Active Schools Motto: 
"Sitting down is not much fun, so get off the couch and run.  Be Active!"

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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 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

Dance

After an enjoyable Christmas break, all classes in Tobar an Léinn are currently in term 2 doing dance in PE.  Below are first and second class exploring body actions changing shape, levels, direction and speed.  In pictures you should see children demonstrating a 'meeting and parting dance' plus the early stages of the  'compass dance'.  We used the song 'Uptown Funk' to accompany our moves.

Gymnastics

All classes in Tobar an Léinn participated in gymnastics in Term 1. Gymnastics in education is concerned with the use of movement in a creative way in response to set tasks, both individually and with others (PE curriculum pg 4.)  1st to 6th class children in Tobar an Léinn participated in a 6 week gymnastics programme.  Portlaoise Gymnastics Club provided suitable equipment and expertise to allow children express themselves confidently across the floor.   Sonya our coach was fantastic and delivered super lessons to all.  Below is a flavour of a Christmas routine performed by 5th and 6th class students.  The full video can be seen on our school Facebook page.