[Report 1930] / School Medical Officer of Health, West Bromwich.

  • West Bromwich (England). Council.
Date:
1930
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1930] / School Medical Officer of Health, West Bromwich. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    G. Swimming. The swimming groups made good progress during the summer term. The usual “ Breast Stroke ” method of teaching was adopted in all cases, because we have yet to be convinced that the “ Crawl ” stroke should be generally taught to beginners, and we prefer to await the result of further experiments. The “ Breast Stroke Method ” is undoubtedly the ideal one for developing important structural muscles, and is, in our opinion, the best method for exercising the thorax and respiratory organs. It is gratifying to find the number learn¬ ing to swim each year is on the increase. It is to be regretted that larger numbers cannot be sent from the schools. While the number of swimming baths available is so limited, we think that every advantage should be taken of present facilities. Land drill should be practised a great deal more as part of the physical training lesson with every class from which the swimming groups are drawn. The movements are developmental and educative to the non-swimmer as well as to the hopeful member of the swimming section. It is a pleasure to record that teachers responsible for swimming groups in nearly all cases have worked with enthusiasm and genuine keenness. Swimming forms an important part in the scheme of Physical Education. We desire to state very emphatically that swimming is introduced into the school curriculum not to find possible speed champions, but. to give opportunities to every child in the swimming group to learn to swim with a degree of efficiency and style. D. Swimming Results. The Lodge Estate Girls’ School was successful once again in coming top of the list for the “ Helen Caddick ” Swimming Shield, and is to be congratulated on its achievement. Greets Green Boys finished first, and are, therefore, the winners of the “ Kenrick ” Swimming Shield. The general standard of efficiency on the boys’ side has shown a marked improvement. The Organisers hope that many of the swimmers from the swimming groups will enter the 1931 competition for the Grade Certificates for distance swimming; but it should be pointed out that all pupils attending the Public Elementary Schools are eligible for these tests for Grade Certificates. E. Conclusion. In summing up the year’s work, the Organisers would again emphasise the special recommendation mentioned in