§ 33. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Education whether physical exercises are a compulsory part of the curriculum in public elementary schools; and whether he will cease to recognise any school which fails to provide for physical instruction in accordance with the code?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)Physical training is one of the subjects mentioned In Article 2 of the Code. That Article states, however, that it is not necessary that all the subjects mentioned shall be taught in every school or class. The importance which the Board attach to instruction in this subject is shown in the introduction to the Syllabus of Physical Exercises. In view of what is said there I think it would be very difficult to satisfy the Board that at any particular school physical training is not required by the needs of the scholars. I am not aware of Any school in which physical training is not now included in the curriculum, though its efficiency and adequacy vary considerably.
§ Mr. KINGIn view of the great importance of this subject to the health of these people, will this policy be pursued at all hazards by the Department?
§ Mr. PEASEAs every school is now including physical exercises in its curriculum I do not think there is any 1218 necessity for me to interfere with the discretion of the local education authorities. I am anxious that it should be as efficient as it can possibly be made.