Proposals to undertake a pilot project in physical education at junior certificate level are being actively considered by my Department. This pilot project will examine the issue of assessment in physical education and devise effective modes of in-career support for teachers in the implementation of a proposed new syllabus in physical education at junior certificate level which is being developed by the NCCA. The new syllabus will attempt to ensure that there will be equal access to physical education for all pupils regardless of gender or ability.
The proposed pilot project will inform the work of the NCCA course committee in finalising its proposals on physical education in second level education.
The National Coaching and Training Centre at the University of Limerick provides a programme for the training of coaches.
Physical education facilities encompass indoor PE halls, outdoor hard play areas, such as basketball and tennis courts and playing fields. Virtually all schools have at least one of these facilities. It is the policy of my Department to provide PE halls as part of the schedule of accommodation for all new post-primary schools. PE halls are also provided when a major extension to a school which does not have such a facility is being built. In addition, my Department has a programme for providing PE halls as stand-alone projects and it is anticipated that a number of these will proceed to construction before the end of 1997.
In all cases, the appropriate range of physical education equipment is provided as part of the project.
Schools which require repairs or refurbishment to be carried out to existing PE facilities are eligible to apply for grant-aid under my Department's scheme of capital grants and are allocated funding as resources permit.
