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36
the development of the work in all its aspects can proceed on sound
lines. Many of the men teachers called to the Forces are now
returning and further appointments will be made from the ranks of
the young and newly trained men and women.
Provision of Gymnasia.
By 1939 several schools in the Borough had, under the building
plan, been provided with gymnasia. These included Belmont,
Crowland, Downhills, Down Lane. Page Green, Parkhurst, Rowland
Hill and South Grove (formerly Culvert) Schools. Unhappily, owing
to enemy action, the gymnasia at Down Lane and Crowland Schools
have been unusable during the year, but it is hoped that it may soon
be possible to complete the repair of the damage in both buildings.
And so, when reorganisation is complete, secondary modern schools
fully established, and the school leaving age raised, every school in
the town providing secondary education should have its fully
equipped gymnasium.
Equipment and Gymnastic Clothing.
During the past year there has been some improvement in the
supply of equipment and clothing but these goods are still on quota.
The lack of towels has seriously handicapped the full use of shower
baths and until the coupon value is reduced or eliminated there is
little prospect of the development of this important hygienic aspect
of the work of physical education. It is to be hoped, however, that
it will soon be possible to inaugurate a scheme for the provision and
laundering of individual towels in the near future.
Swimming.
The standard of swimming has continued to improve despite the
setbacks of the war years, but it is still impossible to send all who
should attend at the baths for instruction owing to the limited
accommodation. An open air bath is excellent for children who can
already swim, but it has obvious limitations for instructional
purposes. There is a real need for at least two covered instructional
baths within the Borough, and this provision should certainly form
part of the educational Development Plan under the Act of 1944.
Organised Games.
This branch of the work has suffered seriously during the past
few years. All the games pitches in the parks and recreation grounds