PHYSICAL CULTURE

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1940, Page 10

PHYSICAL CULTURE

IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS. WELLINGTON, March 20. A new system of physical education in primary schools has been by the Minister, according to a letter received by the Wellington Education Board from the Education Department. It is based on the syllabus which proved successful in Great Britain. Methods of class organisation, the introduction of rhythmic work, agility exercises, and minor games, are the most important innovations. Simple apparatus introduces a greater variety of exercises. Spacey is nece'issary, so it is desirable that only one physical education class should be on the playground at a time. Most of the equipment is procurable, including bracket-balls, Rugby balls, old tennis balls, hoops, and lengths of rope. Short pegs for marking out areas will be necessary. Improvised targets, jumping stands, and pits, also coloured bands fqfr distinguishing teams, light loose clothes, and rubbersoled shoes are desirable. The use or specialists in the large primary Schools, intermediate schools, and district high schools is advocated.

The board decided to ask the Superintendent of Education (Mr Smithells) to meet it; also to ask -the Department for a supply of books, for perusal by members.