Physical Education

Physical Education is the planned, progressive learning that takes place in school curriculum timetabled time and which is delivered to all pupils. This involves both ‘learning to move’ (i.e. becoming more physically competent) and ‘moving to learn’ (e.g. learning through movement, a range of skills and understandings beyond physical activity, such as co-operating with others). The context for the learning is physical activity, with children experiencing a broad range of activities, including sport and dance.

(extracted from afPE’s Health Position Paper 2015 )

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Physical education, as an integral part of the total curriculum, provides vital opportunities for the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the child. (Primary P.E. Curriculum pg. 2)


All classes in Scoil Mhuire are timetabled for 60 minutes of physical education every week. A broad and balanced PE curriculum is delivered, at all class levels, by the classroom teacher.

The P.E. Curriculum is divided into 6 strands as follows:

  • Athletics

  • Games

  • Aquatics

  • Dance

  • Gymnastics

  • Outdoor and Adventure

Outdoor and Adventure and Athletics

This month Scoil Mhuire are focusing on athletics and the strand of Outdoor and Adventure. The fundamental movement skill is running. This also ties in with Active School which will also take place in May. Athletics is a favourite choice during Active School Week. We are completing our daily mile each day to practice. This also ties in with our Run around Europe challenge. The children are taught how to run/ sprint over a short/ long distance depending on the age group. Children are also taught how to 'take off' correctly.


Aquatics

Swimming takes place every year for 8 weeks per class from 1st to 6th class in the local swimming pool in Clondalkin Leisure Centre. The children go with their class every Monday. The children are encouraged to take part through our Super swim challenge. The chidlren are given a bronze booklet and once completed they move to a silver and gold booklet. Once they have completed all three booklets they are given a' superswim' booklet. On completion the children go on a 'superswim'. This gives the children an opportunity to have a 'free swim session' where they can play games and have a treat after.

'The aquatics programme is used to allow children to gain confidence and competence in, near, under and on the water. It provides unique opportunities for enjoyment, allowing the child the sensation of buoyancy.' (Physical Education Curriculum pg. 5) The PAWS programme is a programme taught to children in order to teach them how to be safe around water in homes, farms, pools, beaches and on our waterways.


Games

The hurling and camogie training season begins again. The Cumann na mBunscol competition will be up and running in no time. Our 4th, 5th and 6th class take part every year. Our football team got to Croke Park and won the final of Cumann na mBunscol in 2018. The girls have one after school training session every week. We focus on a different skill each week in preparation for matches. Each year our pupils take part in a football and camogie blitz where we pay against local schools.



Dance

In term 1 and 3 we focus on dance. We introduce the children to dance and exploring body actions, changing shapes, levels, directions and speed. Later on in the year the children practice for the School Ceilí where they learn how to dance with a partner.



Gymnastics

All classes participated in Gymnastics in Term 1. Gymnastics focuses on the movement in a creative way in response to set tasks, both individually and with others. ( PE Curriculum, pg. 4).