PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 96, 21 March 1940, Page 7

PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

NEW SYSTEM APPROVED. Per Presij Association. WELLINGTON, March 20. A new system of physical education in the primary schools has been approved b,y the Minister, according to a letter received bv the Wellington Education Board from the Education Department. It is based on the syllabus which lias proved successful in Great Britain. Methods of class organisation and the introduction nf rhythmic work, agility exercises, and minor games are the most important i innovations. Simple apparatus introj duces a greater variety of exercises. Most of the equipment comprises basketballs. Rugby balls, old tennis balls, hoops, and lengths of rope. Short pegs for marking out the areas will be necessary. Improvised targets, jumping stands, and pits, also coloured bands for distinguishing teams, light loose clothes, and rubber-soled shoes are desirable. The use of specialists in large primary schools, intermediate schools, and district high schools is advocated. Considerable interest was shown by members of the Wanganui Education Board, yesterday, when the introduction of the new scheme of physical education in schools was referred to. The board decided to invite Mr P. A. Smithells (superintendent of physical education) to visit the next meeting of the board and demonstrate the new scheme. Mr 1. W. Mudford comment-

ed that lie had been disappointed at the way physical exercises were being done in schools with particular reference to breathing and proper methods.