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Apparatus and accommodation. All schools in West Ham
have been provided with an adequate supply of apparatus for both
gymnastics and games. The majority of the Council schools are
fortunate in having large halls for indoor physical training. Every
opportunity is being taken to improve and add to the existing
accommodation. The aim is, as schools are being reorganised,
to provide, where possible, each department with a hall of adequate
size. During the current year a gymnasium has been erected at
Gainsborough Senior School, and at the Deanery School the hall is
being fitted with fixed apparatus. Lister Day Continuation Institute
(also used for classes of unemployed juveniles) is now provided
with fixed apparatus, changing room and shower baths.
Clothing. This presents a major problem in areas like
West Ham. Children cannot derive full benefit from their exercises
unless they are suitably clothed. It is desirable that all pupils
should make a complete change of clothing for the physical training
lesson, and it is essential that light rubber shoes should be
worn during exercises. Unfortunately only in a few schools in
West Ham is this complete change of clothing made. In too large
a proportion of schools, especially in boys' departments, many of
the children are dangerously overclothed and can derive little, if
any, benefit from their physical training. It would be a great step
forward if all children could be persuaded to provide themselves
with rubber shoes, or have them provided by the Authority.
Teachers' classes. All teachers in the Borough have been
afforded opportunities to attend demonstrations in physical exercises
and games. Several special courses have also been arranged
for teachers to attend during school time so that it is now possible
to utilise the services of trained teachers in a specialist capacity
in the majority of senior schools and to a lesser extent in junior
schools.
Organised games. West Ham is very inadequately provided
with playing fields. During the last year, however, by the
courtesy of the Highways and Parks Committee, schools are now
allowed to send classes to the local parks and recreation grounds.
In addition, the City Corporation has given permission for West
Ham Park to be used for this purpose; and the Epping Forest
Conservators have similarly allotted a portion of Wanstead Flats
for the use of the Authority. With this increased accommodation
it has been found possible to arrange for an additional 10,000
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