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ncreased number of refresher courses for teachers, conducted in various parts of the Dominion. Cultural phases of education have been enhanced, music, for example, attaining a much higher level in the schools, and the quality of the singing heard not only in individual school choirs, but in the combined schools' music festivals, which are becoming popular features, has never been better. Physical Welfare. In physical education all districts report an outstanding advance in efficiency. The Superintendent of Physical Education and a staff of specialists have worked tirelessly in introducing the new work in the schools. An increasing number of specialists is being trained in the training colleges, and a number of refresher courses for teachers have been successfully conducted. The willing co-operation of the Boards, and the keenness of the teachers, have contributed largely to the success of these courses. The exercises and games which aim to promote natural activity and agility have a compelling appeal for the pupils. Some excellent films have been freely used in illustrating various phases of the movements. The teaching of swimming participates in this general advance. Large numbers of children are taught to swim each year. The opportunities afforded by the relaxation of the ordinary curriculum in February have perhaps been most advantageously used in connection with swimming. A film clearly delineating the progressive stages in learning how to swim has been made by one of the Department's staff and is the best of its kind yet used. Larger numbers of schools are installing the shallow type of learners' pool, its great advantages being lower initial cost and suitability lor all grades of learners, even the infants. Teachers have been advised to give greater attention to the teaching of life-saving in senior classes. Teachers as a body deserve credit for the attention given to school games and to organized sports meetings where groups of schools compete in athletics, swimming, or national games. It can confidently be stated that the schools as a whole are playing their part in the national fitness campaign. The Department of Health, through the Divisions of School and Dental Hygiene, gives invaluable help in all measures taken to improve the health of the children. As a greater number of dental nurses becomes available dental treatment is being extended to larger of children. The Milk-in-schools Scheme is proving most successful. The teaching of health is being established on a more practical basis, and the value of temperance is, with few exceptions, being stressed. Roadsafety measures continue to receive special attention. Fine co-operation is extended by the Transport Department, two of whose officers are wholly engaged in educational work in the schools. Expert advice, with the use of suitable films specially selected or prepared, has been freely given. The Transport Department has, after consultation with the Education Department, Education Boards, and automobile and road - transport organizations, formulated comprehensive proposals for the inauguration of a Dominion-wide system of school crossings and patrols. Some of this work has been successfully begun by one or two automobile associations, but it is considered that an effective national system, with binding conditions, can be operated only by a State Department. The teachers have co-operated well, and some show considerable ingenuity in making the instruction practical by means of model road lay-outs and toy vehicles, or by outdoor instruction. The children are acquiring a definite road sense. Teaching Aids. Broadcasting continues to play an important part in this field, the lessons on music and speech being particularly appreciated. Excellently compiled booklets, well illustrated, containing particulars of the programmes, arc eagerly sought by the schools. The officials of the Broadcasting Service, as well as the organizers and their assistants, have given much time and thought to the preparation of suitable broadcast lessons. Despite the difficulties arising from war conditions, an increasing number of schools are obtaining equipment for visual education. Both motion and still types of projectors are in use, but oil account of the lower cost of both machine and films the still type is favoured. An improved type of film-strip projector is being manufactured in New Zealand, and the strips 011 a wide range of topics can be conveniently prepared locally. The experiment of appointing Educational Officers to the museums at each of the four centres has proved so successful that the Department has taken over these officers as full-time teachers in the Education Service. Their duties as liaison officers between the museums and the schools involve the preparation of museum material for distribution to schools, and the giving of talks to children, and lectures to teachers and training-college students at the museums. The expressions of approval from both country and town schools of the work being done are very encouraging. Visits to nearby institutions, industrial premises, and places of interest continue to be featured in some districts. The more ambitious school journeys were freely undertaken in connection with visits to the Exhibition. The information gained by pupils is largely used as a basis for project work, and the personal contacts made add realism to social studies. Pictorial and diagrammatic aids are increasingly used. The value of graphical representation was well shown in the case of one class that recorded the whole outline of its sea-shore nature-study project in one extensive and artistically executed mural. So important has the whole field of teaching aids become that it is now necessary to consider the appointment of a Supervisor to give expert guidance. Libraries. The increased grant made by the Government has been welcome. Considerable efforts are still required 011 the part of local authorities to raise funds. In one district the profits from an annual schools' music festival are used to augment library funds. In centres served by city or borough school library schemes the schools are fortunately placed. The provision of an adequate supply of readingmatter for country schools has caused some concern. A survey of several districts has been undertaken

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