Physical Exercise in Schools.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 700, 3 November 1909, Page 6

Physical Exercise in Schools.

In coniection with the revised syllabus of physical exercises to be issued by the English Board of Education for use in public elementary schools and iu training cjlieges, (he Board emphasises their sense of the great importance of this branch of public education, and state that physical education is essential to a sound intellectual training. The memorandum accompanying the •syllabus intimates the Board's wish for more decided general progtess in the matter of physical education, not only by the issue of an official syllabus and an appropriate inspection, but by a more adequate eq'dpmeut cf the teaching staff in both the training colleges and the public elementary schools. The exercises have been selected aud at ranged in appropriate progression, with a view to the promotion of the harmonious development of all parts of the body. They have been selected as suitable for children of school age, and may be effectively carried out without the use of a special apparatus. The Board desire that all lessons in physical exercises iu elementary schools should be thoroughly enjoyed by the children, and 1 once it has been thought well not only to modify some of the usual Swedish combinations, in order to make the work less exacting, but to introduce games and dancing steps ii.to many of the lessons. The Board do not feel called upon to encourage couf. rmity to gymnastic standards or the production of any particular type of gymnast, or even the popular custom of class displays by selected teams. What they desiie to secure is the careful aud well-balanced cultiva tion of the physical powers of each individual child. Tho Board impress upon local education authoiities that the development of the children's physique is a matter of national importance. They are convinced that the general adoption cf the syllabus right interpretation, and teaching will be fruitful in practical benefits.