NEW PHYSICAL TRAINING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 120, 19 April 1940, Page 3

NEW PHYSICAL TRAINING.

adoption in schools. BOARD’S PROPOSALS. Recommendations for introducing the new system of physical training in schools were embodied in the report of a committee which was adopted at the meeting of the Wanganui Education Board on Wednesday. “Wo are of the opinion that the importance of a scheme of physical training to the health and happiness of the children in our schools warrants tho board’s fullest interest and support, and would recommend that an assurance to this effect be given to tho Superintendent of Physical Instruction,” stated the report. “In introducing this new system of physical training, three problems present themselves: (1) Making present teaching stall's who have no .knowledge of the new drill competent and confident in it. (2) Keeping interest and standards high. (3) Providing cquip“To achieve (.1) we recommend that (a) for the time being specialists in the subject he attached to groups of schools to organise tile work, demonstrate the system, and train the teachers; (b) in the future a specialise teacher be attached to each large school; (c) refresher courses be held, differentiated to suit the particular needs of differing groups of teachers, id) tho publication of sets of exercises in clear and compact form. “To achieve (2) we recommend tor consideration: (1) Adding tan. allowance to tho salaries of teachers chosen as specialists in their own schools; (2) the award of a specialist’s certificate to those who qualify; (3) fostering displays such as are held already in athletics and folk dancing in the various centres. “To meet (3) wo recommend: That the Government allocate an annual grant to each hoard for the purpose of making an allowance or subsidy to meet the cost of equipment. This seems to he particularly necessary in the case of the smaller schools. In regard to the time to be taken each day (half-an-hour) we are of opinion that the importance of the subject is sufficient justification.”