Physical Education

Overview

The Physical Education syllabus embodies a holistic approach to the concept of physical activity for young people. It recognises the physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of human movement. It emphasises the contribution of physical education to the promotion of individual and group well- being. The learning in Physical Education involves the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes, which are central to physical education, together with recognition of its potential for integration with other curriculum areas. Junior cycle year groups and senior years are timetabled for a double class of PE weekly.

 

John the Baptist Community School Physical Education Mission Statement

The main aim of the Physical Education Department is to allow each pupil the opportunity to attain , through practical activities, the maximum of his/her individual capabilities by participating in a number of challenging and worthwhile experiences. The mission statement reflects this;

“To promote a positive perception of Physical Education as an integral

part of balanced lifestyle through the medium of physical activity”.

 

Inclusion

 John the Baptist CS is committed to inclusion. The term ‘Special Educational Needs’ (SEN) covers a whole range of learning, emotional and physical difficulty and your teaching groups will almost certainly contain students who for many and various reasons need additional understanding and support in PE.

 

Our programme incorporates the principals of inclusion. It subscribes the basic goal of meeting the needs of all the students, regardless of ability or stage of development. Students with special needs are catered for by adopting an adapted physical activity structure, which aims to encourage both participation and progression.

 

As a department we understand the term differentiation, we understand that there is a need for it. As a teacher it is important to encourage, challenge and prompt fairness amongst all students in the class.

 

In 2016 as a PE department we won the National CARA Inclusion Award for the best Secondary school in Ireland, in recognition of our inclusive PE programme.

 

Junior Cycle Physical Education

Every Student at John the Baptist Community School from 1st to 3rd year has a compulsory double PE lesson once a week. Each year group will have set guidelines and learning outcomes to attain by the each of the respective year,

Year Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4
1st Orienteering and adventure activities Health Related Activity Gymnastics Athletics
2nd Tag Rugby Badminton Dance Athletics
3rd Rounders/Field games Basketball Spikeball/volleyball Health Related Activity

 

Senior Cycle Physical Education

Transition year, 5th year and 6th years will have a compulsory double PE lesson once a week. Fifth and sixth year students who choose to do LCVP will only have one lesson of compulsory PE a week.

  • Transition year Physical Education Outline

In John the Baptist in our TY Physical Education we aim

  1. To encourage life-long appreciation of and participation in physical activity
  2. To inspire the student to recognise and achieve their potential within physical activity
  3. To encourage the students to work well as a team player; learning how to work with and communicate with others through pair and group work

 

During the year the students will engage in the regular school physical education programme such as a self defence course and the Gaisce.

Students have the opportunity to engage in disability workshops where they have the opportunity to step into the shoes of Irish Paralympic athletes by participating in wheelchair basketball and workshops from the Blind Sports Association of Ireland and Deaf Sports Ireland.

Certification: Throughout the year there will be numerous opportunities for the students to achieve medals, certificates of merit and participation such as the Gaisce and self defence.

 

  • Senior (5th and 6th year) Physical Education

Students’ learning in physical education supports the overall vision of senior cycle education which is to develop students as resourceful, confident, engaged and active learners.  Learners grow in confidence and competence as they acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to enjoy and succeed in a variety of physical activities while in senior cycle and in their future lives.  Physical activity, in its many forms, provides the medium through which students learn in, through and about physical education.

The aim of senior cycle physical education is to encourage learners’ confident, enjoyable and informed participation in physical activity while in senior cycle and in their future lives.

The objectives of senior cycle physical education are to support learners in

  • developing confidence, competence and creativity in a range of physical activities
  • participating in physical activity both inside and beyond school
  • examining the value of physical activity in different contexts
  • understanding and commit to physical activity which develops health-related physical fitness
  • undertaking different roles in physical activity
  • demonstrating responsible social and personal behaviour in physical activity, demonstrating respect for self and others
  • acting as ‘informed participants’ in physical activity

 

 

 

Leaving Cert Applied Recreation and Leisure

LCA will have a triple compulsory PE class a week. They will have a scheduled double for a practical PE class and a single PE class which will take place in a computer room.

  • Leisure and Recreation Course Content

The Leisure and Recreation Course is designed to enable Leaving Certificate Applied students to acquire and develop skills which will encourage them to participate in active leisure pursuits. The modules will broaden students’ perspectives of leisure and recreation activities and offer them opportunities to participate in a range of physical activities. The modules also encourage co-operation between students and allows for the development of personal and social skills. The Leisure and Recreation course promotes long-term learning and motivates the students to choose a life-style that is active, healthy and meaningful.

 

 

Skills Developed

Physical education contributes to the holistic development of our students because;

  • Physical Education is the only educational experience where the focus is on the body, physical activity and physical development.
  • Physical Education helps the student to develop respect for the body- their own and others.
  • Physical Education contributes to integrated development of mind and body
  • Physical Education helps students to develop patterns of interest in physical activity, which are essential for healthy development and which lay the foundation for adult healthy lifestyles.
  • Physical Education positively enhances self confidence, self esteem and reduces tendency to risk behaviours.
  • Physical Education enhances social and cognitive development and academic achievement.
  • Physical Education prepares students to cope with cooperation, competition, winning and losing.
  • Physical Education makes distinctive contributions to developing social skills, moral and aesthetic development.
  • Physical Education provides skills of knowledge for future life working in sport, physical activity, and leisure.
  • Physical Education is inclusive regardless of ability, gender and culture.
  •  Physical Education reduces negative attitudes to school and drop out. Physical Education develops an understanding of the role of physical activity in promoting health
  • Physical Education is the only comprehensive way of providing all students and young people with skills and knowledge for life long participation in physical activity and sport

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