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Creative and Expressive, Physical Education
Physical Education plays a fundamental and important part of balanced education for children in the primary school. It provides the stimulation for the mind and body to work together in harmony and pupils in primary school should experience a variety of activities, which develop a wide range of skills. It is crucial to incorporate a sense of fun, enjoyment and achievement in all activities. In physical education children develop knowledge, understanding and skills through participating in a variety of activities that involve them in planning, performing and evaluating their work. Physical activity is combined with the thinking involved in making decisions and experimenting, creating, practising, performing, repeating/adapting and improving movements.
Through physical activity children can be encouraged to develop the personal qualities of responsibility, fairness and enthusiasm. Confidence and self-esteem are enhanced through opportunities and experiences offered through a progressive physical education programme. Although the unique nature of PE lies within the physical experiences, it is also contributory to the whole development of the primary child and his/her communication and social interactions with others.
The knowledge, skill and understanding needs to be developed throughout the primary years so that the benefits of physical activity are recognised and understood if children are to adopt active and healthy lifestyles and maintain them into adulthood.
A well-structured physical education programme can enhance and complement learning in other areas of the curriculum and ensure that children have the opportunity to develop fully in this very important aspect of their learning.
To facilitate the implementation of the Physical Education Programme within Primary Schools, the North Eastern Education and Library Board has two permanent members of staff, Mrs Libby Mailey, Primary P.E. Liaison Officer and Mr Terence McWilliams, Curriculum Support Teacher. They are available for support and advice in all aspects of Physical Education.
