Killashee (European Language and Multi-Denominational) School

Physical Education Policy

28^th April 2010

Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co. Kildare

Introductory Statement

The teachers of Killashee Multi-Denominational School formulated this plan on April 28th, 2006. The teachers were very unsure of the current situation of physical education teaching within the school. A need to look at timetabling and the incorporation of dance, outdoor and adventure activities was identified. As staff, we feel that the children in Killashee are not engaged in much physical activity, (being dropped to and collected from school etc.) and we see an acute need to promote skill-rich physical activity. It is important to note that Killashee makes a huge effort in the area of physical education, including many after school activities.

Rationale

It was decided to focus on this curricular area for development to develop teaching and learning in the school and to conform to principles laid out in the Primary School Curriculum 2002.

Vision and Aims

Vision

(Taken from School Philosophy)

Physical Education in Killashee recognises the uniqueness and importance of every human being. It celebrates the diversity among people. It encourages self-actualisation and the development of a positive self-image in all. It fosters a spirit of co-operation and promotes self-respect and respect for all other.

Aims

We endorse the aims of the Primary School Curriculum for P.E. (See Curriculum Statement Page)

The aims of the physical education curriculum are:

• To promote the physical, social emotional and intellectual development of the child
• To develop positive personal qualities
• To help in the acquisition of an appropriate range of movement skills in a variety of contexts
• To promote understanding and knowledge of the various aspects of movement
• To develop an appreciation of movement and the use of the body as an instrument of expression and creativity
• To promote enjoyment of, and positive attitudes towards, physical activity and its contribution to lifelong health-related fitness, thus preparing the child for the active and purposeful use of leisure time.

Also

• To celebrate and develop the uniqueness and diversity of the children
• To foster a positive self-image
• To promote co-operation within groups/pairs of children
• To promote physical activity by improving the gross-motor skills

Killashee Multi-Denominational School (1)

Curriculum Planning

Strands and Strand Units

• Teachers are familiar with the strands/strand units/content and objectives for the relevant class level. Children will have access to five strands each year – Athletics, Gymnastics, Games (through the Sports Conditioning Programme under the guidance of Mr. H. Jager), Dance (Irish, Modern and Folk Dances) and Outdoor adventure Activities taught by the class teacher. Aquatics will be provided for from second class upwards (swimming at Killashee Hotel pool).
• The physical education instruction in Killashee is focused on mastering basic skills.
• In our skill-rich instruction it was decided to delay the formal introduction of baton passing and hurdling until 5^th & 6^th Class.

Approaches and Methodology

A combination of the following approaches will be used:

• Direct-teaching
• Guided discovery
• Integration

Methods that encourage maximum participation of the child will also be used

• Individual, pair, group and team play
• Station Teaching

The sessions will include warm-up and cool down activities. (See attached)

Assessment and Record Keeping

Presently no assessment of Physical Education is taking place. The following plan was formulated to address assessment:

• A checklist of skills will be created (Each Strand Unit will be assessed by the time the child leaves 6^th Class)
• Teachers will assess at the beginning and end of each school year using
  • Teacher Observation
  • Teacher Designed Tasks
  • Teachers communicate assessment information with parents through end of year reports and at parent-teacher meetings

Children with Different Needs

Supporting and ensuring the participation of children with special needs is achieved through the input and collaboration of Resource Teachers, the Class Teacher and the Special Needs Assistant. All activities are tailored to match the particular requirement of Special Needs Children.

Inactive/Shy/Self-conscious children are encouraged to participate in P.E. Activities through creating a non-competitive and self-improving environment.

Exceptional children are challenged in self-improvement activities. A list of local groups/clubs where these children can be encouraged and challenged in a particular area e.g. Athletics, Soccer is made available to parents.

Equality of Participation and Access

Equal opportunities are given to boys and girls to participate in activities/all strands/competitions and extra-curricular programmes. The PE class is used as an opportunity to integrate the culture of all the pupils e.g. international children.

Linkage and Integration

We aim for integration between P.E. and other curricular areas including:

• Gaeilge – Go fad agus féidir linn srl…
• Maths – measures, spatial awareness
• English language – e.g. discuss movements, own performance

 

Provision of playground games will provide linkage within physical education. A plan for playground markings and provision for classes to participate in a number of sporting activities (e.g. basketball, soccer) at lunch time was formulated.

Organisational Planning

Timetable

• Each class is to be allocated at least one hour of P.E. per week, split into two periods, providing the children with an opportunity to be active on two occasions during the week.
• All classes from 2nd upwards are provided with pool time for the Aquatics Strand.
• For the block of weeks when a class is provided with swimming, that class will not participate in Sports Conditioning.
• As the year progresses (April-June) the outside facilities will be utilised more (at the discretion of the Class Teacher).

Code of Ethics

It is important to have a Code of Ethics in place for coaching by outside personnel. Procedures for good practice are outlined e.g. use of appropriate language and behaviour. This, along with safety issues, will be given to all coaches that support the class teacher in the implementation of the P.E. curriculum. Teacher presence during coaching sessions and Sports conditioning will support the coach and enable the child to gain maximum benefit from the P.E. Class.

