OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20731, 16 December 1932, Page 5

OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS.

EXPERIMENT AT OXFORD, ENGLAND.

The Christchurch Open-Air Schools League has received from Dr. D. Colquhoun, Regis Professor of Medicine, University of Otago, a copy ot "The Times," London, of November 2nd, containing an account of an ininteresting experiment wit'h open-air schools, in Oxford, England. Dr. Colquhoun has been keenly interested in open-air schools for many years and contributed, articles on the subject to The Pbess in 1917. The article in "The Times" states that the experiment was made possible through the generosity of Colonel ffennell, tho chairman from tour schools in Oxford being taught in the open air on his estate at Wytham during 1931. The experiment proved so successful that five other schools joined the scheme last With one exception, the verdict ot tne head teachers of these schools was distinctly favourable. The only cost involved was that of transport, and m 1921 tho cost of conveying 60 children by motor bus was 9d a mile, the bus company charging only actual rnnmnß cost! the children spent the who e dav in tho country returning to the r homes in the evening. They took their own food with them Any *>™«»Jg required were provided by Colonel ffennell. The cost of transport m 11W1 was met by voluntary contributions, ot which the Oxford Rotary «»**«* charge and to which the club contributed largely. Medical Officer's Keport. The school medical officer Dr. A. LOrmerod, in his report, stated.- ine majority of- the teachers. considered that the children were brighter ana better, and attributed this to the combined effect of fresh air and leisurely meals and enforced rest after dinner. Many of the parents are convinced that the little ones eat and sleep better as the result of the weekly visits, lne children get fresh air and sunlight, good food eaten under hygienic conditions, and rest in the middle of the day, and last, but not least, happiness, and it is hard to believe that they do not benefit. Among the head teaohers there is a consensus of opinion that tha new surroundings &***

awakened an active interest and hay© opened the doors to a world which wiu provide the children with enjoyment and instruction all their lives, In one school it is pointed out that tne staff, as well as the children, have profited from the new conditions. The children are learning not o .™" spect, but to love Nature and the. love of Nature has made them more kindly to one another. Geography "£ history have been taught more ™™™l oallv, sad Nature stndy has advance* by Wpa and tetrads."-