490 ' EEPORT-1902. 



Knowledge op Hygiene possessed by School Teachers. 



In order to obtain the information desired it was decided to send a 

 circular letter to some of the chief School Boards, training colleges, and 

 public schools in the United Kingdom ; also to certain private schools 

 and high schools, and other societies and institutions engaged in educa- 

 tion. The circular letter contained questions framed for the purpose of 

 obtaining information with regard to the practical knowledge of hygiene 

 possessed by school teachers. 



This letter was sent to fifteen public schools, four high schools, four 

 private schools, two Church schools, eight School Boards in the United 

 Kingdom, also to the Board of National Education of Ireland (Dublin), 

 thirteen training colleges, two polytechnics, five societies connected with 

 teaching, and to certain educationists. 



Replies were received from eight public schools, eight School Boards, 

 four training colleges, and two other institutions. 



In answer to the questions contained in the circular letter it was 

 elicited : — 



(1. Are any certificates in hygiene for teachers recognised in your 

 schools 1) 



That certificates in hygiene were recognised (a) in only one private 

 school'; (b) in all the eight Board schools ; (c) and in oidy three training 

 colleges from whom answers were received ; but none were recognised 

 in the eight public schools nor in the high schools that replied. 



(2. AYhat certificates in hygiene have you found most suitable to the 

 requirements of teachers ?) 



That the following certificates connected with the health subjects were 

 those held by the teachers or recognised as a qualification : — 



The Certificate of the Science and Art Department in Hygiene (Board 

 of Education) ; Certificate of the British College of Physical Training ; 

 the College of Preceptors' Associate and Licentiate Diplomas ; the 

 Certificate in Hygiene of the National Board of Education in Ireland ; 

 the Certificate of the Sanitary Institute in Practical Hygiene for School 

 Teachers. The examination for this last-named certificate appears to be 

 the only one in which the teacher's practical knowledge is tested by an 

 oral examination. 



In those scliools in which no certificate in hygiene for teachers are 

 recognised the teachers have received no systematic instruction in the sub- 

 ject at all. 



(3. If the teachers with whom you are connected have not been pre- 

 pared for any special certificate iii hygiene, have they received any 

 instruction in it or dealt with the subject at all, and, if so, in what 

 manner ?) 



In those schools in which no certificates in hygiene for teachers are 

 recognised the teachers have received no systematic instruction in the 

 subject at all. 



(4. To what extent are teachers required to exercise their knowledge 

 of the subject '?) 



a. The teachers in eight of the schools are expected to exercise their 

 knowledge to a slight extent in the management of the school building. 