After School Activities

Many after school activities are currently available in Killashee including hockey and basketball. These are provided by teachers and outside personnel.

• Inter-school competitions include:
  • Cumann na mBunscoil (Basketball) in Oct/Nov
  • Basketball Blitz in March
• Time to practice for these competitions during lunchtime will be provided.
• It was decided that school teams would not enter competitions sponsored by companies that are contrary to our Healthy-Lunch Policy.
• A sports for All day is organised where each child is encouraged to participate in activities and improve on their own performance. All children receive a certificate of participation.

P.E. Equipment

• An inventory of equipment and resources available for P.E. is attached and a copy is given to each teacher.
• The equipment is stored safely and available to all teachers.
• Equipment is purchased centrally and not by individual teachers.
• A list of additional materials needed has been given to the relevant personnel.

ICT

• Projects and research on sporting topics and people encouraged
• ‘Word’ or ‘Paint’ can be used to create advertising for a PE event
• No PE software is currently available within the school. The availability of this software is to be investigated.

Health & Safety

• A list of safety measures for the pool will be drawn up and communicated to each class before beginning their block Aquatics, see organisational policy.
• All PE lessons incorporate a warm up and cool down period.
• The necessity of short nails, no jewellery, hair tied up and correct footwear, tied properly to be communicated to the children.
• These will be added to the school rules, see organisational policy.

Individual Teachers Planning and Reporting

• Each teacher will get a copy of the plans and has the opportunity to report any difficulties
• The plan will inform the teacher’s long and short term planning.
• Cuntas Míosúil can be used to document skills completed by the children.

Staff Development

• Teachers have access to research, reference books, resource materials. The staff member with the post of responsibility for Sport will monitor and communicate relevant developments.
• Teachers are encouraged to attend Sport Courses and share their expertise at planning days or Staff meetings.
• Time is allocated at Staff meetings to discuss aspects of the PE curriculum
• We aspire to offer team teaching for hockey and dance. A formal timetable will be incorporated for this.

Parental Involvement

• Parents are involved as part of After-School Activities and in the Sports conditioning Programme (Harm Jager)
• Parents are invited to view the children’s activities in P.E. during the Sports Day.
• Parents help in supervision during swimming sessions.

Community Links

• A list of local clubs/sporting groups in the community will be communicated to parents
• Parents and others from the community are involved as coaches
• The local hotel pool facilities are used for swimming

Success Criteria

We will know if this plan has been implemented if:

• Teachers use the plan to inform their long-term and short-term planning
• The procedures outlined in this plan are consistently followed

Means of assessing the outcomes of the plan include:

• Teacher observation
• Children’s informal feedback regarding the activity level, enjoyment and skill development of the classes
• Inspector’s suggestions/report

• To see if this plan is successful, it should be assessed under these headings;
• The importance of enjoyment and play
• Maximum participation of skills and understanding
• A balance between competitive and non-competitive activities
• Providing opportunities for achievement for each child
• Providing activities equally suitable for girls and boys.

Implementation

Review

Roles & Responsibilities

Teachers and Post-Holder will be involved in the review of this plan.

Timeframe

The plan will be reviewed and evaluated by the staff at the end of every academic year.

Ratification and Communication

A copy of the plan will be distributed to each teacher and staff member involved in P.E.

Attached

• Warm up and cool down activities
• Assessment Checklist of skills for each class
• List of local clubs
• List of playground games
• Timetable for Sports Conditioning/Swimming
• Code of Ethics
• List of sports equipment stored centrally in the sports equipment hall.

Variety of small and large balls including:

Tennis Balls	Rugby Balls
Basketballs	Gaelic Footballs
Large Vinyl Balls	Small Plastic Balls
Soft Foam Balls	Jingle Balls
Soccer Balls	Hockey Balls
Other equipment includes:
Plastic hoops	Gymnastic Mats – Large and Small
Skipping Ropes	Aerobic Steppers
Beanbags	Wooden Play Bats
Quoits	Tug-O-War Rope
Plastic Cones	Bowling Sets
Coloured Bibs	Foam Javelin
Tennis Racquets	Carpet Mats
Hockey Sticks	Foam Discus
Hockey Shin Guards	Target Throw
Unihoc Sticks, Balls & Pucs	Floor Lacross Set
Relay Batons Jnr & Snr Size	Buckets
Tactile Discs – Large & Small	Inflatable Hoppers

List of Sports Clubs in our locality:

Tennis	Naas Lawn Tennis Club	045 879766
GAA	Naas	045 876273
	Kill	045 877456
Rugby	Naas Rugby Club	045 879193
Soccer	Caragh Sports Centre	045 879775
Martial Arts
Hockey
Swimming Pool	New Naas Pool	Under Construction

Reviewed at a Board Meeting held on _______________________

Signed___________________________ Eileen Burbridge/Chairperson

2010