Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
302. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education to confirm the awarding criteria for the new Physical Activity in Teaching and Learning Pilot Programme and if it will utilise a lottery system for awarding grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10243/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Physical Activity in Teaching and Learning Pilot Programme was launched on Thursday 22 February 2024 by the Minister for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD.
A lottery system will not be used to select schools to participate in this Pilot Programme. Every application form received will be read and assessed against the stated criteria as set out below. The purpose of the Physical Activity in Teaching and Learning Pilot Programme is to provide an opportunity for schools to be innovative and creative in integrating physical activity into the teaching and learning of a subject area. This is in addition to the physical activity experienced by learners during designated physical education lessons.
This pilot programme recognises the importance of physical activity in teaching and learning, and in health and wellbeing. It acknowledges the role of physical activity as a tool for schools to deliver a school culture and environment that supports the wellbeing of the learners, in line with the Department of Education Wellbeing Policy and Framework for Practice.
The projects undertaken by schools as part of this Pilot Programme will also be used to inform future Department of Education policy developments in relation to physical activity in teaching and learning in schools.
In relation to the assessment process, the Department will establish a panel to evaluate applications. Membership of the panel will include, but is not limited to, a representative from the Department’s Inspectorate, and Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit.
Applications made by recognised primary, post-primary or special schools that are submitted online before the deadline will be assessed against the following criteria:
• How the project will support the school in integrating physical activity in teaching and learning in the chosen curricular or cross-curricular area (20 marks)
• The benefits the school hopes to gain from participation in the Pilot Programme and how senior leaders in the school will support the project (10 marks)
• How the teachers and school leaders will ensure that learners will play a central role in developing and implementing the project (10 marks)
• The extent to which the project will sustain a long term cultural change in physical activity in teaching and learning in the school (10 marks)
The selection process will also be informed by:
• Geographic national spread
• Urban/rural locations
• Innovation and creativity
• Range of physical activities proposed as part of the application process
• Range of school types (e.g. primary/post-primary, urban/rural, large/small, DEIS/non-DEIS, special/mainstream schools, single sex/co-ed, patron body, etc.
• Inclusion and diversity
• Impact on learning and physical activity levels
Further information on the Physical Activity in Teaching and Learning Pilot Programme is available on the Department of Education website.
