Mr. Liam Carew:

Of the schools we studied, the students who rated their physical health the lowest were females in secondary schools. We conducted our surveys, followed by focus group in the schools we studied. We found that when students reach fifth and sixth year, in particular sixth year and the lead up to the mock exams and leaving certificate, PE classes can often be abandoned and students are given a study option during those classes. The Deputy said his understanding was that such classes are protected these days, but for students who do not play sports outside of school the two PE classes in the course of the week might be the only physical activity they are doing. When they are taken away and replaced with study classes there is nothing for them throughout the week. We found the classes are being replaced and cast aside as the spare option for extra work to be done.