Physical Education applies a holistic approach to the concept of physical activity for young people. The emphasis is on the contribution that physical activity makes to individual and group wellbeing, the importance of fundamental movement skills in developing physical literacy, as well as recognising the positive impact it can have on mental, emotional and social health.
At Junior Cycle, students study the Junior Cycle short course. This includes 1 hour of PE in 1st year, 2 hours of PE in 2nd year and 1 hour of PE in 3rd year. The students complete two CBAs, one in 2nd year and one in 3rd year. The general aim of PE is to provide education through a variety of physical programs which will enable all students to take ownership of their own physical , social and mental wellbeing and develop a love for movement. This is done through fundamental skill development, developing students understanding of physical activity, and developing personal and social skills.
At Senior Cycle, students continue on from Junior Cycle PE, with an emphasis on Leisure and Recreation, and Sport for Life. Senior Cycle programs are option-based activities from a broad range of physical activities. This includes 1 hour of PE per week in 5th and 6th year.
LCPE is also offered as an exam subject for the Leaving Certificate. There are three hours per week in 5th and 6th year, one practical class and two theory-based classes. There are two projects to be submitted in 6th year that consist of 50% of the Leaving Cert grade. LCPE topics include learning and improving skill and technique, physical and psychological demands of performance, planning for optimum performance, promoting physical activity, ethics, inclusion and business in physical activity and sport.
In Transition year there are 2 hours of Physical Education per week, 1 hour following on from the Junior Cycle course, which are option-based activities, and 1 hour of Future Leaders. In the Future Leaders program, students study coaching, event management and also get a taster of LCPE topics.
