In Caherconlish N.S we strive to ensure that physical education is valued and respected by all involved in the school. We have a Whole School Physical Education plan which outlines the manner in which the Physical Education curriculum will be covered by the children in all classes. PE is an important aspect of education in Caherconlish N.S. and huge effort is put into ensuring that all pupils are as active as possible throughout the school day, for example; sport equipment and playing balls are available to all children to interact with during yard time. We encourage team building activities that encourage physical activity simultaneously.
All teachers work together to ensure that 60 minutes of discrete physical education lessons are timetabled for each class group on a weekly basis. These timetables sessions include lessons delivered by visiting coaches and lessons planned for/delivered by the class teachers. Each year the strands of Athletics, Aquatics, Games, Gymnastics, Dance and Outdoor and Adventure are covered by all classes.
We are fortunate to have a wide range of Physical Education and sporting equipment, all stored and labelled in our equipment room. This is made possible through generous donations from local sports clubs, sponsorship from parents and nearby businesses, as well as funds raised through school initiatives and allocated school budgets. These combined resources enable us to maintain our current equipment and invest in new items when needed.
We strive to deliver accessible and inclusive physical education experiences that cater to the needs of every pupil in our school. Teachers plan carefully for PE lessons and physical activities, ensuring that appropriate supports are in place where needed, including assistance from SNAs to help all children participate. As a staff team, we work collaboratively to maintain a high standard across all PE lessons and active opportunities offered to pupils. We also draw on a wide range of resources to support our teaching, including programmes such as Move Well Move Often, Limerick Sports Partnership lessons, Action for Life (Irish Heart Foundation), World Athletics lessons, the Primary Schools’ Sports Initiative, and the Smart Moves programme
We Love Meaningful PE Lessons here at Caherconlish N.S. !
Sports Hall Athletic Equipment
As a school, we have access to a wide range of PE resources; however, we felt that our equipment for the jumping and throwing elements of the Athletics strand was limited. We were delighted to have the opportunity to borrow equipment through the Limerick Sports Partnership Sports Hall Equipment Programme. All pupils had the chance to use foam javelins, long jump mats, side steppers, and other equipment, which greatly enhanced their Athletics PE lessons during the loan period.
Primary Aquatics Water Safety (PAWS) Programme
Our students were very lucky to get the opportunity to complete the Primary Aquatics Water Safety Programme with Andy from Water Safety Ireland. Our pupils participated in the PAWS (Primary Aquatics Water Safety) programme, delivered by Water Safety Ireland. Through interactive classroom lessons, children learn essential life-saving water safety skills, including recognising hazards, safe behaviour near water, emergency procedures, and responsible decision-making around beaches, pools, farms, and waterways. This programme supports the Aquatics strand of the PE curriculum while promoting lifelong safety awareness.
Physical Activity Homework
During Active School Week, we placed a strong emphasis on increasing physical activity throughout the school day and encouraging pupils to develop healthy, active habits. One of the key initiatives was replacing traditional written homework with active homework tasks. Pupils were encouraged to complete activities such as going for walks, practising skipping, playing outdoor games, cycling, or taking part in simple fitness challenges with their families. This proved to be very enjoyable and helped to promote physical activity beyond the classroom environment.
Movement breaks were also used regularly throughout the day to help pupils stay focused, energised, and engaged in their learning. Short activities such as stretching, dancing, balance exercises, and classroom movement games gave children opportunities to be active between lessons. In addition, teachers incorporated active learning strategies into classroom lessons wherever possible. Maths trails, movement-based literacy games, and interactive activities allowed pupils to learn while being physically active. Overall, Active School Week created a fun and energetic atmosphere throughout the school and highlighted the importance of daily physical activity for all pupils.
Attach Copy of PE meeting notes where we decided to select athletics as chosen strand
caherconlishns.ie 