Physical Education
The PE programme in Whitegate NS incorporates six strands – Athletics, Dance, Gymnastics, Games, Aquatics and Outdoor and Adventure activities.
We provide the children with 60 minutes Physical Education each week including Irish Dancing, GAA Coaching, swimming lessons, Gymnastics and direct teaching of Physical Education by the class teachers.
We provide the children with 60 minutes Physical Education each week including Irish Dancing, GAA Coaching, swimming lessons, Gymnastics and direct teaching of Physical Education by the class teachers.
Move well, Move Often
“Physical literacy can be described as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.”(Whitehead, 2014)
This PDST PE team have developed this resource to support teachers in developing physically literate children through the lens of Fundamental Movement Skills.
Here is an outline of the Fundamental Movement Skills that we work on over a two year period and a sample of the plan we follow to develop the skills.
Aquatics
The children, 2nd to 6th class, attend a block of swimming lessons each year as well as learning about water safety in class.
We will be attending swimming lessons for an 8 week block in March and April.
We will be attending swimming lessons for an 8 week block in March and April.
Games
This year we are putting a special focus on Games. Our aim throughout the year is to expose the children to a wide variety of games and improve their fundamental movement skills. The children will be encouraged to take part in football, hurling, soccer, tag rugby, rounders etc. They will also be encouraged to create and play their own games.
The children from Rang a 4/5/6 developed their rounders skills this week during PE lessons. Our aim during our Active School Flag Application was to expose the children to a wide variety of games. Above are some pictures from the game of rounders.
As part of our focus on games for development this year, we have welcomed Aghada GAA into our school each term. The children have been working on their hurling/Gaelic football skills, playing games and developing their fundamental movements skills. Above is an example of some of the activities carried out with Ms. Dunne's class.
Our 3rd and 4th class entered the Futsal Soccer Tournament. We played teams from all over Cork and did ourselves proud. We demonstrated great soccer skills and team spirit and though we didn't win on the day we are all very proud of our team. We had great fun and look forward to playing more soccer throughout the year.
Outdoor and Adventure Activities
Today we combined out Active Schools and Green School Initiatives and completed a Water Walk. The Junior and Senior Infants walked to the ESB and back. The rest of the school completed a 5km walk. We were delighted to welcome a selection of parents with us on the walk.
As part of this walk we also fundraised for Friends of Kieran. The total raised will be announced after the weekend.
Above are some pictures from todays event.
As part of this walk we also fundraised for Friends of Kieran. The total raised will be announced after the weekend.
Above are some pictures from todays event.
We recently attended an orienteering event ran by Cork Schools Orienteering Association in Fota House and Gardens. The children from Rang a 5/6 completed the pairs course.
Whitegate National School held a welcome walk in September. It was a great day enjoyed by the school community including some past students as well. The children walked, cycled and travelled on scooters. Afterwards we all had cake and treats in the school hall.
Dance
Tá na páistí ag baint taitneamh as an damhsa. The children are very much enjoying the Irish dancing lessons every Tuesday. The children are making great progress and learning their steps in a way that is fun. We appreciate the time and dedication given by our Irish dancing coach and well done to the children too.
Dance is a very valuable part of the P.E curriculum so it is nice to learn some new steps.
Dance is a very valuable part of the P.E curriculum so it is nice to learn some new steps.
Athletics
The children from 1st to 6th took part in the Castlelyons Athletics Competition. A great day was had by all, parents helped out and congratulations to all the children including our medal winners.
Gymnastics
Ms. Hyde's class have been developing their gymnastic skills. They were set the task of developing a sequence that had to include a teddy bear roll, pencil roll, balance and a front roll.
Above are some pictures from the sequences the children created.
Above are some pictures from the sequences the children created.
Ms. Dunne's class have been working on their gymnastics skills. Above are some of the poses the children were practicing.