Physical Education

Department staff

Mr Conlan (Head of Department)

Ms McGourty

Miss Grimley

Department Aim

Here at St. Colman’s High & Sixth Form College we are aware of the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles in pupils. Active, enjoyable and challenging Physical Education learning experiences encourage pupils to develop:

Positive attitudes to and enjoyment of physical activity;
An awareness of the positive impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing; and
Positive sporting behaviour and a sense of fair play.

The PE department in St. Colman’s are delighted to provide an array of activities for all students. Recently we have partnered up with Ulster Rugby, Ballynahinch Rugby Club and Ballynahinch High school for rugby sessions in the hope to start up both a girls and boys rugby team.

Our ongoing partnership with the IFA has allowed up to 80 students to enjoy our after school soccer programme each week. Currently in PE class, our year 8 girls and boys have enjoyed rugby sessions (delivered by Ulster Rugby) and cricket sessions (delivered by Downpatrick Cricket Club). These programmes have been put in place to create links for the students outside of school to help enhance life long participation and enjoyment in sport and exercise.

Our senior students avail of the local gym DT Fitness as part of their recreation time

Key stage 3 provision

Every student in Year 8 to Year 12 has a one-hour lesson per week. Core PE does not lead to a formal qualification.

A wide range of activities are available in lessons and after school clubs:

Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Camogie
Dance
Fitness (aerobics/ circuits)
Football
Hockey
Gaelic Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Hurling
Netball
Rounders
Rugby
Table Tennis
Volleyball

Students will cover most of these activities throughout Year 8 to Year 12.

Assessment

Throughout each activity you will be assessed and given a curriculum grade

Key stage 4 provision

GCSE PE Course Outline

We follow the Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport. This course provides an engaging and relevant introduction to the world of sport. It incorporates important aspects of the industry, such as fitness testing and training for sport and exercise, the psychology of sport, practical sports performance and sports leadership. It enables you to develop and apply your knowledge, while also developing a range of relevant practical, communication and technical skills.

You will study three mandatory units, covering the underpinning knowledge and skills required for the sports sector:

Fitness for sport and exercise (onscreen test)
Practical performance in sport (coursework
Applying the principles of personal training (coursework)

You will build on the knowledge gained in the mandatory units by choosing one further unit, covering areas such as:

The mind and sports performance
The sports performer in action (coursework)
Leading sports activities.

Post 16 study

At Post 16 students have the opportunity to study the Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Sport. This course is an A Level equivalent and is 100% coursework based.

Course Outline

Students will cover seven units over the course, (four in Year 13 and three in Year 14) as there is no exam unit, portfolios will make up 100% of the final mark.

Unit 1 - Principles of Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
Unit 2 - Sports Coaching
Unit 3 - Current Issues in Sport
Unit 4 - The Physiology of Fitness
Unit 6 - Psychology for Sports Performance
Unit 14 – Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise
Unit 15 - Sports Injuries

Grading is as follows:

Distinction* (A*)
Distinction (A)
Merit (C)
Pass (E)

This course can lead to further study at College and/or University to study a degree in the sports industry such as: Physiotherapist, Sports Psychologist, PE Teacher, Fitness Instructor, Sports Nutritionist etc.

Extra curricular provision

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Junior Boys Soccer

Yr8-10

(15:10-16:10)

Girls Hockey

(coached by Ballynahinch High) on our pitch

(15:15-16:15)