Written answers

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Physical Education

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include physical education on the school curriculum in view of its health benefits and advantages in the prevention of issues such as obesity and diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51335/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Physical education (P.E.) is already included in the curriculum at primary level and it also forms part of the Junior Certificate at post primary level. At primary level, the P.E. curriculum includes six broad strands featuring Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Outdoor and adventure activities and Aquatics. A minimum of one hour of P.E. per week is recommended for all primary school pupils.

At junior cycle, P.E. forms part of the new Junior Cycle Framework which I published last month. Promoting physical activity, as well as enabling students to make healthy life choices more generally, are reflected in the 24 'statements of learning' that are at the core of the new Framework. P.E. is also one of the short courses that will be developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) for use by schools on an optional basis from 2014.

At senior cycle, my Department is currently considering two new curricula for senior cycle P.E. – one for examination and the other a non-examination curriculum framework.

There are other measures both within and outside of schools that complement the aims of the P.E. curriculum. These include the following:

- Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE), which is mandatory at primary and as part of Junior Cycle, and which stresses the importance of regular exercise and the need for a balanced diet as essential to physical and mental well being.

- The Active School Flag, launched by my Department in 2009, which seeks to recognise schools (both primary and post primary) that provide quality P.E., co-curricular physical activity and sports programmes for their students.

- Many schools provide extensive programmes of physical activities outside of school hours in conjunction with sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, and the Football Association of Ireland.

- 'Sport for All' Day: my Department promotes the dedication of one day in the school year to encourage greater participation in sport at primary school level.

While schools are playing an important role in promoting physical activity, and thereby contributing to tackling obesity, they cannot be expected to meet this challenge alone. In particular, their efforts must be supported and complemented by parents and the local community, as well as other stakeholders, who have a crucial role to play in promoting health and well being in general at all stages of the life cycle.

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