Physical Education

Physical education provides children with learning opportunities through the medium of movement and contributes to their overall development by helping them to lead full, active and healthy lives. 

The PE programme in Barnacogue NS incorporates six strands – Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Aquatics and Outdoor and Adventure activities.
Athletics The athletics strand provides a variety of opportunities to engage in the natural activities of running, jumping and throwing. 
Dance in education involves the child in creating, performing and appreciating movement as a means of expression and communication. Dance differs from the other aspects of the physical education programme in that the primary concern is with the expressive quality of movement and the enjoyment and appreciation of the aesthetic and artistic qualities of movement
Gymnastics in education is concerned with the use of movement in a creative way in response to set tasks, both individually and with others. Children explore movement on the floor and when negotiating a variety of equipment. 
The Games strand fosters the child’s natural tendency to play through informal play activities. It enhances the development of basic skills, and many opportunities are provided for social interaction.
Outdoor and Adventure activities are facets of the physical education curriculum concerned with walking, cycling, camping and water-based activities, orienteering, and outdoor challenge activities.
The Aquatics programme is concerned with gaining competence and confidence near, in, under and on water. It provides unique opportunities for enjoyment, allowing the child the sensation of buoyancy.
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Last year we put a special focus on Dance, we got an experienced dance instructor Emma to help and guide us when completing the dance strand of the curriculum. Teachers and pupils alike learned lots from Emma.

This years focus is on the Outdoor and Adventure strand of the curriculum. We are so lucky to have lots of outdoor space in our school so it is only right to make use of all our facilities. We got our school mapped so we can accurately navigate our way around when orienteering.

Our targeting of the Active School Flag has required an audit of our PE programme. This examination has helped us improve our provision of Physical Education in the school.

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