Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 2

Written Answers. - Physical Education Curriculum.

John Deasy

Question:

35 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether involvement and interest in sport by students can be developed well in schools given adequate planning and support; his further views on whether such involvement and interest can divert some students from abuse of drugs and alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10227/03]

Simon Coveney

Question:

38 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to develop a focused national sports curriculum at primary and secondary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10219/03]

Simon Coveney

Question:

56 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the sports that are played at primary and secondary level; his plans to support the development of minority sports in schools in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10218/03]

Billy Timmins

Question:

67 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the role that sport has on the curriculum at primary and secondary level as a method of character development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10224/03]

John Perry

Question:

69 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the benefits of sport involvement by students on academic achievement and results; his plans to encourage more students at primary and second level to take up sport; his further plans to develop sport as part of the curriculum both at primary and second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10229/03]

Billy Timmins

Question:

70 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the importance of sport in schools in developing teamwork and leadership as well as physical fitness; the achievements in this regard to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10223/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 38, 56, 67, 69 and 70 together.

Sport can play a major part in personal development and in character formation. Engagement in physical activity involving competition or challenges against oneself, others or the environment can contribute to the development of many positive attributes in young people, particularly when the emphasis on winning is not over-emphasised. Physical education is part of the prescribed curriculum for primary schools, and schools at second level must offer a physical education programme. Physical education and sport, although closely linked, are not synonymous. Sport begins in play and develops through games, competition and challenges. The focus in the physical education curriculum is on the child's holistic development, stressing personal and social development, physical growth, and motor development. Goal-setting, within the curriculum, focuses on individual improvement and not on winning or being the best.

However, competition in sport is not incompatible with the holistic development of the child if the opportunities presented are such that the child is progressing towards the achievement of his or her potential. Engagement in planned, competitive and challenging physical activities and games can contribute to the development of concentration, persistence, motivation to succeed, teamwork and leadership, all elements in character development, as well as physical fitness, and all of which can impact on academic achievement and results. Involvement in sport activities gives rise to a healthy lifestyle and healthy interests and pastimes, diverting students away from drug abuse and alcohol.

Sport is already presented and promoted as part of the physical education curriculum for schools. At primary level a revised curriculum in physical education was published as part of the primary school curriculum in 1999. A revised syllabus for physical education for junior cycle, as a non-examination subject, is being introduced to second level schools on a phased basis from September of this year. Initially 200 schools will participate in this project with the remaining schools becoming involved over the following years. It is planned that the revised physical education syllabus for senior cycle, as a non-examination subject, will be introduced to schools on a phased basis from September 2004 and while the syllabus for leaving certificate, for examination, is expected to be introduced from September 2005.

Sport is an integral part of these syllabi and, through participation in the physical education programme, students will experience and learn about a wide range of sports. A variety of skills such as carrying, striking, handling, kicking and controlling a ball is taught in schools and these skills are applied both in the popular sports and in minority sports. Rounders, hockey, pair tennis, Gaelic football, hurling, soccer, volley ball and basket ball are among the wide range of games promoted. However, the choice of the games available in any particular school is a matter for the board of management of each school.