Subject Information
Physical education applies a holistic approach to the concept of physical activity for young people. It recognises the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of human movement, and emphasises the contribution of physical activity to the promotion of individual and group wellbeing. The general aim of physical education is to contribute to the preparation of the student for a life of autonomous wellbeing.
In Our Lady’s students will have a minimum of 1 hour of recreational PE per week with 2 hours in 2nd and 4th year. During this time students will engage in all aspects of the physical education curriculum, covering strands such as:
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Games
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Dance
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Athletics
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Gymnastics
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Outdoor and Adventure Activities
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Health Related Activities
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Students can also choose to study Leaving Certificate PE as an exam subject after completing the Junior Cycle Programme.
Department Members
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Mr Nolan
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Mr Tourish
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Mr Duffy
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Mc McEnaney
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Ms Duffy
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​Ms Kerr
Leaving Certificate Physical Education - Exam Subject
Physical Education is designed to appeal to learners who have an interest in and a commitment to participation and performance in physical activity. The aim of Leaving Certificate Physical Education is to develop the learner’s capacity to become an informed, skilled, self-directed and reflective performer in physical education and physical activity in senior cycle and in their future life. The emphasis is on providing learners with integrated learning experiences where there is a balance between developing personal performance in selected physical activities and deepening their understanding of the theoretical perspectives that impact on performance and participation in physical activity.
Assessment
There are three assessment components in Leaving Certificate Physical Education:
Assessment Component Weighting Level
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Physical Activity Project 20% Higher and Ordinary
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Performance Assessment 30% Common Level
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Written Examination 50% Higher and Ordinary
The learner will be required to complete the physical activity project and performance assessment in two different activities.
Physical activity project – 20%
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Learners may choose to complete the physical activity project in one of following roles:
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Performer
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Coach/Choreographer.
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The project should span an eight-week period and learners will be required to apply their learning from the specification to further develop their personal performance in their chosen role.
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The physical activity project is completed in a digital format.
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The four sections are:
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Performance analysis
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Identification of three performance goals
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Evidence of ongoing training/practice and reflection
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Concluding analysis.
Performance assessment–30%
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Performing in a selected activity, learners are expected to:
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Show evidence of their capacity to select, apply and perform the skills and techniques outlined in the physical activity section in a conditioned practice, fully competitive version of the activity, or personal performance
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Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the physical activity, including the ability to apply and adapt different tactics, strategies and compositional knowledge in response to different scenarios in conditioned or competitive environments
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Demonstrate knowledge and application of relevant rules, regulations, and codes of practice in the chosen activity.
Written examination–50%
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The written examination is based on the aims, objectives and learning outcomes outlined in the specification. It will examine the following:
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Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical factors which affect participation and performance in physical activity and the relationships between them
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Learners’ concept and process knowledge in relation to the assessment criteria
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Learners’ engagement with a case study designed to require learners to apply their learning in a particular physical activity scenario
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Clarity and coherence in management of ideas and answers.
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