Physical Education

Staff 

Mr R Sullivan (Subject Co-ordinator)
Ms J Garland
Ms S Jones
Mr A Malin
Mrs A Murdoch

Subject Overview  

Physical Education applies a holistic approach to the concept of physical activity for young people. It recognises the physical, mental, emotional, and social domains of human movement and emphasises the contribution of physical activity to the promotion of individual and group wellbeing. 
 
The subject incorporates the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills, and attitudes central to physical education and recognition of its potential for integration with other curriculum areas. The general aim of physical education is to contribute to the preparation of the student for a life of autonomous wellbeing. (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment) 
 
Through studying Physical Education at The High School pupils are afforded opportunities to develop personally, socially, and physically through participation in an array of physical activities in a safe, inclusive, broad, and well-balanced programme. 
 
Further outcomes include the reinforcement and additional development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and competencies acquired at primary level; the promotion of positive attitudes towards physical activity; and an appreciation of the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Junior Cycle 

The Junior Cycle Physical Education (JCPE, 2003) syllabus within The High School is co-ordinated and delivered in conjunction with JCPE guidelines set by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). Pupils are provided opportunities to participate in a variety of physical activity experiences within a broad and well-balanced curriculum in the following JCPE areas:
 
•    Adventure Activities – Teambuilding Tasks/Activities, Orienteering, Rock Climbing/Abseiling, Kayaking, Low Rope Course, and Archery
 
•    Athletics – Track and Field Events; Short and Middle-Distance Running, Cross Country, Javelin, Discuss, Shot Putt, Long and High Jump
 
•    Dance – Modern and Creative Dance
 
•    Field Games – Rugby, Basketball, Hockey, Gaelic Games, and Soccer
 
•    Striking/Net Games – Cricket, Rounders, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball, and Badminton
 
•    Gymnastics – Educational Gymnastics and Vaulting
 
•    Health-Related Activities – Functional Movement and Mobility Exercises, Fitness Testing, Components of Fitness, Principles of Training, Warm Up/Cool Down Exercises, Static and Dynamic Stretching  
 
For further information regarding the Junior Cycle Physical Education syllabus please click here.

Form 4 - Transition Year programme

The Form 4 Physical Education syllabus aims to deliver key elements of the Transition Year programme that affirm and recognise pupils' achievement at Junior Cycle with the aim of providing further opportunities for pupils to progress and develop their knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes towards physical activity. 
 
The programme of study entails a continuation of the JCPE modules accompanied with the opportunity for pupils to engage in new physical activity experiences in the following areas: 
 
•    Certified Coaching Qualification from a number of National Governing Bodies such as Basketball Ireland, Irish Hockey Association, Irish Rugby Football Union, and Cricket Ireland
 
•    Certified First Aid and AED Qualification
 
•    Outdoor Pursuits Excursion - Basic Camp Craft Skills, Adventure Activities, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, and Kayaking
 
•    Additional Activity Modules - Golf, Capoeira, Indoor Bouldering, and Yoga
 
•    Active School Week Organisation/Participation

Senior Cycle 

The Senior Cycle Physical Education syllabus provides further opportunities for pupils to engage in activities with the aim of promoting and developing a physical activity-for-life approach. The programme incorporates current and new educational experiences in the following areas;   
 
•    Team Challenges 
 
•    Health and Fitness Related Activities with an emphasis on lifelong activities – Strength and Conditioning, Circuit Training, and Personal Programming
 
•    Senior Cycle Activity Modules – Basketball, Badminton, Handball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Indoor Hockey, Gymnastics, Ultimate Frisbee, Tag Rugby, and Pilates

Career Opportunities 

•    Teacher                                                                    •    Outdoor Education
•    Lecturing                                                                  •    Sports Coaching 
•    Armed Services                                                       •    Sports Management 
•    Nutritionist                                                                •    Dietician 
•    Gardaí                                                                       •    Sports Professional 
•    Physiotherapy                                                           •    Journalism in Sport 
•    Sports Psychologist                                                  •    Sports Development Officer 
•    Physical Therapist                                                    •    Youth Officer