secondary pupils
shall have regular weekly swimming instruction. In all but
2 secondary schools and 6 primary schools this is adequately
carried out, and in a large number of schools many more pupils,
including the infants in some primary schools with their own
baths, receive swimming instruction. 3 secondary schools
have covered, heated baths. 4 secondary schools and 2 special
schools have open air baths, and 15 primary schools have learner
pools, 4 of which were opened in 1967. Covered heated public
baths are used in Saffron Walden, Harlow, Chelmsford, and since
September 1967, at Loughton.
The number of pupils permanently excused swimming on
medical grounds is negligible, but there is still a small
number of parents who do not give the necessary encouragement
to children who shirk swimming. The results of swimming
instruction are, generally speaking, very satisfactory in all
areas.
Plantar Warts:
Bare-foot work is encouraged in gyimasia and halls where
floors are smooth and well-kept, and where the teachers concerned
keep a strict watch for any sign of plantar warts among pupils.
During the summar term notes prepared by the Divisional School
Medical Officer on the recognition of plantar warts were sent to
all schools, together with instruction to exclude from bare-foot
work, including swimming, all pupils suspected of suffering from
plantar warts or other infection. It is disturbing to find
that in some cases a child's own doctor has not upheld the
Divisional Medical Officer's ruling, but stated that the child
may continue with swimming if the infected area is covered with
a plaster."
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