Physical EducationPhysical 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 ) 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 Tobar an Léinn 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
Along with activities in line with our Active Walkway, our classes enjoyed the adventures outdoors involving many cooperative games, team building and different orienteering tasks around our local GAA grounds. We are also very fortunate to have a beautiful farm next to our school where classes can enjoy many walking expeditions throughout the year.
Aquatics
All classes attended Portlaoise Leisure Centre for a 6 week swimming programme. We have many great swimmers in our school progressing through their levels. The bus journey is quite an exciting part of this day too!!
Dance
After Christmas all classes worked on the strand of dance. Dance is all about exploring and awareness of body movements/parts, space and levels. Creative and folk dance are part of the strand. Below is a snippet of 5th and 6th class performing some zumba and An Dreoilín.
Gymnastics
All classes took part in a 5 week gymnastics programme led by an instructor from Portlaoise Gymnastics Club. There was a gradual development of techniques and movement over the few weeks. The children explored pathways, shape, direction, travel, jumping, balance, handstands, cartwheels to name but a few movements. Josef was an excellent tutor and the children responded well and got very confident with time in their ability to move creatively.
Games
Playground games are an integral part of break time and throughout the P.E. Programme. Each month a different Fundamental Movement skill is explored.
Athletics
Simultaneous to our Daily Mile challenge we explored the strand of athletics. We decided to bring an element of teamwork into their challenge so we created the team sheet below. There were ten groups mixing age groups together. We wanted to encourage progress and positive encouragement from peers.
Daily Mile Challenge Team sheet Count your laps honestly and the team that has the most improvement from the start of the challenge to the end of the 4 weeks will be recognised. Set your team goals and use team work to get you there. Remember, ‘Team work makes the dream work’.