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43
The Head Teachers appreciate in general terms the value of fresh air,
but many will tell you they cannot tolerate draughts, and the general
feeling of discomfort arising from a free use of open windows in the
central halls.
Were the halls maintained as large reservoirs of fresh air and not
places for working in by Head Teachers the "fresh air" condition of
the class-rooms could be made to approximate that of the open.
School Journeys.—Although the district is burdened with an
Education rate ot 2s. 6d. in the £, permission was given to the Head
Teacher of the Myope School for a school journey for the children
under her charge. The children were taken to Hastings for a fortnight.
With a like enthusiasm the Head Teachers of the other special
schools could probably take their children for similar outings.
The children were not seen (medically) before or after their journey,
so I am unable to say what benefit they derived.
Miss Balls, the Head Teacher, kindly furnished me with a report,
in which she says :—
"The benefits accruing from this expedition were threefold.
"There is no doubt that the general health of the children was
improved both by the change of air and good and regular food.
"The educational value is enormous Powers of observation
are trained as they could be in no other way. Information is
gained which proves valuable throughout the school life of the
child and rouses an interest which will lead him to seek for more
knowledge at a later date. (Here I might say that in illustrating
such a thing as a city wall and its uses in olden days, the wall
round Hastings Castle has proved of inestimable value). This is
only one of the countless instances that might be quoted.
"The first-hand knowledge then, forms an excellent basis for
further instruction.
"The moral training afforded is enormous. Perhaps one of the
greatest results from this is the development of the ' team spirit.'
In such a large party each one must think of the rest, thus
becoming thoughtful, unselfish and helpful. Then there are the
habits of cleanliness, tidiness, quiet behaviour in the house and
the proper use of knives and forks, etc., at meals. Quick children
learn to be patient with the slow ones, and old ones with
younger. Self-reliance and self-confidence are also possible to
cultivate under such conditions. Last, but very important, each
child realises that its teachers are its friends, and a relationship is
established between pupil and teacher which will probably last a
life time, and the child will realise that in joy or sorrow he will
receive complete sympathy and, if necessary, advice.
"The total cost of the school journey was just under £96. The
hostel expenses came to £68, and the rest was spent on travelling
and local expenditure."