Physical education (P.E.) is included in the curriculum at primary level and it also forms part of the Junior Certificate at post primary level.
At primary level, the P.E. curriculum includes six broad strands comprising Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Outdoor and adventure activities and Aquatics. A minimum of one hour of P.E. per week is recommended for all primary school pupils.
In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all post primary schools should provide P.E. as part of the curriculum. The Rules and Programme provide that a basic minimum of two hours per week is required to implement the programme.
At junior cycle, the P.E. curriculum builds on the 6 strands of the primary curriculum, and includes an additional area of study entitled Health Related Activity which attempts to synthesise students' learning from the other strands.
P.E. forms part of the new Junior Cycle Framework which I published last month. Promoting physical activity is reflected in the 24 'statements of learning' that are at the core of the new Framework. P.E. is also one of the short courses that will be developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) for use by schools on an optional basis from 2014.
At senior cycle, my Department is currently considering two new curricula for senior cycle P.E. – one for examination and the other a non-examination curriculum framework.
The P.E. curriculum has a number of goals which are clearly outlined in the relevant curriculum documents (available at www.NCCA.ie). One of the primary goals is to promote the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the student through participation in physical activities in a safe, challenging and enjoyable environment.
