Physical Education
Junior Cycle education places students at the centre of the educational experience, enabling them to actively participate in their communities and in society and to be resourceful and confident learners in all aspects and stages of their lives. Junior cycle is inclusive of all students and contributes to equality of opportunity, participation and outcome for all.
The Junior Cycle allows students to make a greater connection with learning by focusing on the quality of learning that takes place and by offering experiences that are engaging and enjoyable for them, and relevant to their lives. These experiences are of a high quality, contribute directly to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of learners, and where possible, provide opportunities for them to develop their abilities and talents in the areas of creativity and innovation.
Physical Education supports the development of physical, cognitive, psychological and social capabilities. Through the study of physical education, students develop an understanding of the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of human movement. Learning in physical education supports students’ participation in recreational physical activity and competitive sport, the pursuit of individual and team goals.
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.
Assessment:
Students complete a Physical Activity Project in Second Year based on Health-Related Activities, which involves fitness testing, circuit training and re-testing;
Students also complete a Performance Assessment projece in Third Year using video analysis of their performance in a skill.