Gymnastics: Senior Infants – exploring shape, animal travels & balance

Senior Infants using the new mats to practice their balancing skills using different body parts

Senior Infants Ball Skills coaching with Brian White – Feb 18

Physical Education Programme at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, New Inn

• Our school has an up to date PE policy which was formulated by the staff to provide a coherent approach to the teaching of PE across the whole school.
• PE in Scoil Mhuire gan Smál provides children with learning opportunities through the medium of movement. Through PE we aim to help the children develop physically as well as socially, emotionally and intellectually.
• Our school PE policy conforms to the principles as outlined in the 1999 Primary Curriculum documents.
• Our PE policy describes the place which our school gives to PE which is to support children in every aspect of their life and development. It describes the way in which we use PE at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál to achieve that goal, our agreed approach to teaching PE and the content of the programme of the curriculum at each class level.
• Our PE policy was reviewed on 29/9/17 and special attention is to be given to the strand  “Aquatics” this current school year with the teaching of the Land PAWS programme.
• One member of staff is a member of the Irish Primary PE Association (IPPEA) – Mrs. Harrington

Here at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál we aim to satisfy the seven key messages of the PE curriculum which are:

1. The importance and enjoyment of play
2. Maximum participation by all children
3. The development of skills and understanding
4. A balance between competitive and non-competitive activities
5. Balance between contact and non-contact activities
6. Providing opportunities for achievement for each child
7. Providing activities equally suitable for boys and girls

• Each class is taught five different PE strands each year from Athletics, Aquatics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Outdoor and Adventure.
• Our school prioritises a different PE strand for further development each year. In the 2016/2017 academic year it was Aquatics which will see the teaching of the PAWS programme to the sixth classes in the final term.
• Teachers make use of the PSSI lesson plans to guide their delivery of the Primary PE Curriculum.
• Specialist coaching in dancing and swimming is provided.
• All pupils are provided with an hour timetabled PE slot per week in our indoor hall.
• Outdoor facilities such as the yard, basketball court and playing field are also available.
• Every child’s progress in PE is discussed at parent/teacher meetings.
• Feedback about progress in PE is included in our annual school reports.
• Our school prescribes Physical Activity Homework during the school year.
• The school facilitates an Active School Week annually whereby the discretionary curriculum time for the period is used to promote physical activity for all children in the school, encompassing as many of the strands of the PE curriculum as possible.
• An Annual Sports Day takes place in the last term of the year.
• A Jersey Jog takes place once a year.
• School tours that are activity based are promoted throughout the school.
• Our school has a detailed inventory of equipment which is checked and updated with the assistance of the Active School Committee regularly.
• Our PE equipment and resources are clearly labelled, well organised and accessible and our school strives to make maximum use of the PE equipment available to us.
• The following is a selection of the competitions/ leagues and games which the school has entered this in the 2016/2017 year:

1. Athletics: Event in Dr. O’ Callaghan Park, Clonmel (Sprints, relay, shot putt and long jump) for 3^rd – 6^th class in May annually.
2. Tipperary Cross Country:- Events in Thurles and Marlfield, Clonmel for 3^rd – 6^th class held in 1^st term annually.
3. Camogie: Camogie and Football Cumann na mBunscoil- County Competition (Under 11 and under 13 competitions)
4. Soccer: In school soccer tournament – Summer term, 1^st – 6^th class.

• Members of staff at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál during the 2017/2018 undertook the following CPD in PE.

1. Online – Ms. Bailey
2. “Action for Life” by Irish Heart Foundation

As part of the active school programme, children are encouraged to participate in physical exercises at home as often as possible. Keep a look out on our website for new exercises throughout each term

Week 1

Infants:

– 10 jumping jacks

– Balance on one foot for 10 seconds

1st – 6th Class

– 10 sit ups

– 10 push ups

School P.E. timetable September – December 2016

Physical Education Activities Timetable 2016/2017