Physical Education

P.E Curriculum overview

In Kilchreest N.S, we hope that Physical education will provide children with learning opportunities through the medium of movement and contribute to their overall development by helping them to lead full, active and healthy lives. Through our P. E Lessons we hope to promote the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the child and help the child acquire an appropriate range of movement skills in a variety of contexts. We also aim to:

• Develop an understanding of fair play and team spirit through participation and competition.
• Apply the skills needed to live and move with confidence in the environment.
• Participate in and develop a knowledge, understanding and appreciation of cultural activities through movement.
• Use the body as a means of expression and communication using a range and variety of stimuli.
• Maintain and enhance health related fitness through physical activity that helps to promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Adopt safe practices in all physical activities.

Teachers in Kichreest N.S plan according to the strands and strand units as outlined in the curriculum. There are six main strands. These are;

• Athletics
• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Games
• Outdoor adventure
• Aquatics ( 3rd -6th class)

At Kilchreest N.S the infant classes will have two sessions of PE each week – each session thirty minutes in duration. All other classes will have a one hour sessions. Senior Classes will attend swimming lessons during the second term of each year,Below is an example of the grid used for all classes.The Games, Outdoor and Adventure activities and Athletics strands are done at a time when it is hoped the weather will be fine and will allow the PE lessons to be based outside.

 

This school will use its discretionary time for the 8 weeks of the pool-based activities undertaken to facilitate the Aquatics programme in the school – in order to cover the time travelling to and from the pool.

In Kilchreest N. S. we emphasise that all children have to wear suitable footwear and clothing during a PE lesson. i.e. blue polo shirt, navy tracksuit pants & runners. Children will not be allowed wear any jewellery during a P.E lesson. In all P.E lessons, children will warm up and cool down. This develops good practice and the children will return to class relaxed after activity.

As with all areas of our school life safety is of utmost importance in our school especially with regards to the teaching of P.E. Children will be taught how to lift and carry all PE equipment safely Best practice is safe practice and the teacher should ensure that the children understand that the rules and procedures are there for their safety. We will endeavour to have an appropriate surface for the activities in the PE lessonChildren will not be forced to do activities they are not physically or mentally ready for. The following are the Competitions/Leagues/Games the school will enter:Cumann na mBunscoil competitions in both hurling and camogie. The school Code of Ethics and Code of Discipline applies to any school activities that take place away from the school grounds or outside of school hours.

The school will organise a sports day in the third term where all children are encouraged to participate. A variety of activities of a non-competitive nature will be organised. The extra-curricular programme that involves competitive activities should always reflect the aims and objectives of the PE curriculum.