Physical Education
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Physical Education is an Area of Learning in the curriculum. It focuses on children’s physical development, health and wellbeing. The Department of Education recommends that schools should provide pupils with at least two hours of curricular Physical Education each week.
Teachers should enable children to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:
- Athletics (the basis of running, jumping and throwing)
- Dance (many activities can be linked to music and drama)
- Games (sending, receiving and travelling)
- Gymnastics (simple control and movement)
- Swimming (required only at Key Stage 2).
All children should experience a sense of fun, enjoyment and achievement though a variety of progressively challenging and innovative activities. Children should understand and appreciate the benefits of physical activity and the relationship between physical activity and good health.
Through a broad and balanced Physical Education programme, children should develop their knowledge, understanding and skills. This will enable them to participate and perform competently in a range of physical activities.
For further details, see the Statutory Requirements for Physical Education at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Whole Curriculum Skills and Capabilities
Children should have opportunities to develop their Cross-Curricular Skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT, and their Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities through Physical Education.
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