Physical Education (PE) is a subject where you take part in and learn about a large number of different physical activities. You learn about how important keeping fit is for the health of your body and mind. In some activities you work on your own and in others you work with your classmates as part of a team.
What will I learn in PE?
- How to take part in many activities, from reading maps in orienteering to doing gymnastics with a partner
- How to be part of a team, but also fun activities which you can do on your own
- Why physical activity is good for you.
The activities you will do are:
- Adventure activities - orienteering (this will be done in and around the school), hill walking, camping, surfing, windsurfing (these will be done outside the school in an outdoor pursuits centre).
- Aquatics (every effort will be make to ensure that all student in St Brendan's will learn how to swim)
- Athletics - throwing events such as the javelin, the shot putt, and the discus; running events such as sprinting and distance running; jumping events such as the long jump, the high jump and the triple jump.
- Dance and gymnastics - the school's new gym will be fitted out with gymnastics equipment
- Games - Gaelic games, soccer, basketball, volleyball, indoor tennis and badminton
- (Over the course of your five or six year period in St Brendan's you will be given an opportunity to do all these activities.)
In these, you will be asked to:
- Work on your own, in pairs or in larger groups
- Show your classmates, or sometimes show on video,what you can do well
- Complete handouts, question sheets and record sheets.
- Be willing to take part in every class and activity
- Have proper clothing and footweao Keep a neat file of your notes and handouts.
How will PE be useful to me?
You may wish to study sport, physical education, or leisure and recreation in third level courses when you leave school.
By taking part in Physical Education, you will:
- Learn activities that you can enjoy outside of class and when you are older
- Learn about physical activities which will help you have a healthy lifestyle.
What is the PE Junior Certificate exam like?
There is no Junior Certificate exam in Physical Education. However, your teacher will ask you to keep a portfolio, which is a personal file, that will contain:
- Written accounts and drawings of activities which you did in class
- Records and reports from your teacher
- Photos of yourself in Physical Education class or in other physical activities outside of school.
Benefits of Physical Education
Physical Benefits
- Establishment of movement foundations for participation and performance
- Development of patterns of, and interest in, physical activity, laying the foundation for lifelong physical activity
- Clear link between physical activity and bone strength
- Encourages respect for one's own body and those of others
Social Benefits
- Provides appropriate settings to encourage positive social behaviours such as cooperation, teamwork, personal responsibility and empathy
- Enhances social development by preparing students to cope with competition, winning and losing
- Re-engages disengaged students, improve behaviour within schools, and encourage the development of positive skills and attributes
- Encourages respect for others and valuing diversity
- Highlights the relevance of personal and social responsibility to life beyond school
- Enhances student confidence and self-esteem
- Reduces anxiety and stress
Cognitive Benefits
- 'Healthy body leads to a healthy mind'
- Potentially improves students' mental alertness, academic performance, readiness to learn and enthusiasm for learning