Physical Education
PE Department Information
In Coláiste na Mí, we see physical education as an integral component of our school and necessary in the development of all our pupils. We aim to aid the children in achieving their true potential in PE. We hope to give all pupils an opportunity to succeed regardless of ability, emphasising the participation, cooperation and enjoyment aspects of the programme. In Coláiste na Mí students will have a minimum of 1 hour of PE per week with 2 hours in 2nd year. During this time students will engage in all aspects of the physical education curriculum, covering strands such as:
- Games
- Athletics
- Gymnastics
- Outdoor and Adventure Activities
- Health Related Activities
Students can also choose to study Leaving Certificate PE as an exam subject after completing the Junior Cycle Programme.
Junior Cycle Physical Education – Short Course
The Junior Cycle Physical Education specification aims to develop students as competent and confident physical activity participants in a range of physical activities. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions on their involvement in physical activity either through the pursuit of recreational participation or sport. It supports students’ motivation to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle while instilling an appreciation of the benefits of physical activity participation.
The three main elements of the junior cycle specification are:
COMPETENCE
Through practical physical activities, this strand focuses on developing students’ understanding of and abilities in movement skills, concepts and strategies that enable students to participate in a range of physical activities confidently and competently. Students continue to develop their movement skills and knowledge to perform more complex movements in increasingly demanding situations. They will build upon their skills to apply their understanding and performance in sport specific activities.
There are three assessment components in Leaving Certificate Physical Education:
The learner will be required to complete the physical activity project and performance assessment in two different activities.
Physical activity project – 20%
Learners may choose to complete the physical activity project in one of following roles:
- Performer
- Coach/Choreographer.
The project should span an eight-week period and learners will be required to apply their learning from the specification to further develop their personal performance in their chosen role.
The physical activity project is completed in a digital format.
The four sections are:
- Performance analysis
- Identification of three performance goals
- Evidence of ongoing training/practice and reflection
- Concluding analysis.
Performance assessment–30%
Performing in a selected activity, learners are expected to:
- Show evidence of their capacity to select, apply and perform the skills and techniques outlined in the physical activity section in a conditioned practice, fully competitive version of the activity, or personal performance
- Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the physical activity, including the ability to apply and adapt different tactics, strategies and compositional knowledge in response to different scenarios in conditioned or competitive environments
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant rules, regulations, and codes of practice in the chosen activity.
Written examination–50%
build upon their skills to apply their understanding and performance in sport specific activities.
PARTICIPATION
Through practical physical activities, this strand focuses on facilitating students’ knowledge and understanding of factors that influence and increase participation in physical activity and sport.
Students develop knowledge, understanding, skills and values through participation in a range of activities. These activities provide experiences that enable students to develop dispositions and views on physical activity such as intrinsic motivation, personal preference, inclusion and physical activity for health and wellbeing.
APPRECIATION
Through practical physical activities, this strand focuses on facilitating students’ understanding of the importance of lifelong participation in physical activity. Students participate in physical activities to understand the importance of being physically active and the impact this has on their lives.
They apply their knowledge and skills to analyse activity levels and devise strategies for sustained participation over a period of time
Assessment
The assessment of Physical Education for the purposes of the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) will comprise two Classroom-Based Assessments, CBA1: Physical activity for health and enjoyment and CBA2: My performance. All students will complete both CBAS. This will be carried out in both second and third year.
Leaving Certificate Physical Education - Exam Subject
Physical Education is designed to appeal to learners who have an interest in and a commitment to participation and performance in physical activity. The aim of Leaving Certificate Physical Education is to develop the learner’s capacity to become an informed, skilled, self-directed and reflective performer in physical education and physical activity in senior cycle and in their future life. The emphasis is on providing learners with integrated learning experiences where there is a balance between developing personal performance in selected physical activities and deepening their understanding of the theoretical perspectives that impact on performance and participation in physical activity.
Assessment
The written examination is based on the aims, objectives and learning outcomes outlined in the specification. It will examine the following:
- Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical factors which affect participation and performance in physical activity and the relationships between them
- Learners’ concept and process knowledge in relation to the assessment criteria
- Learners’ engagement with a case study designed to require learners to apply their learning in a particular physical activity scenario
- Clarity and coherence in management of ideas and answers.
