PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21284, 2 October 1934, Page 7

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

REFRESHER COURSE MUSIC AND PHYSICAL TRAINING One hundred and twenty teachers, from certain city and district schools, commenced a refresher course yesterday at the Christchurch Teachers' Training College. Instruction is being given in physical education by Mr H. E. Longworth, physical instructor in the Canterbury district, and in music by Mr E. Jenner, both of the staff of the Training College. It was originally intended that drawing and art classes should also be held, but this has been prevented by the indisposition of the instructor, Mr J. Masterton. The course will finish on Wednesday afternoon, one and a half days of the three having been devoted to each of the two subjects. During this period the Fendalton, Riccarton, Spreydon, Harewood, Heathcote, Richmond, Papanui, West Spreydon, Marshland, Yaldhurst, Ouruhia, Spencerville, Addington, and Somerneld Schools will remain closed. Mr Longworth is basing his course on a book entitled "The Growing Body, its Nature, Needs, and Training," by J. R. Renfrew White. Much rhythmic work, taken to music, is included in the course. Mr Jenner is concentrating on musical appreciation. "The teachers are entering into the work whole-heartedly," said Mr Longworth yesterday, "and we are sure that the result will be of great benefit to the children of the schools. We are looking forward to the time when we

shall have a healthy, virile race of people, live and active. As Sir George Newman, of the Board of Education. London, said in his annual report one year: 'lf this subject (physical education) is taught to the full it will result in a great saving in certain special services, most notably in the upkeep of hospitals.'" Mr Longworth stressed the hard nature of the refresher coiuse in physical training, the major part of which was a practical course lasting four hours. The present refresher course will probably be the last for the year of a series. It is hoped to hold one in agriculture early next year, possibly in January.