asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the concerns or desires of some parents to have an alternative provided to physical education classes; if it will be compulsory in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [356/94]
Written Answers. - Physical Education.
My attention has not been drawn to any particular concerns or desires of parents to have an alternative provided to physical education classes. It may be helpful if I set out for the Deputy's information the position in relation to physical education at primary and post-primary level. Physical and health education is an integral part of the national primary school curriculum and is therefore compulsory in all primary schools.
The present physical and health education syllabus, as set down in the 1971 primary school curriculum, is a flexible programme which allows teachers the freedom to use their professional judgment to choose appropriate activities suitable to the particular needs and abilities of their pupils, taking into account the facilities which are available locally. The entire primary school curriculum is under review at present, through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and I will be deciding on an appropriate curriculum for primary schools following on the NCCA's advice on the matter.
At post-primary level physical education is not a compulsory subject. However, the "Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools" state that physical education should form part of the curriculum and the programme should be based on the approved syllabus. Generally, where physical education is available on the curriculum, the school requires that every student participates in the physical education programme, unless there are special circumstances which do not allow for this. In such an instance, the matter may be considered in the context of the school policy.
The subject physical education is under review at present by a course committee under the aegis of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. This review will consider the status of physical education at second level.