LEAVING CERTIFICATE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

DRAFT SYLLABUS FRAMEWORK

Introduction

This syllabus seeks to provide a framework within which the student can pursue a study of physical education. It promotes learning about, through and in physical activity. Physical activity provides both the content of, and the medium for, student learning. The student will encounter and reflect upon knowledge relating to physical activity, presented in a variety of forms.

It is envisaged that the theoretical and practical knowledge associated with physical education will be studied in an integrated manner. The student will undertake a study of a core theoretical area of experience and will have the opportunity to select further areas of extension. This framework should allow for subject matter from the categories presented below to be studied in such a way as to emphasise the integrity of learning about, through and in physical activity.

The student, who has completed the junior cycle physical education syllabus, or equivalent broad-based programme, could be expected to have a significant advantage in pursuing the Leaving Certificate course. However, a student who has not followed a recognised junior cycle course is not precluded from following the course.

Areas of Study

Both ordinary level and higher level students will be required to study the following aspects

1. Aesthetic and Artistic
2. Kinesiological
3. Psychosocial.

Both ordinary and higher level students will be required to cover three, different practical activities from those listed below.

1. Adventure Activities
2. Aquatics
3. Athletics
4. Dance
5. Games
(a) Invasion
(b) Net and Fielding
6. Gymnastics

In addition, higher level students must study the following in greater depth

• Kinesiological Aspects
• Psychosocial Aspects.

Levels

The syllabus is offered at two levels, Ordinary and Higher. For higher level students a greater depth of knowledge, understanding and skill will be necessary and there are, in a number of instances, additional content areas to be studied. The practical content for higher and ordinary levels is common. The core elements of the theory content are also common to both levels. Higher level students will be required to study two of the theoretical aspects in greater depth

Duration/Time

The syllabus outlines a two-year course of study. It is envisaged that three hours per week will be made available as a minimum requirement for the teaching of this course. The emphasis of the syllabus is on learning through, in and about physical activity. This focus will require that the time allocation include at least one double period in order to facilitate participation in physical activity and other practical work.

Teachers

Qualified specialist teachers of physical education should be responsible for the development of the physical education syllabus at Leaving Certificate level.

Facilities

The teaching/learning associated with Leaving Certificate physical education will require that access is available to a variety of facilities on a regular basis. Ideally, facilities for the implementation of the physical education syllabus should include some or all of the following

• suitable indoor space - sports hall with changing and showering areas.
• suitable outdoor space - grass pitch and hard-court areas large enough to work efficiently and in safety.
• access to a swimming pool.
• access to areas suitable for the teaching of adventure activities.
• access to classrooms, audio-visual and ICT equipment as required.

LEAVING CERTIFICATE PHYSICAL EDUCATION

ASSESSMENT

Assessment Components

The syllabus will have the following assessment components at both ordinary and higher levels. Each of the components is outlined in greater detail later in this section.

Assessment of Performance	This will involve the student in performing a number of selected activities. The student will demonstrate the technical skills and general movement patterns appropriate to the activity in challenging performance contexts
Movement Analysis	This element will require the student to demonstrate the ability to observe, analyse and interpret the performance of physical activity.
Terminal Examination	The student will undertake a terminal examination which will require him/her to interpret and critically evaluate physical education from kinesiological, psychosocial and aesthetic/artistic perspectives. In some instances the student may also be required to interpret and critically evaluate material related to physical education.

 

 

The following weightings will apply to the three elements.

Assessment Element	Weighting
Assessment of Performance	50%
Movement Analysis	10%
Terminal Examination	40%