Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
180 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of hours of physical education per week which is mandatory in primary schools; if he has assessed whether this is being provided; if he has received reports that it cannot be provided due to a lack of facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21145/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra181 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of hours of physical education per week which is mandatory in second level schools; if he has assessed whether this is being provided; if he has received reports that it cannot be provided due to a lack of facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21146/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
At primary level, physical education is one of the seven curriculum areas within the primary school curriculum which was revised in 1999. A minimum of one hour of physical education per week is recommended for all primary school pupils. The curriculum has been structured so as to allow individual schools a high degree of flexibility and choice in the planning of a broad and balanced physical education programme for pupils.
At second level, while physical education is not a mandatory subject, it should form part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on the Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered on the school timetable. The time recommended for physical education is two hours per week.
As regards facilities, the syllabuses both at primary and second level have been developed on the understanding that facilities available in schools vary. Consequently, they offer flexibility regarding the physical activities undertaken so that each individual school can design a programme that can be delivered using the resources and supports available to the school.
It is my belief that a well planned physical education programme has a vitally important role to play in a broad and balanced curriculum for our primary and second level students. Physical education in primary schools, as an integral part of the total curriculum, provides vital opportunities for the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the child. To assist teachers in planning and delivering the revised curriculum an extensive in-service support programme will commence in September 2004.
Within second level schools, the physical education programme can contribute significantly to raising educational standards, cultivating social responsibility and citizenship, nurturing socialisation skills and ultimately, helping students to realise their individual potential. Goal setting, within the second level physical education curriculum, focuses on individual improvement and not on winning. A revised syllabus for physical education for junior cycle, as a non-examination subject, was introduced in 112 schools in September 2003 and a national support team was put in place to assist in its implementation. In September 2004, a further phase of 110 schools will begin to provide the revised syllabus. In the senior cycle, physical education is an integral part of the leaving certificate applied, LCA, programme. All LCA students must take two modules — Leisure Studies and Health Related Fitness, and there are four additional modules from which they can choose.
